The Question to Narada

Shloka 1 (bala.1.1)

तपःस्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम् । नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम् ॥ 1.1 ॥

tapaḥ svādhyāya niratām tapasvī vāgvidām varam | nāradam paripapraccha vālmīkiḥ muni puṃgavam

The ascetic Valmiki, foremost among sages, asked Narada — who was ever devoted to austerity and the study of the Vedas, and best among the eloquent — the following question.

Shloka 2 (bala.1.2)

को न्वस्मिन् साम्प्रतं लोके गुणवान् कश्च वीर्यवान् । धर्मज्ञश्च कृतज्ञश्च सत्यवाक्यो दृढव्रतः ॥ 1.2 ॥

kaḥ nu asmin sāṃpratam loke guṇavān kaḥ ca vīryavān | dharmajñaḥ ca kṛtajñaḥ ca satya vākyo dhṛḍha vrataḥ

"Who in this present world is virtuous and valiant, who knows righteousness, who is grateful, truthful in speech, and firm in his vows?"

Shloka 3 (bala.1.3)

चारित्रेण च को युक्तः सर्वभूतेषु को हितः । विद्वान् कः कः समर्थश्च कश्चैकप्रियदर्शनः ॥ 1.3 ॥

cāritreṇa ca ko yuktaḥ sa^^rva bhūteṣu ko hitaḥ | vidvān kaḥ kaḥ samarthaḥ ca kaḥ ca eka priya darśanaḥ

"Who is endowed with good conduct, who is devoted to the welfare of all beings, who is learned and capable, and who is uniquely pleasing to behold?"

Shloka 4 (bala.1.4)

आत्मवान् को जितक्रोधो द्युतिमान् कोऽनसूयकः । कस्य बिभ्यति देवाश्च जातरोषस्य संयुगे ॥ 1.4 ॥

ātmavān ko jita krodho dyutimān kaḥ anasūyakaḥ | kasya bibhyati devāḥ ca jāta roṣasya saṃyuge

"Who is self-controlled, who has conquered anger, who is radiant and free of envy, and whom even the gods fear when his wrath is roused in battle?"

Shloka 5 (bala.1.5)

एतदिच्छाम्यहं श्रोतुं परं कौतूहलं हि मे । महर्षे त्वं समर्थोऽसि ज्ञातुमेवंविधं नरम् ॥ 1.5 ॥

etat icchāmi aham śrotum param kautūhalam hi me | maharṣe tvam samartho.asi jñātum evam vidham naram

"This I wish to hear, for my curiosity is great; O great sage, you alone are capable of knowing of such a man."

Shloka 6 (bala.1.6)

श्रुत्वा चैतत्त्रिलोकज्ञो वाल्मीकेर्नारदो वचः । श्रूयतामिति चामन्त्र्य प्रहृष्टो वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥ 1.6 ॥

śrutvā ca etat trilokajño vālmīkeḥ nārado vacaḥ | śrūyatām iti ca āmaṃtrya prahṛṣṭo vākyam abravīt

Having heard these words of Valmiki, Narada, the knower of the three worlds, gladly said, "Listen," and spoke thus.

Shloka 7 (bala.1.7)

बहवो दुर्लभाश्चैव ये त्वया कीर्तिता गुणाः । मुने वक्ष्याम्यहं बुद्ध्वा तैर्युक्तः श्रूयतां नरः ॥ 1.7 ॥

bahavo durlabhāḥ ca eva ye tvayā kīrtitā guṇāḥ | mune vakṣṣyāmi aham buddhvā taiḥ uktaḥ śrūyatām naraḥ

"The virtues you have named, O sage, are many and rare indeed. Having understood them, I shall speak of the man endowed with them — listen."

Shloka 8 (bala.1.8)

इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो रामो नाम जनैः श्रुतः । नियतात्मा महावीर्यो द्युतिमान् धृतिमान् वशी ॥ 1.8 ॥

ikṣvāku vaṃśa prabhavo rāmo nāma janaiḥ śrutaḥ | niyata ātmā mahāvīryo dyutimān dhṛtimān vaśī

"Born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, known among people by the name Rama — self-disciplined, of great valour, radiant, steadfast, and master of his senses."

Shloka 9 (bala.1.9)

बुद्धिमान्नीतिमान्वाग्ग्मी श्रीमान् शत्रुनिबर्हणः । विपुलांसो महाबाहुः कम्बुग्रीवो महाहनुः ॥ 1.9 ॥

buddhimān nītimān vāṅgmī śrīmān śatru nibarhaṇaḥ | vipulāṃso mahābāhuḥ kaṃbu grīvo mahāhanuḥ

"Wise, skilled in policy, eloquent, glorious, and a destroyer of foes; broad-shouldered, long-armed, with a conch-like neck and a firm jaw."

