Valmiki Ramayana – Bala Kanda – Chapter 1 The Sage …yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/ramayana/balakandachapter1.pdf“Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama” Valmiki Ramayana

“Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama”

Valmiki Ramayana – Bala Kanda – Chapter 1

Page 1 of 23

The Sage Narada Summarizes the Ramayana to Valmiki

In the first chapter of Bala Kanda the gist [the main points] of Ramayana is imbibed

[absorbed] and it called samkshepa [summarized] Ramayana, or also called Bala Ramayana.

The Youngsters are asked to recite these stanzas daily for longevity and a perfect personality like

that of Rama.

Summary

Divine sage Narada arrives at the hermitage of Sage Valmiki in order to enlighten him

and keep him informed of his duty to author the epic poem Ramayana. In the dialogue between

these two sages, Valmiki elicits [brings out] from Narada about most virtuous person on earth,

namely Rama. In this opening chapter, while eulogizing [to speak or write in high praise of] Rama,

Narada gives an outline of Ramayana, truly highlighting those aspects that are the keynotes in

this epic, like virtuosity, generosity, morality, chastity and the like.

Valmiki Ramayana is said to have been composed basing on each of the twenty-four

letters of Gayatri Hymn, and a thousand verses are arranged into one book under the caption of

each letter.

Chapter [Sarga] 1 in Detail

tapah svaadhyaaya nirataam tapasvii vaagvidaam varam |

naaradam paripapraccha vaalmiikih muni pu.mgavam || 1-1-1

A thoughtful-mediator, an eternally studious sage in scriptures about the Truth and

Untruth, a sagacious [farsighted] thinker, and a sublime enunciator [announcer] among all expert

enunciators [announcers] is Narada, and with such a Divine Sage Narada, the Sage-Poet Valmiki

is inquisitively enquiring about a man who is a composite for all merited endowments [natural

capacity, power, or ability] in his form and caliber. [1-1-1]



Page 2 of 23

kah nu asmin sa.mpratam loke gunavaan kah ca viiryavaan |

dharmajnah ca kritajnah ca satya vaakyo dhridha vratah || 1-1-2

"Who really is that person in this present world, who is principled, and also a potential

one, a conscientious [upright] one, a redeemer [winner], and also a truth-teller and self-

determined in his deed... [1-1-2]

caaritrena ca ko yuktah sa.rva bhutesu ko hitah |

vidvaan kah kah samarthah ca kah ca eka priya darshanah || 1-1-3

"Who is he conduct-wise blend with good-conduct... who in respect of all beings is benign

[of a gentle disposition]... who is adept [expert] and also the ablest [marked by intelligence,

knowledge, skill, or competence] one... also uniquely good to look to... [1-1-3]

aatmavaan ko jita krodho dyutimaan kah anasuuyakah |

kasya bibhyati devaah ca jaata rosasya sa.myuge || 1-1-4

"Who is that courageous one, who controlled his ire [anger], who is brilliant, non-jealous

and even whom do the gods fear, when provoked to war... [1-1-4]

etat icchaami aham shrotum param kautuuhalam hi me |

maharse tvam samartho.asi jnaatum evam vidham naram || 1-1-5

"All this I wish to listen from you, oh! Great Sage, as you are a mastermind to know this

kind of man, and indeed my inquisitiveness [curiosity] is immense..." Thus Valmiki enquired with

Narada. [1-1-5]

shrutvaa ca etat trilokajno vaalmiikeh naarado vacah |

shruuyataam iti ca aama.ntrya prahristo vaakyam abraviit || 1-1-6

On listening all those words of Valmiki, the preceptor [teacher] of all the three worlds,

Sage Narada, said "let it be heard..." and beckoning [attractive] at Sage Valmiki to listen

attentively, he spoke these words very gladly. [1-1-6]



Page 3 of 23

bahavo durlabhaah ca eva ye tvayaa kiirtitaa gunaah |

mune vaxsyaami aham buddhvaa taih uktah shruuyataam narah || 1-1-7

"Oh! Sage Valmiki, the merits which you have extolled [to praise highly] are many, and

unattainable even for great emperors, let alone ordinary humans, and also infinite are they... but,

about such a man with such merits I will speak on... for I, having known from Brahma of such a

man, will make clear about that man..." Thus Narada started to say. [1-1-7]

iksvaaku va.msha prabhavo raamo naama janaih shrutah |

niyata aatmaa mahaaviiryo dyutimaan dhritimaan vashii || 1-1-8

"One emerged from Ikshvaku dynasty and known to people as Rama by his name, and

he is conscientious [upright], highly valorous, resplendent [shining brilliantly], and steadfast and a

controller of vice and vile... and his own senses, as well... [1-1-8]

buddhimaan niitimaan vaangmii shriimaan shatru nibarhanah |

vipulaa.mso mahaabaahuh ka.mbu griivo mahaahanuh || 1-1-9

"He is an adept one, moralist, learned, propitious [auspicious], and a destroyer of

enemies. His arms are lengthy, and his neck is like a conch-shell, and cheekbones high... [1-1-9]

mahorasko mahesvaaso guudha jatruh arindamah |

aajaanu baahuh sushiraah sulalaatah suvikramah || 1-1-10

"He is lion-chested, thick-shouldered, knee-length are his arms, and his is longbow, an

enemy-subjugator [to make submissive], and his emperor's countenance [face] is with a

crowning-head with an ample forehead, and his pacing is lion-like... [1-1-10]

samah sama vibhakta a.ngah snigdha varnah prataapavaan |

piina vaksaa vishaalaakso laksmiivaan shubha laksanah || 1-1-11

"He is medium-sized physically, with limbs poised symmetrically, sinew-chested [solid

resilient strength], wide-eyed, complexioned glossily... he is a prosperous personality with all the

providential features, and thus he is self-resplendent... [1-1-11]



