Shloka 1.4.17
कुशिलवगानप्रशंसा — The Commissioning and Public Performance of the Rāmāyaṇa
अहो गीतस्य माधुर्यं श्लोकानां च विशेषत:।चिरनिर्वृत्तमप्येतत्प्रत्यक्षमिव दर्शितम्।।1.4.17।।
aho gītasya mādhuryaṃ ślokānāṃ ca viśeṣataḥ | ciranirvṛttam apy etat pratyakṣam iva darśitam || 1.4.17 ||
“How sweet this singing is—especially these verses! Though these events occurred long ago, they are presented as if seen directly before our eyes,” exclaimed the listeners.
How melodious is this chanting, especially the verses! Though it (the events) had happened long ago, it is described as if it is happening at the present moment, exclaimed the audience.
Dharma is sustained by truthful remembrance: the past is transmitted so vividly and faithfully that it feels ‘seen,’ strengthening moral learning through itihāsa.
The audience marvels at the sweetness and vividness of Kuśa and Lava’s recitation.
The performers’ clarity and fidelity in narration—making ancient truth feel immediate—reflecting disciplined learning and truthful delivery (satya).