Shloka 10 (bala.1.10)

महोरस्को महेष्वासो गूढजत्रुररिन्दमः । आजानुबाहुः सुशिराः सुललाटः सुविक्रमः ॥ 1.10 ॥

mahorasko maheṣvāso gūḍha jatruḥ arindamaḥ | ājānu bāhuḥ suśirāḥ sulalāṭaḥ suvikramaḥ

"Broad-chested, a great archer, with hidden collarbones, subduer of enemies, arms reaching to the knees, well-formed head, fair brow, and a majestic gait."

Shloka 11 (bala.1.11)

समः समविभक्ताङ्गः स्निग्धवर्णः प्रतापवान् । पीनवक्षा विशालाक्षो लक्ष्मीवान् शुभलक्षणः ॥ 1.11 ॥

samaḥ sama vibhakta aṃgaḥ snigdha varṇaḥ pratāpavān | pīna vakṣā viśālākṣo lakṣmīvān śubha lakṣaṇaḥ

"Symmetrical and well-proportioned in body, of lustrous complexion, majestic, broad-chested, large-eyed, prosperous, and marked with auspicious signs."

Shloka 12 (bala.1.12)

धर्मज्ञः सत्यसन्धश्च प्रजानां च हिते रतः । यशस्वी ज्ञानसंपन्नः शुचिर्वश्यः समाधिमान् ॥ 1.12 ॥

dharmajñaḥ satya sandhaḥ ca prajānām ca hite rataḥ | yaśasvī jñāna saṃpannaḥ śuciḥ vaśyaḥ samādhimān

"Knower of righteousness, true to his word, devoted to the welfare of his subjects; renowned, endowed with wisdom, pure, self-controlled, and steady in contemplation."

Shloka 13 (bala.1.13)

प्रजापतिसमः श्रीमान् धाता रिपुनिषूदनः । रक्षिता जीवलोकस्य धर्मस्य परिरक्षिता ॥ 1.13 ॥

prajāpati samaḥ śrīmān dhātā ripu niṣūdanaḥ | rakṣitā jīvalokasya dharmasya pari rakṣitā

"Equal to the Lord of creatures, glorious, a sustainer, destroyer of foes, protector of all living beings, and the guardian of righteousness."

Shloka 14 (bala.1.14)

रक्षिता स्वस्य धर्मस्य स्वजनस्य च रक्षिता । वेदवेदाङ्गतत्त्वज्ञो धनुर्वेदे च निष्ठितः ॥ 1.14 ॥

rakṣitā svasya dharmasya sva janasya ca rakṣitā | veda vedāṅga tattvajño dhanur vede ca niṣṭhitaḥ

"Protector of his own righteousness and protector of his kin; knower of the essence of the Vedas and their auxiliary sciences, and accomplished in the science of archery."

Shloka 15 (bala.1.15)

सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञः स्मृतिमान् प्रतिभानवान् । सर्वलोकप्रियः साधुरदीनात्मा विचक्षणः ॥ 1.15 ॥

sarva śāstra artha tattvajño smṛtimān pratibhānavān | sarvaloka priyaḥ sādhuḥ adīnāatmā vicakṣaṇaḥ

"Knower of the essence and meaning of all scriptures, of retentive memory, gifted with brilliance; beloved of all the world, virtuous, magnanimous, and discerning."

Shloka 16 (bala.1.16)

सर्वदाभिगतः सद्भिः समुद्र इव सिन्धुभिः । आर्यः सर्वसमश्चैव सदैव प्रियदर्शनः ॥ 1.16 ॥

sarvadā abhigataḥ sadbhiḥ samudra iva sindhubhiḥ | aryaḥ sarvasamaḥ ca eva sadaiva priya darśanaḥ

"Ever approached by the virtuous, as rivers flow into the ocean; noble, impartial toward all, and ever pleasing to behold."

Shloka 17 (bala.1.17)

स च सर्वगुणोपेतः कौसल्यानन्दवर्धनः । समुद्र इव गाम्भीर्ये धैर्येण हिमवानिव ॥ 1.17 ॥

sa ca sarva guṇopetaḥ kausalya ānaṃda vardhanaḥ | samudra iva gāmbhīrye dhairyeṇa himavān iva

"He, endowed with every virtue, is the increaser of Kausalya's joy; in depth he is like the ocean, and in steadfastness like the Himalaya."

Shloka 18 (bala.1.18)

विष्णुना सदृशो वीर्ये सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनः । कालाग्निसदृशः क्रोधे क्षमया पृथिवीसमः ॥ 1.18 ॥

viṣṇunā sadṛśo vīrye somavat priya darśanaḥ | kāla agni sadṛśaḥ krodhe kṣamayā pṛthvī samaḥ

"In valour he is equal to Vishnu, in pleasantness of appearance like the moon; in wrath he is like the fire of dissolution, and in forbearance he equals the earth."