Page 4 of 23

dharmajnah satya sandhah ca prajaanaam ca hite ratah |

yashasvii jnaana sa.mpannah shucih vashyah samaadhimaan || 1-1-12

"He is the knower of rectitude [righteousness], bidden by the truth, also his concern is in

the welfare of subjects, proficient in prudence [shrewdness in the management of affairs], clean in

his conduct, self-controlled and a diligent one, thus he is glorious... [1-1-12]

prajaapati samah shriimaan dhataa ripu nisudanah |

rakshitaa jiivalokasya dharmasya pari rakshitaa|| 1-1-13

"He equals the Omniscient [having infinite awareness, understanding, and insight], he is

an exalted one for he is the sustainer of all worlds, and he eliminates enemies completely, thus

he is a guardian of all living beings and he guards probity [adherence to the highest principles

and ideals], in its entirety... [1-1-13]

raksitaa svasya dharmasya sva janasya ca raksitaa |

veda vedaanga tattvajno dhanur vede ca nisthitah || 1-1-14

"He is the champion of his own self-righteousness and also champions for adherent's

[followers] welfare in the same righteousness, and he is a scholar in the essence of Veda-s and

their ancillaries, too. He is an expert in Dhanur or Bow Veda, the Art of Archery... [1-1-14]

sarva shaastra artha tattvajno smritimaan pratibhaanavaan |

sarvaloka priyah saadhuh adiinaaatmaa vicaksanah || 1-1-15

"He is the knower of the meaning and essence of all the scriptures, excellent at memory

thus brilliant, and an esteemed one in all the worlds, gentle, level-headed and clear-headed in

discriminating and distinguishing... [1-1-15]

sarvadaa abhigatah sadbhih samudra iva sindhubhih |

aryah sarvasamah ca eva sadaiva priya darshanah || 1-1-16

"Like an ocean that is reached by many rivers accessibly, that reverential [having a

quality of honor] one too is always accessible and reachable by clean-minded ones, and he treats

all equally, and ever a feast to eye... [1-1-16]



Page 5 of 23

sa ca sarva gunopetah kausalya aananda vardhanah |

samudra iva gaambhiirye dhairyena himavaan iva || 1-1-17

"He who betters the happiness of his mother Kausalya is an embodiment [incarnation] of

all noble merits, and in profundity [intellectual depth] he is like an unfathomable ocean, and by

fortitude he is unalterable like the kingly Himalayan Mountain... [1-1-17]

visnunaa sadrisho viirye somavat priya darshanah |

kaala agni sadrishah krodhe ksamayaa prithvii samah || 1-1-18

dhanadena samah tyaage satye dharma iva aparah |

"In valor Rama is comparable with Vishnu, and in his looks he is attractive like full-moon,

he equals the earth in his perseverance, but he is matchable with era-end-fire in his wrath... and

in benevolence [gifting] he is identical to Kubera, God of Wealth-Management, and in his candor

[unstained purity] he is like Dharma itself, the other God Probity [adherence to the highest

principles and ideals] on earth... [1-1-18, 19a]

tam evam guna sa.mpannam raamam satya paraakramam || 1-1-19

jyestam shresta gunaih yuktam priyam dasharathah sutam |

prakritinaam hitaih yuktam prakriti priya kaamyayaa || 1-1-20

yauva raajyena sa.myoktum aicchat priityaa mahiipatih |

"Rama being the possessor of suchlike merits, whose truthfulness alone is his courage,

embodied with best intrinsic values, ever involved in the welfare of people, besides being the dear

and eldest son of Dasharatha, and hence the king Dasharatha affectionately intended to establish

such a Rama as crown prince to all intents and purposes of country's welfare...[1-1-29b, 20, 21a]



Page 6 of 23

tasya abhiseka sa.mbhaaraan dristvaa bhaaryaa atha kaikayii || 1-1-21

puurvam datta varaa devii varam enam ayaacata |

vivaasanam ca raamasya bharatasya abhisecanam || 1-1-22

"Then on seeing the arrangements for the anointment [designation] of Rama as crown-

prince, Kaikeyi, the dear wife and a queen of Dasharatha, claimed boons that were once

accorded to her by Dasharatha, which are the banishment of Rama and anointment [[designation]

of Bharata. [1-2-21b 22]

sa satya vacanaat raajaa dharma paashena sa.myatah |

vivaasayaamaasa sutam raamam dasharathah priyam || 1-1-23

"Bound by the truthfulness of his plighted [unfortunate] word and by the halter [restrainer]

of righteousness that king Dasharatha exiled his dear son Rama to forests. [1-1-23]

sa jagaama vanam viirah pratijnaam anupaalayan |

pitur vacana nirdeshaat kaikeyyaah priya kaaranaat || 1-1-24

"Such a brave one as he is, that Rama repaired [went] to forest for the reason of

appeasing Kaikeyi, and as directed by the verbal directive of his father, and to follow his father's

word of honor. [1-1-24]

tam vraja.ntam priyo bhraataa laksmanah anujagaama ha |

snehaat vinaya sa.mpannah sumitra aana.nda vardhanah || 1-1-25

bhraataram dayito bhraatuh saubhraatram anu darshayan |

"In whom humbleness and the natural brotherly affection of a brother are abounding

