Valmiki Ramayana CE — 1

Published: Aug 06, 2026

The Opening

In the forest of austerity,
where sages seek truth,
Valmiki, the eloquent sage,
asked Narada, the seer.

Tell me, sage —
of a man who walks this earth...

A man virtuous and brave?
A man on the path of dharma?
One who knows his duty,
speaks only truth,
stands firm in every vow?

Who is of noble conduct?
Who cares for every living being?
Who is learned? Who is capable?
Who shines with grace and beauty?

Who has mastered his senses?
Who has conquered anger?
Who is free from envy and hatred?

Whom even the Devas fear...
when he stands in council,
when he enters battle...

I long to know such a man,
my heart wants to hear of him.
Great Sage Narada,
only you can tell me this.

Hearing Valmiki’s words,
Narada, knower of all worlds,
smiled and said:

Listen...

Many are the qualities you ask for,
rare are such virtues to find.
Yet I know one who bears them all —
a man of incomparable virtue.

Listen, Sage Valmiki,
and I shall speak of him...

Ram.