Shloka 19 (bala.1.19)

धनदेन समस्त्यागे सत्ये धर्म इवापरः । तमेवं गुणसम्पन्नं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् ॥ 1.19 ॥

dhanadena samaḥ tyāge satye dharma iva aparaḥ | tam evam guṇa saṃpannam rāmam satya parākramam

"In generosity he equals Kubera, the lord of wealth, and in truthfulness he is like a second Dharma. Him, Rama, thus endowed with such virtues and true in valour—"

Shloka 20 (bala.1.20)

ज्येष्ठं श्रेष्ठगुणैर्युक्तं प्रियं दशरथस्सुतम् । प्रकृतीनां हितैर्युक्तं प्रकृतिप्रियकाम्यया ॥ 1.20 ॥

jyeṣṭam śreṣṭa guṇaiḥ yuktam priyam daśarathaḥ sutam | prakṛtīnām hitaiḥ yuktam prakṛti priya kāṃyayā

"—the eldest son of Dasharatha, endowed with the noblest virtues, beloved, and ever concerned for the good of the people — desiring the people's welfare and pleasure,"

Shloka 21 (bala.1.21)

यौवराज्येन संयोक्तुमैच्छत् प्रीत्या महीपतिः । तस्याभिषेकसंभारान् दृष्ट्वा भार्याथ कैकयी ॥ 1.21 ॥

yauva rājyena saṃyoktum aicchat prītyā mahīpatiḥ | tasya abhiṣeka saṃbhārān dṛṣṭvā bhāryā atha kaikayī

the king lovingly wished to install him as prince-regent. But seeing the preparations for his coronation, his queen Kaikeyi—

Shloka 22 (bala.1.22)

पुर्वं दत्तवरा देवी वरमेनमयाचत । विवासनं च रामस्य भरतस्याभिषेचनम् ॥ 1.22 ॥

pūrvam datta varā devī varam enam ayācata | vivāsanam ca rāmasya bharatasya abhiṣecanam

—recalling two boons granted to her long before, demanded them of the king: the banishment of Rama and the coronation of Bharata.

Shloka 23 (bala.1.23)

स सत्यवचनाद् राजा धर्मपाशेन संयतः । विवासयामास सुतं रामं दशरथः प्रियम् ॥ 1.23 ॥

sa satya vacanāt rājā dharma pāśena saṃyataḥ | vivāsayāmāsa sutam rāmam daśarathaḥ priyam

Bound by the noose of his own true word and by righteousness, King Dasharatha sent his beloved son Rama into exile.

Shloka 24 (bala.1.24)

स जगाम वनं वीरः प्रतिज्ञामनुपालयन् । पितुर्वचननिर्देशात् कैकेय्याः प्रियकारणात् ॥ 1.24 ॥

sa jagāma vanam vīraḥ pratijñām anupālayan | pitur vacana nirdeśāt kaikeyyāḥ priya kāraṇāt

That hero went to the forest, upholding his father's vow, obeying his father's word and to please Kaikeyi.

Shloka 25 (bala.1.25)

तं व्रजन्तं प्रियो भ्राता लक्ष्मणोऽनुजगाम ह । स्नेहाद्विनयसम्पन्नः सुमित्रानन्दवर्धनः ॥ 1.25 ॥

taṁ vrajantaṁ priyo bhrātā lakṣmaṇaḥ anujagāma ha | snehāt vinaya saṃpannaḥ sumitra ānaṃda vardhanaḥ

As he departed, his beloved brother Lakshmana, endowed with humility, the joy of Sumitra, followed him out of love.

Shloka 26 (bala.1.26)

भ्रातरं दयितो भ्रातुः सौभ्रात्रमनुदर्शयन् । रामस्य दयिता भार्या नित्यं प्राणसमा हिता ॥ 1.26 ॥

bhrātaram dayito bhrātuḥ saubhrātram anu darśayan | rāmasya dayitā bhāryā nityam prāṇa samā hitā

—showing true brotherly devotion to his beloved brother. And Rama's beloved wife, dear to him as his own life, ever devoted to his good—

Shloka 27 (bala.1.27)

जनकस्य कुले जाता देवमायेव निर्मिता । सर्वलक्षणसम्पन्ना नारीणामुत्तमा वधूः ॥ 1.27 ॥

janakasya kule jātā deva māyeva nirmitā | sarva lakṣaṇa saṃpannā nārīṇām uttamā vadhūḥ

—born in the family of Janaka, as if fashioned by divine art, endowed with every auspicious mark, the noblest of women—

Shloka 28 (bala.1.28)

सीताप्यनुगता रामं शशिनं रोहिणी यथा । पौरैरनुगतो दूरं पित्रा दशरथेन च ॥ 1.28 ॥

sītāpya anugatā rāmam śaśinam rohiṇī yathā | pauraiḥ anugato dūram pitrā daśarathena ca

—Sita too followed Rama, as Rohini follows the moon. He was accompanied a good distance by the citizens and by his father Dasharatha,

Shloka 29 (bala.1.29)

शृङ्गिबेरपुरे सूतं गङ्गाकूले व्यसर्जयत् । गुहमासाद्य धर्मात्मा निषादाधिपतिं प्रियम् ॥ 1.29 ॥

śṛngibera pure sūtam gaṃgā kūle vyasarjayat | guham āsādya dharmātmā niṣāda adhipatim priyam

and at Shringiberapura, on the bank of the Ganga, the righteous Rama, having met the beloved chief of the Nishadas, Guha, sent his charioteer back.