[present in great quantity], such a fondly younger brother of Rama, namely Lakshmana, indeed

heartily followed his forest going brother Rama, exemplifying the ideals of brotherhood, thus

augmenting the happiness of his mother Sumitra. [1-1-25, 26a]



Page 7 of 23

raamasya dayitaa bhaaryaa nityam praana samaa hitaa || 1-1-26

janakasya kule jaataa deva maayeva nir.hmitaa |

sarva laksana sa.mpannaa naariinaam uttamaa vadhuuh || 1-1-27

siitaapya anugataa raamam shashinam rohinii yathaa |

"Seetha, the best one among ladies, a possessor of all best qualities befitting to an ideal

lady, the one who is as though fashioned by a Divine marvel, born in Janaka's family and became

Dasharatha's daughter-in-law, and she who is the loving wife and an ever-amiable [generally

agreeable] alter ego [a trusted friend] of Rama, even she followed Rama to forests, as with Lady

Rohini following the Moon... [1-1-26b, 27, 28a]

pauraih anugato duuram pitraa dasharathena ca || 1-1-28

shringibera pure suutam ga.ngaa kuule vyasarjayat |

guham aasaadya dharmaatmaa nisaada adhipatim priyam || 1-1-29

guheana sahito raamo lakshmanena cha siitayaa |

"The citizens of Ayodhya and even his father Dasharatha have followed that virtue-souled

Rama for a distance when he started on his exile. Later Rama reached the tribal chief named

Guha, who has a liking for Rama, on the bank of River Ganga in a town called Sringaberapura.

And when Rama is teamed with Guha, Lakshmana and Seetha, he left off the charioteer and a

minister of his father who charioted them until that time, namely Sumantra. [1-1-28b, 29, 30a]



Page 8 of 23

te vanena vanam gatvaa nadiih tiirtvaa bahu udakaah || 1-1-30

citrakuutam anupraapya bharadvaajasya shaasanaat |

ramyam aavasatham kritvaa ramamaanaa vane trayah || 1-1-31

deva gandharva sa.nkaashaah tatra te nyavasan sukham |

"That trio of Seetha, Rama and Lakshmana on treading [walk on] forest after forest, and

on crossing rivers with plethoric [full] waters, reached the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja, and by

the ordainment [priestly authority] of that sage they arrived at Chitrakuta, and setting up a

handsome cottage there, they who have enjoyed every comfort in Ayodhya enjoyed every

comfort here also in no less a degree and that trio lived happily and exuberated [to have

something in abundance] themselves in woods at Chitrakuta, similar to Gods and Celestials... [1-

1-30b, 31, 32a]

citrakuutam gate raame putra shoka aaturah tathaa || 1-1-32

raajaa dasharathah svargam jagaama vilapan sutam |

"On Rama's going to Chitrakuta thus, King Dasharatha is aggrieved by the grief for son

and went to heavens grieving for son... [1-1-32b, 33a]

gate tu tasmin bharato vasistha pramukhaih dvijaih || 1-1-33

niyujyamaano raajyaaya na icchat raajyam mahaabalah |

sa jagaama vanam viiro raama paada prasaadakah || 1-1-34

"On Dasharatha's departure to heavens, though Sage Vasishta and other Brahmans

have impressed upon him for his investiture [the act of establishing in office] in kingship, and even

though he is highly effectual to rule such a kingdom, he that Bharata refused the kingdom, and

that self-denying Bharata, for he is aloft [above] the greed, grouse [complain], and gripe

[grievance], went to forests to pray for mercy at the feet of Rama... [1-1-33b. 34]



Page 9 of 23

gatvaa tu sa mahaatmaanam raamam satya paraakramam |

ayaachat bhraataram raamam aarya bhaava puraskritah || 1-1-35

tvam eva raajaa dharmajna iti raamam vachah abraviit |

"But on reaching that great-souled Rama, who is a vanquisher just by his truthfulness,

Bharata humbly and reverentially begged of his brother, and the avowed word of Bharata is this,

'oh! Knower of Probity, you alone shall be the king... ‘[1-1-35, 36a]

raamo.api paramodaarah sumukhah sumahaayashaah || 1-1-36

na cha icchat pitur aadeshaat raajyam raamo mahaabalah |

"Even though Rama is a really benevolent [organized for the purpose of doing good] one,

even though he is a readily willing one, even though he is a greatly reputed one for endowments,

even though he is a highly capable endower of whatever sought by his adherers, even then

