Today,
on the auspicious, historical and happy occasion of Bhoomi Pooja for the construction of
a grand Temple – ‘Sri Ram Mandir’ at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Sri Rama, I
wish to present an excellent portrayal of Lord Sri Rama by Narada Maharishi,
which is the basis of Valmiki Ramayana.
I
came across this description from an English translation in PROSE; of the
original Valmiki Ramayana in Sanskrit VERSE. The English translation I am
reproducing below is from the book titled Ramayana by Sri Manmatha Nath Dutt,
published in the year 1891, I am sure you will appreciate and be happy to read this:
Maharishi Valmiki asked
the best of sages and foremost of those conversant with the world, ever engaged in
austerities and Vaidika studies, and also Narada Maharishi, “Who at present in
this world is alike crowned with qualities, and endued with prowess, knowing
duty, and grateful, and truthful, and firm in vow, who is qualified by virtue
of his character, and who is ever studious of the welfare of all creatures? Who
is learned, hath studied society, and knoweth the art of pleasing his subjects?
And who alone is ever lovely to behold? Who hath subdued his heart, and
controlled his anger, is endowed with personal grace, and devoid of malice; and
whom, engaged in battle, do even the Gods, fear? Great is my curiosity to hear
of such a person. Though canst, O Maharshi, tell me of a man of this
description”.
Hearing Valmiki’s
words, Narada, cognizant of the three worlds, said with alacrity, “Do thou
listen! Rare as are the qualities mentioned by thee, I will, O sage, having
duly considered, describe unto thee a person endued with them. There is one
sprung from the line of Ikshwaku, known by the name of Rama. He is of subdued
soul and exceeding prowess; effulgent; endowed with patience; having senses
under control; intelligent; learned in morality; eloquent; crowned with grace;
the slayer of foes; broad-shouldered; possessor of mighty arms, a conch-shaped
neck, fleshy jaws, and a broad chest, a powerful bowman; the repressor of foes;
having plump shoulder-blades; of arms reaching down under his knees; with a
beautiful head; and a graceful forehead; and endowed with excellent might;
having symmetrical limbs, and of a cool hue; and possessed of prowess; and
having a well-developed chest, with expansive eyes; crowned with auspiciousness
and favourable marks; knowing duty; firm in promises and engaged in the good of
his subjects; of accomplished renown; furnished with knowledge; pure in body
and spirit; modest towards superiors; versed in self-knowledge; blest with
prosperity; destroyer of enemies,
protector and supporter of all living beings, practising all the duties of this
class; and preserving those cleaving unto him; versed in the profundity of
Vedas and the Vedangas; accomplished in archery; gifted with a good memory;
ascertaining with rapidity the truth of things; the darling of all; unreproved;
unvanquished spirit; discerning; proficient in every branch of learning; ever
resorted to by the good even as the ocean is, by the rivers; worthy of being
honoured; having an equal regard for all; and capable of filling the heart with
ever-new sensations. Crowned with every grace; he enhanceth the joys of his
mother Kausalya; being like unto the sea in gravity and unto the Himavat
(Himalayas) in patience. In prowess, he is like Maha Vishnu. In anger he
resembleth the fire raging at the dissolution of all; and in forgiveness, he is
like unto the Earth. In giving away, he is unto (Kubera) the Bestower of
riches, and in truth, he is like Dharma."
And this prompted
Valmiki Maharishi to write Ramayana.