Shloka 30 (bala.1.30)

गुहेन सहितो रामो लक्ष्मणेन च सीतया । ते वनेन वनं गत्वा नदीस्तीर्त्वा बहूदकाः ॥ 1.30 ॥

guheana sahito rāmo lakṣmaṇena ca sītayā | te vanena vanam gatvā nadīḥ tīrtvā bahu udakāḥ

Rama, together with Guha, Lakshmana, and Sita, went on; and they, passing from forest to forest and crossing rivers full of water,

Shloka 31 (bala.1.31)

चित्रकूटमनुप्राप्य भरद्वाजस्य शासनात् । रम्यमावसथं कृत्वा रममाणा वने त्रयः ॥ 1.31 ॥

citrakūṭam anuprāpya bharadvājasya śāsanāt | raṃyam āvasatham kṛtvā ramamāṇā vane trayaḥ

reached Chitrakuta by the direction of Bharadwaja, and the three, having built a pleasant dwelling, lived happily in the forest,

Shloka 32 (bala.1.32)

देवगन्धर्वसंकाशास्तत्र ते न्यवसन् सुखम् । चित्रकूटं गते रामे पुत्रशोकातुरस्तदा ॥ 1.32 ॥

deva gandharva saṃkāśāḥ tatra te nyavasan sukham | citrakūṭam gate rāme putra śoka āturaḥ tathā

resembling gods and gandharvas. Meanwhile, with Rama gone to Chitrakuta, King Dasharatha, tormented by grief for his son,

Shloka 33 (bala.1.33)

राजा दशरथः स्वर्गं जगाम विलपन् सुतम् । मृते तु तस्मिन् भरतो वसिष्ठप्रमुखैर्द्विजैः ॥ 1.33 ॥

rājā daśarathaḥ svargam jagāma vilapan sutam | mṛte tu tasmin bharato vasiṣṭha pramukhaiḥ dvijaiḥ

went weeping to heaven. And when he had died, Bharata, though pressed toward the kingship by Vashishtha and other leading brahmins,

Shloka 34 (bala.1.34)

नियुज्यमानो राज्याय नैच्छद् राज्यं महाबलः । स जगाम वनं वीरो रामपादप्रसादकः ॥ 1.34 ॥

niyujyamāno rājyāya na icchat rājyam mahābalaḥ | sa jagāma vanam vīro rāma pāda prasādakaḥ

—that mighty one did not desire the kingdom; instead, that hero went to the forest to win Rama's favour and bring him back.

Shloka 35 (bala.1.35)

गत्वा तु स महात्मानं रामं सत्यपराक्रमम् । अयाचद्भ्रातरं राममार्यभावपुरस्कृतः ॥ 1.35 ॥

gatvā tu sa mahātmānam rāmam satya parākramam | ayācat bhrātaram rāmam ārya bhāva puraskṛtaḥ

Going to the great-souled Rama of true valour, he, moved by noble feeling, entreated his brother—

Shloka 36 (bala.1.36)

त्वमेव राजा धर्मज्ञ इति रामं वचोऽब्रवीत् । रामोऽपि परमोदारः सुमुखः सुमहायशाः ॥ 1.36 ॥

tvam eva rājā dharmajña iti rāmam vacaḥ abravīt | rāmo.api paramodāraḥ sumukhaḥ sumahāyaśāḥ

—saying, 'O knower of righteousness, you alone should be king.' But Rama too, most magnanimous, gentle-faced, and of great renown,

Shloka 37 (bala.1.37)

न चैच्छत्पितुरादेशाद्राज्यं रामो महाबलः । पादुके चास्य राज्याय न्यासं दत्त्वा पुनः पुनः ॥ 1.37 ॥

na ca icchat pitur ādeśāt rājyam rāmo mahābalaḥ | pāduke ca asya rājyāya nyāsam dattvā punaḥ punaḥ

the mighty Rama did not accept the kingdom, in obedience to his father's command; and giving Bharata his sandals as a token for the kingdom,

Shloka 38 (bala.1.38)

निवर्तयामास ततो भरतं भरताग्रजः । स काममनवाप्यैव रामपादावुपस्पृशन् ॥ 1.38 ॥

nivartayāmāsa tato bharatam bharata agrajaḥ | sa kāmam anavāpya eva rāma pādā upaspṛśan

Rama, Bharata's elder brother, sent him back again and again. Bharata, his wish unfulfilled, touching Rama's sandals in place of his feet,

Shloka 39 (bala.1.39)

नन्दिग्रामेऽकरोद्राज्यं रामागमनकाङ्क्षया । गते तु भरते श्रीमान् सत्यसन्धो जितेन्द्रियः ॥ 1.39 ॥

nandi grāme akarot rājyam rāma āgamana kāṃkṣayā | gate tu bharate śrīmān satya sandho jitendriyaḥ

ruled the kingdom from Nandigrama, awaiting Rama's return. And when Bharata had gone, the glorious Rama, true to his word and master of his senses,

Shloka 40 (bala.1.40)

रामस्तु पुनरालक्ष्य नागरस्य जनस्य च । तत्रागमनमेकाग्रो दण्डकान्प्रविवेश ह ॥ 1.40 ॥

rāmaḥ tu punaḥ ālakṣya nāgarasya janasya ca | tatra āgamanam ekāgro daṇḍakān praviveśa ha

seeing that the townspeople might keep coming there again and again, single-mindedly entered the Dandaka forest.