Rama did not desire the kingdom, to keep up his own pledge [promise] and also owing to his

father's directives... [1-1-36b, 37a]

paaduke ca asya raajyaaya nyaasam dattvaa punah punah || 1-1-37

nivartayaamaasa tato bharatam bharata agrajah |

"On giving his sandals to that Bharata for custodial [relating to guardianship] care of

kingdom till his return after the period of exile, then the elder brother of Bharata, namely Rama,

persuasively [tending to persuade] turned away Bharata. [1-1-37b, 38a]

sa kaamam anavaapya eva raama paadaa upasprishan || 1-1-38

nandi graame akarot raajyam raama aagamana kaa.nksayaa |

"Unfulfilled is the desire of Bharata in taking back Rama to kingdom, hence on touching

Rama's feet and taking sandals, he returned from Chitrakuta, and without ruling from capital

Ayodhya, he carried on the kingdom from a village called Nandigrama, with an expectation of

Rama's return... [1-1-38b, 39a]



Page 10 of 23

gate tu bharate shriimaan satya sandho jitendriyaH || 1-1-39

raamaH tu punaH aalakSya naagarasya janasya ca |

tatra aagamanam ekaagro daNDakaan pravivesha ha |1-1-40

"On the departure of Bharata, that effulgent [brilliant] one, for his self-effulgence is not

marred [distracted] by the arrival of Bharata with an incitement [action]; that truth-bound one, for

his truthfulness is undeterred even by the supplications [humble] to return to capital by Bharata,

Kausalya, and even Kaikeyi; that self-controlled one, for the lure of kingdom has not controlled his

senses, such as he is, he that Rama foresaw the repeated arrival of citizens, other subjects, or

even Bharata to that place. Hence Rama indeed entered Dandaka forest, determinedly about his

plighted [give in] promise to undergo exile and decidedly about the elimination of demons... [1-1-

39b, 40]

pravishya tu mahaaaranyam raamo raajiiva lochanah |

viraadham raaksasam hatvaa sharabha.ngam dadarsha ha || 1-1-41

sutiiksnam ca api agastyam ca agastya bhraataram tathaa |

"That lotus-eyed Rama on his entering the vast of Dandaka forest eliminated the demon

Viraadha, and indeed descried [discovered] Sage Sharabhanga, also even Sage Suteekshna,

also Sage Agastya and likewise Sage Agastya's brother... [1-1-41, 42a]

agastya vacanaat ca eva jagraaha aindram sharaasanam || 1-1-42

khadgam ca parama priitah tuunii ca aksaya saayakau |

"On the advice of Sage Agastya, Rama took a bow of Indra from Sage Agastya, which

Indra once gave to Sage Agastya, along with a sword, and two quivers [a case for carrying or

holding arrows] in which arrows will be ever-replenishing, and thus Rama is highly pleased to

receive befitting weaponry... [1-1-42b, 42a]



Page 11 of 23

vasatah tasya raamasya vane vana caraih saha || 1-1-43

risayah abhyaagaman sarve vadhaaya asura raksasaam |

"While Rama is staying in the forest of Sage Sharabhanga, all the sages and forest

moving ascetics, vaanaprashta-s, have approached him for the elimination of monsters and

menaces [threat]... [1-1-42b, 43a]

sa tesam prati shushraava raaxasaanaam tathaa vane || 1-1-44

pratijnaatah cha raamena vadhah sa.myati rakshasaam |

risiinaam agni kalpaanaam da.ndakaaranya vaasiinaam || 1-1-45

"Rama conceded to the supplications [humbleness] of those sages of that forest, which

forest has become an abode of demons, and Rama also promised those sages who are the

dwellers of Dandaka forest, and whose glow is like that of the Ritual-fire, to eliminate all of the

demons in combat... [1-1-44b, 45]

tena tatra eva vasataa janasthaana nivaasinii |

viruupitaa shuurpanakhaa raaksasii kaama ruupinii || 1-1-46

"While Rama is living there in Dandaka forest, a guise-changing female demon named

Shuurpanakha, who is a resident of Janasthaana, a place in Dandaka forest, is disfigured... [1-1-

46]

tatah shurpanakhaa vaakyaat udyuktaan sarva raaksasaan |

kharam trishirasam ca eva duusanam ca eva raaksasam || 1-1-47

nijaghaana rane raamah tesaam ca eva pada anugaan |

"Then in a combat Rama eliminated all the fourteen demons who rebelliously came at

him in the first round of combat incited [urged] by the provokes of Shuurpanakha, and then in

second round Rama eliminated demon chiefs called Khara, Trishira, Duushana, who are none but

the cousins of Shuurpanakha and Ravana... [1-1-47, 48a]



