Shloka 1.3.2
तृतीयः सर्गः (Bālakāṇḍa 3): Vālmīki’s Yogic Verification and the Epic Synopsis
उपस्पृश्योदकं सम्यग्मुनिस्स्थित्वा कृताञ्जलि: ।प्राचीनाग्रेषु दर्भेषु धर्मेणान्वेषते गतिम् ।।।।
upaspṛśyodakaṃ samyag munis sthitvā kṛtāñjaliḥ |
prācīnāgreṣu darbheṣu dharmeṇānvēṣate gatim ||
After duly sipping water for purification, the sage sat upon kuśa grass with its tips facing east; with palms joined, he sought—through dharma born of ascetic power—the true course of Rāma’s ancient story.
Having performed achamana, Valmiki seated on kusha grass with folded palms, searched for the course of past events in the history of Rama by his power of penance.
Dharma is presented as inner and outer purity: truthful knowledge is approached through disciplined ritual, humility, and ascetic integrity.
Vālmīki prepares himself ritually and meditatively, then seeks the complete, authentic account of Rāma’s life through spiritual insight.
Vālmīki’s reverence and rigor—his commitment to satya (truth) and dharma as the foundation for composing itihāsa.