Shloka 41 (bala.1.41)

प्रविश्य तु महारण्यं रामो राजीवलोचनः । विराधं राक्षसं हत्वा शरभङ्गं ददर्श ह ॥ 1.41 ॥

praviśya tu mahāaraṇyam rāmo rājīva locanaḥ | virādham rākṣasam hatvā śarabhaṃgam dadarśa ha

Entering the great forest, lotus-eyed Rama slew the demon Viradha, and then beheld the sage Sharabhanga.

Shloka 42 (bala.1.42)

सुतीक्ष्णं चाप्यगस्त्यं च अगस्त्यभ्रातरं तथा । अगस्त्यवचनाच्चैव जग्राहैन्द्रं शरासनम् ॥ 1.42 ॥

sutīkṣṇam ca api agastyam ca agastya bhrātaram tathā | agastya vacanāt ca eva jagrāha aindram śarāsanam

He also met Sutikshna, Agastya, and Agastya's brother; and on Agastya's word, he received the bow of Indra.

Shloka 43 (bala.1.43)

खड्गं च परमप्रीतस्तूणी चाक्षयसायकौ । वसतस्तस्य रामस्य वने वनचरैः सह ॥ 1.43 ॥

khaḍgam ca parama prītaḥ tūṇī ca akṣaya sāyakau | vasataḥ tasya rāmasya vane vana caraiḥ saha

—along with a sword and two quivers of inexhaustible arrows, most gladly. While Rama dwelt in the forest with its forest-dwellers,

Shloka 44 (bala.1.44)

ऋषयोऽभ्यागमन्सर्वे वधायासुररक्षसाम् । स तेषां प्रतिशुश्राव राक्षसानां तथा वने ॥ 1.44 ॥

ṛṣayaḥ abhyāgaman sarve vadhāya asura rakṣasām | sa teṣām prati śuśrāva rākṣasānām tathā vane

all the sages came to him seeking the destruction of the demons; and he gave his word to them regarding the demons of that forest.

Shloka 45 (bala.1.45)

प्रतिज्ञातश्च रामेण वधः संयति रक्षसाम् । ऋषीणामग्निकल्पानां दण्डकारण्यवासिनाम् ॥ 1.45 ॥

pratijñātaḥ ca rāmeṇa vadhaḥ saṃyati rakṣasām | ṛṣīṇām agni kalpānām daṃḍakāraṇya vāsīnām

Rama vowed the destruction of the demons in battle, for the sake of the fire-like sages dwelling in the Dandaka forest.

Shloka 46 (bala.1.46)

तेन तत्रैव वसता जनस्थाननिवासिनी । विरूपिता शूर्पणखा राक्षसी कामरूपिणी ॥ 1.46 ॥

tena tatra eva vasatā janasthāna nivāsinī | virūpitā śūrpaṇakhā rākṣasī kāma rūpiṇī

While dwelling there, he disfigured Shurpanakha, the shape-shifting demoness who lived in Janasthana.

Shloka 47 (bala.1.47)

ततः शूर्पणखावाक्यादुद्युक्तान् सर्वराक्षसान् । खरं त्रिशिरसं चैव दूषणं चैव राक्षसम् ॥ 1.47 ॥

tataḥ śūrpaṇakhā vākyāt udyuktān sarva rākṣasān | kharam triśirasam ca eva dūṣaṇam ca eva rākṣasam

Then, at Shurpanakha's word, all the demons rose up — Khara, Trishira, and the demon Dushana —

Shloka 48 (bala.1.48)

निजघान रणे रामस्तेषां चैव पदानुगान् । वने तस्मिन्निवसता जनस्थाननिवासिनाम् ॥ 1.48 ॥

nijaghāna raṇe rāmaḥ teṣām ca eva pada anugān | vane tasmin nivasatā janasthāna nivāsinām

and Rama slew them in battle, together with their followers. While he dwelt in that forest, of the demon inhabitants of Janasthana—

Shloka 49 (bala.1.49)

रक्षसां निहतान्यासन् सहस्राणि चतुर्दश । ततो ज्ञातिवधं श्रुत्वा रावणः क्रोधमूर्छितः ॥ 1.49 ॥

rakṣasām nihatāni asan sahasrāṇi catur daśa | tato jñāti vadham śrutvā rāvaṇaḥ krodha mūrchitaḥ

fourteen thousand were slain. Then, hearing of the slaughter of his kin, Ravana, overcome with rage,