Page 12 of 23

vane tasmin nivasataa janasthaana nivaasinaam || 1-1-48

raksasaam nihataani asan sahasraani catur dasha |

"During his stay in Dandaka forest Rama eliminated fourteen thousand demons in all,

who are the inhabitants of that very forest... [1-1-48b, 49a]

tato jnaati vadham shrutvaa raavanah krodha muurchitah || 1-1-49

sahaayam varayaamaasa maariicam naama raaksasam |

"Then on hearing the slaughter [killings] of his cousins, Ravana is convulsed [to shake or

agitate violently] in anger and sought the help of a demon named Maareecha... [1-1-49b, 50a]

vaaryamaanah subahusho maariicena sa raavanah || 1-1-50

na virodho balavataa ksamo raavana tena te |

"But Maareecha deterred [discouraged] Ravana telling him time and again, 'oh, Ravana,

unpardonable will be your rivalry with that formidable [impressive] Rama, formidable because

fourteen thousand clansmen of ours could not triumph over him...' [1-1-50b, 51a]

anaadritya tu tat vaakyam raavanah kaala coditah || 1-1-51

jagaama saha maariicah tasya aashrama padam tadaa |

"Then heedless of Maareecha's advice and ushered by the time of his own doom,

Ravana advanced to the threshold of Rama's hermitage along with Maareecha... [1-1-51b, 52a]

tena maayaavinaa duuram apavaahya nripa aatmajau || 1-1-52

jahaara bhaaryaam raamasya gridhram hatvaa jataayusam |

"Ravana stole the wife of Rama, namely Seetha, by getting the princes Rama and

Lakshmana distracted distantly from their hermitage through the trickster Maareecha, and after

putting the eagle Jataayu, which came to Seetha's rescue, to sword... [1-1-52b, 53a]



Page 13 of 23

gridhram ca nihatam dristvaa hritaam shrutvaa ca maithiliim || 1-1-53

raaghavah shoka sa.ntapto vilalaapa aakula indriyah |

"On seeing the eagle Jataayu almost dead and on hearing from the same eagle that

Maithili (Seetha) is stolen, seethed [boiling] with anguish [anger] and senses, frenzied [showing

great emotional disturbance] Raghava bewailed [expressed deep sorrow]... [1-1-53b, 54a]

tatah tena eva shokena gridhram dag.hdhvaa jataayusam || 1-1-54

maargamaano vane siitaam raaksasam sa.ndadarsha ha |

kaba.ndham naama ruupena vikritam ghora da.rshanam || 1-1-55

"Rama then cremated that eagle Jataayu in that anguish, and while searching for Seetha

in forest, he indeed saw a demon named Kabandha, who is misshapen in his look and monstrous

to look to... [1-1-54b, 55]

tam nihatya mahaabaahuh dadaaha svargatah ca sah |

sa ca asya kathayaamaasa shabariim dharma caariniim || 1-1-56

shramanaam dharma nipunaam abhigaccha iti raaghava |

"That Rama whose arms are highly powerful has eliminated and cremated that demon

Kabandha, and Kabandha while going heavenward told Rama, 'oh, Raghava, proceed to the

ascetic lady of right-conduct and an expert in rightness, namely Shabari...' and vanished... [1-1-

56, 57a]

sah abhya gacchan mahaatejaah shabariim shatru suudanah || 1-1-57

shaba.ryaa puujitah samyak raamo dasharatha aatmajah |

"He who is a great-resplendent [shining brilliantly] one and an enemy-eliminator, that son

of Dasharatha, Rama arrived close at Shabari, and Shabari venerated him, thoroughly... [1-1-

57b, 58a]



Page 14 of 23

pampaa tiire hanumataa sangato vaanarena ha || 1-1-58

hanumat vacanaat ca eva sugriivena samaagatah |

"Rama met the Vanara Hanuma on the banks of Lake Pampa, and upon the word of

Hanuma Rama indeed befriended Sugreeva... [1-1-58b, 59b]

sugriivaaya ca tat sarvam sha.nsat raamo mahaabalah || 1-1-59

aaditah tat yathaa vrittam siitaayaah cha vishesatah |

"That highly dynamic Rama detailed to Sugreeva, and even to Hanuma, all that has

happened from the beginning in general, and the abduction of Seetha, in particular... [1-1-59b,

60a]

sugriivah cha api tat sarvam shrutvaa raamasya vaanarah || 1-1-60

chakaara sakhyam raamena priitah cha eva agni saakshikam |

"On listening all that has happened from Rama, that Vanara Sugreeva befriended Rama

where the witness for that friendship is flaring fire, for it alone is auspicious... [1-1-60b, 61a]

tato vaanara raajena vaira anukathanam prati || 1-1-61

raamaaya aaveditam sarvam pranayaat duhkhitena ca |

"Then that woeful [grievous] king of monkeys Sugreeva, woefully [grievously] informed

Rama about his saga of feud [quarrel] with his brother Vali in reply to Rama's query, in friendship

and in its entirety... [1-1-61b, 62a]



Page 15 of 23

pratijnaatam ca raamena tadaa vaali vadham prati || 1-1-62

vaalinah ca balam tatra kathayaamaasa vaanarah |

"Then Rama solemnly promised Sugreeva to eliminate Vali in retaliation to his foul deeds

in respect of Sugreeva and of probity as well, and then that Vanara Sugreeva started to tell about

the sinews [power] of Vali... [1-1-62b, 63a]

sugriivah sha.nkitah ca aasiit nityam viiryena raaghave || 1-1-63

raaghavah pratyayaartham tu du.ndubheh kaayam uttamam |

darshayaamaasa sugriivah mahaaparvata sa.nnibham || 1-1-64

"Sugreeva always remained doubtful about the powers of Raghava and by reason of

confiding in Raghava's prowess [extraordinary ability] for himself, and by reason of making