Shloka 50 (bala.1.50)

सहायं वरयामास मारीचं नाम राक्षसम् । वार्यमाणः सुबहुशो मारीचेन स रावणः ॥ 1.50 ॥

sahāyam varayāmāsa mārīcam nāma rākṣasam | vāryamāṇaḥ subahuśo mārīcena sa rāvaṇaḥ

sought the help of a demon named Maricha. That Ravana, though dissuaded many times over by Maricha,

Shloka 51 (bala.1.51)

न विरोधो बलवता क्षमो रावण तेन ते । अनादृत्य तु तद्वाक्यं रावणः कालचोदितः ॥ 1.51 ॥

na virodho balavatā kṣamo rāvaṇa tena te | anādṛtya tu tat vākyam rāvaṇaḥ kāla coditaḥ

— who told him, 'Enmity with that powerful one does not befit you, Ravana' — disregarding those words, driven by fate,

Shloka 52 (bala.1.52)

जगाम सहमारीचस्तस्याश्रमपदं तदा । तेन मायाविना दूरमपवाह्य नृपात्मजौ ॥ 1.52 ॥

jagāma saha mārīcaḥ tasya āśrama padam tadā | tena māyāvinā dūram apavāhya nṛpa ātmajau

went with Maricha to Rama's hermitage. By that illusionist, the two princes were lured far away,

Shloka 53 (bala.1.53)

जहार भार्यां रामस्य गृध्रं हत्वा जटायुषम् । गृध्रं च निहतं दृष्ट्वा हृतां श्रुत्वा च मैथिलीम् ॥ 1.53 ॥

jahāra bhāryām rāmasya gṛdhram hatvā jaṭāyuṣam | gṛdhram ca nihatam dṛṣṭvā hṛtām śrutvā ca maithilīm

and Ravana carried off Rama's wife, killing the vulture Jatayu. And seeing the slain vulture, and hearing that Sita had been abducted,

Shloka 54 (bala.1.54)

राघवः शोकसन्तप्तो विललापाकुलेन्द्रियः । ततस्तेनैव शोकेन गृध्रं दग्ध्वा जटायुषम् ॥ 1.54 ॥

rāghavaḥ śoka saṃtapto vilalāpa ākula indriyaḥ | tataḥ tena eva śokena gṛdhram dagdhvā jaṭāyuṣam

Raghava, tormented with grief, wailed with his senses in turmoil. Then, still in that grief, having cremated the vulture Jatayu,

Shloka 55 (bala.1.55)

मार्गमाणो वने सीतां राक्षसं संददर्श ह । कबन्धं नाम रूपेण विकृतं घोरदर्शनम् ॥ 1.55 ॥

mārgamāṇo vane sītām rākṣasam saṃdadarśa ha | kabaṃdham nāma rūpeṇa vikṛtam ghora da^^rśanam

while searching the forest for Sita, he beheld a demon named Kabandha, hideous in form and terrible to look at.

Shloka 56 (bala.1.56)

तं निहत्य महाबाहुर्ददाह स्वर्गतश्च सः । स चास्य कथयामास शबरीं धर्मचारिणीम् ॥ 1.56 ॥

tam nihatya mahābāhuḥ dadāha svargataḥ ca saḥ | sa ca asya kathayāmāsa śabarīm dharma cāriṇīm

The mighty-armed Rama slew him and cremated him, and he ascended to heaven; and he had told Rama of Shabari, the righteous ascetic woman—

Shloka 57 (bala.1.57)

श्रमणीं धर्मनिपुणामभिगच्छेति राघव । सोऽभ्यगच्छन्महातेजाः शबरीं शत्रुसूदनः ॥ 1.57 ॥

śramaṇām dharma nipuṇām abhigaccha iti rāghava | saḥ abhya gacchan mahātejāḥ śabarīm śatru sūdanaḥ

'go to that ascetic woman skilled in righteousness, O Raghava.' That greatly radiant destroyer of foes then went to Shabari,

Shloka 58 (bala.1.58)

शबर्या पूजितः सम्यग्रामो दशरथात्मजः । पम्पातीरे हनुमता सङ्गतो वानरेण ह ॥ 1.58 ॥

śaba^^ryā pūjitaḥ saṃyak rāmo daśaratha ātmajaḥ | paṃpā tīre hanumatā saṃgato vānareṇa ha

and was duly honoured by Shabari, that son of Dasharatha. On the bank of Lake Pampa, he met the monkey Hanuman,

Shloka 59 (bala.1.59)

हनुमद्वचनाच्चैव सुग्रीवेण समागतः । सुग्रीवाय च तत्सर्वं शंसद्रामो महाबलः ॥ 1.59 ॥

hanumat vacanāt ca eva sugrīveṇa samāgataḥ | sugrīvāya ca tat sarvam śaṃsat rāmo mahābalaḥ

and by Hanuman's word, he came to meet Sugriva. The mighty Rama told Sugriva everything—

Shloka 60 (bala.1.60)

आदितस्तद्यथावृत्तं सीतायाश्च विशेषतः । सुग्रीवश्चापि तत्सर्वं श्रुत्वा रामस्य वानरः ॥ 1.60 ॥

āditaḥ tat yathā vṛttam sītāyāḥ ca viśeṣataḥ | sugrīvaḥ ca api tat sarvam śrutvā rāmasya vānaraḥ

everything that had happened from the beginning, and especially about Sita. And the monkey Sugriva, having heard all this from Rama,

Shloka 61 (bala.1.61)

चकार सख्यं रामेण प्रीतश्चैवाग्निसाक्षिकम् । ततो वानरराजेन वैरानुकथनं प्रति ॥ 1.61 ॥

cakāra sakhyam rāmeṇa prītaḥ ca eva agni sākṣikam | tato vānara rājena vaira anukathanam prati

gladly made friendship with Rama, with fire as witness. Then the king of monkeys, concerning his own enmity,

Shloka 62 (bala.1.62)

रामायावेदितं सर्वं प्रणयाद्दुःखितेन च । प्रतिज्ञातं च रामेण तदा वालिवधं प्रति ॥ 1.62 ॥

rāmāya āveditam sarvam praṇayāt duḥkhitena ca | pratijñātam ca rāmeṇa tadā vāli vadham prati

told Rama everything out of affection, though grieving. And then Rama gave his word regarding the slaying of Vali.

Shloka 63 (bala.1.63)

वालिनश्च बलं तत्र कथयामास वानरः । सुग्रीवः शङ्कितश्चासीन्नित्यं वीर्येण राघवे ॥ 1.63 ॥

vālinaḥ ca balam tatra kathayāmāsa vānaraḥ | sugrīvaḥ śaṃkitaḥ ca āsīt nityam vīryeṇa rāghave

There the monkey Sugriva described Vali's strength; yet Sugriva remained ever doubtful of Raghava's prowess.

Shloka 64 (bala.1.64)

राघवप्रत्ययार्थं तु दुन्दुभेः कायमुत्तमम् । दर्शयामास सुग्रीवो महापर्वतसन्निभम् ॥ 1.64 ॥

rāghavaḥ pratyayārtham tu duṃdubheḥ kāyam uttamam | darśayāmāsa sugrīvaḥ mahāparvata saṃnibham

So, to gain confidence in Raghava, Sugriva showed him the huge skeleton of Dundubhi, resembling a great mountain.

Shloka 65 (bala.1.65)

उत्स्मयित्वा महाबाहुः प्रेक्ष्य चास्थि महाबलः । पादाङ्गुष्ठेन चिक्षेप सम्पूर्णं दशयोजनम् ॥ 1.65 ॥

utsmayitvā mahābāhuḥ prekṣya ca asti mahābalaḥ | pāda aṃguṣṭena cikṣepa saṃpūrṇam daśa yojanam

The mighty-armed, greatly powerful Rama, smiling as he beheld the bones, flung the whole of it ten yojanas away with his big toe.

Shloka 66 (bala.1.66)

बिभेद च पुनः सालान् सप्तैकेन महेषुणा । गिरिं रसातलं चैव जनयन् प्रत्ययं तदा ॥ 1.66 ॥

bibheda ca punaḥ sālān sapta ekena mahā iṣuṇā | girim rasātalam caiva janayan pratyayam tathā

And again, with a single great arrow, he pierced through seven sala trees, a mountain, and even to the netherworld, thereby creating conviction.

Shloka 67 (bala.1.67)

ततः प्रीतमनाश्चैव विश्वस्तश्च महाकपिः । किष्किन्धां रामसहितो जगाम च गुहां तदा ॥ 1.67 ॥

tataḥ prīta manāḥ tena viśvastaḥ sa mahākapiḥ | kiṣkiṃdhām rāma sahito jagāma ca guhām tadā

Then the great monkey, gladdened and now confident, went together with Rama to the cave-city of Kishkindha.

Shloka 68 (bala.1.68)

ततोऽगर्जद्धरिवरः सुग्रीवो हेमपिङ्गलः । तेन नादेन महता निर्जगाम हरीश्वरः ॥ 1.68 ॥

tataḥ agarjat harivaraḥ sugrīvo hema piṃgalaḥ | tena nādena mahatā nirjagāma harīśvaraḥ

Then the golden-hued, foremost of monkeys, Sugriva, roared aloud; and by that great sound, the lord of monkeys, Vali, came forth.

Shloka 69 (bala.1.69)

अनुमान्य तदा तारां सुग्रीवेण समागतः । निजघान च तत्रैनं शरेणैकेन राघवः ॥ 1.69 ॥

anumānya tadā tārām sugrīveṇa samāgataḥ | nijaghāna ca tatra enam śareṇa ekena rāghavaḥ

Having reassured Tara, Vali came to meet Sugriva in combat; and Raghava, there, slew him with a single arrow.