Raghava to confide in the powers of Vali, Sugreeva has shown him the massive remains of

demon Dundubhi, which is similar to a great mountain... [1-1-63b, 64]

utsmayitvaa mahaabaahuh prekshya ca asti mahaabalah |

paada a.ngustena chikshepa sa.mpuurnam dasha yojanam || 1-1-65

That universally skillful and brilliant Rama looked at the skeleton, smiled in aplomb

[confidence], then that very energetic Rama flicked that skeleton with tip of his foot's big toe

wholly to ten yojana-lengths... yet Sugreeva's confidence remained apathetic [spiritless]... [1-1-

65]

bibheda ca punah saalaan sapta ekena mahaa isunaa |

girim rasaatalam caiva janayan pratyayam tathaa || 1-1-66

"Again Rama ripped seven massive trees called sala trees with only one great arrow,

which not only rived [torn down] the trees but also rent [to split or tear apart or in pieces by

violence] through a mountain, and to the nethermost subterranean of earth, in order to inculcate

[implant] certainty in Sugreeva... [1-1-66]



Page 16 of 23

tatah priita manaah tena vishvastah sa mahaakapih |

kiskindhaam raama sahito jagaama ca guhaam tadaa || 1-1-67

"Then Sugreeva's heart is gladdened by that act of Rama and also at the prospect of his

own success, and then that great monkey confiding in Rama advanced to the cave like

Kishkindha along with Rama... [1-1-67]

tatah agarjat harivarah sugriivo hema pi.ngalah |

tena naadena mahataa nirjagaama hariishvarah || 1-1-68

"Then that best monkey Sugreeva whose body-hue [color] is golden, war-whooped at the

entrance of cave like Kishkindha, by which loud shouting there emerged Vali, the king of

monkeys, out of that cave like Kishkindha... [1-1-68]

anumaanya tadaa taaraam sugriivena samaagatah |

nijaghaana ca tatra enam sharena ekena raaghavah || 1-1-69

"Vali came out only on pacifying Tara, his wife, who deterred Vali from going to meet

Sugreeva in a combat, as she doubted that Sugreeva must have come with Rama, and then Vali

met Sugreeva head on... and therein that duel Raghava eliminated Vali, only with one arrow... [1-

1-69]

tatah sugriiva vacanaat hatvaa vaalinam aahave |

sugriivam eva tat raajye raaghavah pratyapaadayat || 1-1-70

"On eliminating Vali in combat upon the word of Sugreeva, then Rama established

Sugreeva alone for that kingdom as its king... [1-1-70]

sa ca sarvaan samaaniiya vaanaraan vaanararsabhah |

dishah prasthaapayaamaasa didriksuh janaka aatmajaam || 1-1-71

"Sugreeva being the ablest [marked by intelligence, knowledge, skill, or competence]

among monkeys summoned all of the monkeys and sent them forth in all directions in search of

Seetha, the daughter of Janaka... [1-1-71]



Page 17 of 23

tato gridhrasya vacanaat sa.mpaateh hanumaan balii |

shata yojana vistiirnam pupluve lavana arnavam || 1-1-72

"Then, upon the word of Sampaati, the eagle and elder brother of Jataayu, the efficacious

[effective] Hanuma leaped forth the salty ocean, which breadth-wise is in a hundred yojana-s... [1-

1-72]

tatra la.nkaam samaasaadya puriim raavana paalitaam |

dadarsha siitaam dhyaayantiim ashoka vanikaam gataam || 1-1-73

"On reaching the city Lanka ruled by Ravana, Hanuma has seen Seetha, where she is

lodged in Ashoka gardens and meditating on Rama alone... [1-1-73]

nivedayitvaa abhijnaanam pravrittim ca nivedya ca |

samaashvaasya ca vaidehiim mardayaamaasa toranam || 1-1-74

"Hanuma on presenting the remembrance, an emblematic [symbolic representative] ring

of Rama to Seetha, also on delineating [describing] the sad disposition [mood] of Rama to her,

thus on solacing [consoling] Vaidehi (Seetha), he started to smash the welcome-arch of that

beautiful Ashoka gardens... [1-1-74]

panca sena agragaan hatvaa sapta ma.ntri sutaan api |

shuuram aksam ca nispisya grahanam samupaagamat || 1-1-75

"On wiping out five army chiefs, seven sons of ministers, and on kneading [to press into a

mass with hands] down a gallant demon named Aksha Kumara, Hanuma had to enter into the

captivity of a powerful weapon darted by Indrajit, the son of Ravana... [1-1-75]



Page 18 of 23

astrena unmuktam aatmaanam jnaatvaa paitaamahaat varaat |

marsayan raaksasaan viiro yantrinah taan yadricchayaa || 1-1-76

tato dagdhvaa puriim la.nkaam rite siitaam ca maithiliim |

raamaaya priyam aakhyaatum punah aayaat mahaakapih || 1-1-77

"Though the release from the weapon's captivity is known to him by the boon of Brahma,

and though he is valiant enough to pulverize [to reduce to very small particles] all the demons, but

to see and talk to Ravana, thus to gauge the strength of enemy, Hanuma is intentionally tolerant

of the demons and their making monkey of him when they fastened him with ropes and dragged

him to Ravana's court. After an audience [a formal hearing or interview] with Ravana, Hanuma

burnt that city Lanka, except where Seetha, the princess of Mithila is stationed, and then to

narrate the pleasant news of locating Seetha, he again got back to Rama, for he is a great

monkey... [1-1-76, 77]

sah abhigamya mahaatmaanam kritvaa raamam pradaksinam |

nyavedayat ameyaatmaa dristaa siitaa iti tattvatah || 1-1-78

"That inestimable [incapable of being estimated or computed] intellectual Hanuma on

approaching that great-souled Rama, and on performing circumambulation around him in

reverence, subtly submitted that, 'Seen... Seetha...' [1-1-78]

tatah sugriiva sahito gatvaa tiiram mahaa udadheh |

samudram ksobhayaamaasa sharaih aaditya sannibhaih || 1-1-79

"Then, Rama along with Sugreeva and other monkeys has gone to the seashore of Great

Ocean, and when Ocean-god is unyielding to give way, then he started to put the Ocean-god to

turmoil with his arrows, as with Sun-god who puts an ocean to turmoil with his sunrays... [1-1-79]

darshayaamaasa ca aatmaanam samudrah saritaam patih |

samudra vacanaat ca eva nalam setum akaarayat || 1-1-80

"The Ocean-god revealed himself and upon the word of that Ocean-god alone, Rama put

up Vanara Nala to build a bridge across the ocean... [1-1-80]



Page 19 of 23

tena gatvaa puriim la.nkaam hatvaa raavanam aahave |

raamah siitaam anupraapya paraam vriidaam upaagamat || 1-1-81

"On going to the city Lanka by that bridge and on eliminating Ravana in battle, Rama

redeemed Seetha, but he subsequently came down with much humiliation, since redeeming

Seetha in enemy's place might become controversial... [1-1-81]

taam uvaaca tatah raamah parusam jana sa.nsadi |

amrisyamaanaa saa siitaa vivesha jvalanam satii || 1-1-82

"Then Rama spoke harsh words to Seetha among the assemblages [gathering] of

monkeys, demons, and others, but she that Seetha being husband-devout has entered the

burning fire intolerant of those unkindly words of Rama... [1-1-82]

tatah agni vachanaat siitaam jnaatvaa vigata kalmasaam |

karmanaa tena mahataa trailokyam sa charaacharam || 1-1-83

sa devarsi ganam tustam raaghavasya mahaatmanah ||

babhau raamah sa.mprahristah puujitah sarva devataih || 1-1-84

"Then, upon the word Fire-god and Rama realized that Seetha is rid of sins and he is

very highly gladdened. And when all the gods reverenced him [treated with honor] for his great

accomplishment in eliminating Ravana, Rama shone forth with his self-resplendence [splendor].

Thus all the three worlds inclusive of their mobile and sessile [not free to move about] beings, all

gods with the observances of hermits have become exultant [filled with great joy] for this great

accomplishment of the great souled Raghava... [1-1-83, 84]

abhyasicya ca la.nkaayaam raaksasa indram vibhiisanam |

kritakrityah tadaa raamo vijvarah pramumoda ha || 1-1-85

"Enthroning [to seat ceremonially on a throne] Vibheeshana as the chieftain of demons in

Lanka, then feeling that his task is fulfilled, Rama indeed rejoiced highly getting rid of febrility [a

long desire] about any uncertainty of fulfilling his promises, excepting for Jataayu... [1-1-85]



Page 20 of 23

devataabhyo varaam praapya samutthaapya ca vaanaraan |

ayodhyaam prasthitah raamah puspakena suhrit vritah || 1-1-86

"Rama obtained boon from gods to get all the dead monkeys up on their feet as though

woken up from sleep, and he traveled towards Ayodhya by Pushpaka aircraft, with all the good

hearted friends around him... [1-1-86]

bharadvaaja aashramam gatvaa raamah satyaparaakramah |

bharatasya a.ntikam raamo hanuuma.ntam vyasarjayat || 1-1-87

"Rama, the truth-valiant, has gone to the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja en route, and he

has also sent Hanuma to the near of Bharata beforehand... [1-1-87]

punah aakhyaayikaam jalpan sugriiva sahitah tadaa |

puspakam tat samaaruuhya na.ndigraamam yayau tadaa || 1-1-88

"Then on boarding Pushpaka aircraft again after leaving the hermitage of Bharadwaja,

and telling episodes jovially [with joy] to Sugreeva and others about the events in the days of his

exile in forests, while flying overhead of the very same places, Rama went to Nandigrama, where

Bharata is available... [1-1-88]

na.ndigraame jataam hitvaa bhraatribhih sahito anaghah |

raamah siitaam anupraapya raajyam punah avaaptavaan || 1-1-89

"That impeccable [flawless] Rama rejoining with all of his brothers in the village

Nandigrama removed his matted locks of hair along with them. Thus he, on regaining Seetha and

on discarding hermit's role again became a householder, and he regained his kingdom also... [1-

1-89]

prahristo mudito lokah tustah pustah sudhaarmikah |

niraamayo hi arogah ca dur.hbhiksa bhaya varjitah || 1-1-90

"When Rama is enthroned then the world will be highly regaled [feast with delicacies] and

rejoiced, exuberant [plentiful] and abundant, also rightly righteous, trouble-free, disease-free, and

free from fear of famine..." Thus Narada is foreseeing the future and telling Valmiki. [1-1-90]



Page 21 of 23

na putra maranam kechit draksyanti purusaah kvacit |

naaryah ca avidhavaa nityam bhavisyanti pati vrataah || 1-1-91

"While Rama is on the throne, men will not see the deaths of their children anywhere in

their lifetime, and the ladies will remain husband-devout and unwidowed during their lifetime... [1-

1-91]

na ca agnijam bhayam kinchit na apsu majjanti jantavah |

na vaatajam bhayam kincit na api jvara kritam tathaa || 1-1-92

na cha api kshut bhayam tatra na taskara bhayam tathaa |

"In the kingdom of Rama there is no fear for subjects from wildfires, gale-storms or from

diseases, and there is no fear from hunger or thieves, nor the cattle is drowned in floodwaters, as

well... [1-1-92, 93a]

nagaraani cha raastraani dhana dhaanya yutaani ca || 1-1-93

nityam pramuditaah sarve yathaa krita yuge tathaa |

"May it be a township or a remote province, it will be replete with coin and grain, and as

to how people lived in high gladness during the earlier Krita era, likewise people will live in

Rama's period also with the same gladness... [1-1-93b, 94a]

ashvamedha shataih istvaa tathaa bahu suva.rnakaih || 1-1-94

gavaam kotyayutam dattvaa vidvabhyo vidhi puurvakam |

asa.nkhyeyam dhanam dattvaa braahmanebho mahaayashaah || 1-1-95

"On performing hundreds of Horse-Rituals and rituals wherein plenteous gold is

bounteously donated, likewise on donating millions of cows and uncountable wealth to Brahmans

and scholars, that highly illustrious Rama will proceed to Brahma's abode, in future... [1-1-94b,

95a]



Page 22 of 23

raaja va.mshaan shata gunaan sthaapa isyati raaghavah |

caatur varnyam ca loke asmin sve sve dharme niyoksyati || 1-1-96

"In this world Raghava will establish kingly dynasties in hundredfold and he will be

maintaining the four-caste system positing each in his own probity [honest], may it be caste-

bound or provincial-kingdom-bound probity [honest], in order to achieve a perfect social

harmony... [1-1-96]

dasha varsa sahasraani dasha varsa shataani ca |

raamo raajyam upaasitvaa brahma lokam prayaasyati || 1-1-97

"On reverencing [to regard or treat with honor] the kingdom for ten thousand years plus

another one thousand years, i.e. for a total of eleven thousand years, Rama voyages to the

abode of Brahma... [1-1-97]

idam pavitram paapaghnam punyam vedaih ca sa.mmitam |

yah pathet raama caritam sarva paapaih pramucyate || 1-1-98

"This Ramayana is holy, sin-eradicating, merit-endowing, and conformable with the

teachings of all Vedas... and whoever reads this Legend of Rama, he will be verily liberated of all

his sins... [1-1-98]

etat aakhyaanam aayusyam pathan raamaayanam narah |

sa putra pautrah sa ganah pretya svarge mahiiyate || 1-1-99

"Any man who reads this lifespan-enriching narrative of actuality [reality], Ramayana, the

peregrination [walk or journey] of Rama, he will be enjoying worldly pleasures with his sons and

grand sons and with assemblages of kinfolks, servants etc., as long as he is in this mortal world

and on his demise [death], he will be adored in heaven... [1-1-99]



Page 23 of 23

pathan dvijo vaak risabhatvam iiyaat |

syaat ksatriyo bhuumi patitvam iiyaat ||

vanik janah panya phalatvam iiyaat |

janah ca shuudro api mahattvam iiyaat || 1-1-100

"A man reading this Ramayana happens to be a Brahman, one from teaching-class, he

obtains excellence in his speech, and should he be Kshatriya person from ruling-class, he obtains

land-lordship, and should he be Vyshya person from trading-class, he accrues monetary-gains,

and should he be a Shudra person from working class, he acquires his personal excellence..."

Thus Sage Narada gave a gist [the main points] of Ramayana to Sage-poet Valmiki. [1-1-100]

iti vaalmiiki raamaayane aadi kaavye baala kaande prathamh sargah ||

Thus, this is the 1st chapter in Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana, the First Epic

poem of India.

Sriman Moola Rama Vijayate

References

Desiraju Hanumanta Rao. (1998). Balakanda - Book Of Youthful Majesties.

Merriam-Webster. (2007). At http://www.m-w.com.

Reference.com. (2007). At http://www.reference.com.

Valmiki Ramayana – Bala Kanda – Chapter 1 The Sage …yousigma.com/religionandphilosophy/ramayana/balakandachapter1.pdf“Om Sri Lakshmi Narashimhan Nahama” Valmiki Ramayana

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