Shloka 70 (bala.1.70)

ततः सुग्रीववचनाद्धत्वा वालिनमाहवे । सुग्रीवमेव तद्राज्ये राघवः प्रत्यपादयत् ॥ 1.70 ॥

tataḥ sugrīva vacanāt hatvā vālinam āhave | sugrīvam eva tat rājye rāghavaḥ pratyapādayat

Then, having slain Vali in battle at Sugriva's request, Raghava installed Sugriva alone in that kingdom.

Shloka 71 (bala.1.71)

स च सर्वान् समानीय वानरान् वानरर्षभः । दिशः प्रस्थापयामास दिदृक्षुर्जनकात्मजाम् ॥ 1.71 ॥

sa ca sarvān samānīya vānarān vānararṣabhaḥ | diśaḥ prasthāpayāmāsa didṛkṣuḥ janaka ātmajām

And that bull among monkeys, having gathered all the monkeys, sent them out in every direction, eager to find Janaka's daughter.

Shloka 72 (bala.1.72)

ततो गृध्रस्य वचनात्सम्पातेेर्हनुमान् बली । शतयोजनविस्तीर्णं पुप्लुवे लवणार्णवम् ॥ 1.72 ॥

tato gṛdhrasya vacanāt saṃpāteḥ hanumān balī | śata yojana vistīrṇam pupluve lavaṇa arṇavam

Then, on the word of the vulture Sampati, the mighty Hanuman leapt across the salt ocean, a hundred yojanas wide.

Shloka 73 (bala.1.73)

तत्र लङ्कां समासाद्य पुरीं रावणपालिताम् । ददर्श सीतां ध्यायन्तीमशोकवनिकां गताम् ॥ 1.73 ॥

tatra laṃkām samāsādya purīm rāvaṇa pālitām | dadarśa sītām dhyāyantīm aśoka vanikām gatām

There, reaching the city of Lanka ruled by Ravana, he beheld Sita, lost in thought, in the Ashoka grove.

Shloka 74 (bala.1.74)

निवेदयित्वाभिज्ञानं प्रवृत्तिं च निवेद्य च । समाश्वास्य च वैदेहीं मर्दयामास तोरणम् ॥ 1.74 ॥

nivedayitvā abhijñānam pravṛttim ca nivedya ca | samāśvāsya ca vaidehīm mardayāmāsa toraṇam

Giving her the token of recognition and telling her the news, and having comforted Vaidehi, he then destroyed the garden's archway.

Shloka 75 (bala.1.75)

पञ्च सेनाग्रगान् हत्वा सप्त मन्त्रिसुतानपि । शूरमक्षं च निष्पिष्य ग्रहणं समुपागमत् ॥ 1.75 ॥

paṃca sena agragān hatvā sapta maṃtri sutān api | śūram akṣam ca niṣpiṣya grahaṇam samupāgamat

Having slain five army chiefs and seven ministers' sons, and crushed the valiant Akshakumara, he then allowed himself to be captured.

Shloka 76 (bala.1.76)

अस्त्रेणोन्मुक्तमात्मानं ज्ञात्वा पैतामहाद्वरात् । मर्षयन् राक्षसान् वीरो यन्त्रिणस्तान्यदृच्छया ॥ 1.76 ॥

astreṇa unmuktam ātmānam jñātvā paitāmahāt varāt | marṣayan rākṣasān vīro yantriṇaḥ tān yadṛcchayā

Knowing himself freed from the bond of the Brahma-weapon by Brahma's boon, the hero patiently bore with the demons who bound him at will.

Shloka 77 (bala.1.77)

ततो दग्ध्वा पुरीं लङ्कामृते सीतां च मैथिलीम् । रामाय प्रियमाख्यातुं पुनरायान्महाकपिः ॥ 1.77 ॥

tato dagdhvā purīm laṃkām ṛte sītām ca maithilīm | rāmāya priyam ākhyātum punaḥ āyāt mahākapiḥ

Then, having burnt the city of Lanka — sparing Sita of Mithila — the great monkey returned to bring Rama the welcome news.

Shloka 78 (bala.1.78)

सोऽभिगम्य महात्मानं कृत्वा रामं प्रदक्षिणम् । न्यवेदयदमेयात्मा दृष्टा सीतेति तत्त्वतः ॥ 1.78 ॥

saḥ abhigaṃya mahātmānam kṛtvā rāmam pradakṣiṇam | nyavedayat ameyātmā dṛṣṭā sītā iti tattvataḥ

He, approaching the great-souled Rama and circling him reverently, reported truly, with his boundless spirit: 'Sita has been seen.'

Shloka 79 (bala.1.79)

ततः सुग्रीवसहितो गत्वा तीरं महोदधेः । समुद्रं क्षोभयामास शरैरादित्यसन्निभैः ॥ 1.79 ॥

tataḥ sugrīva sahito gatvā tīram mahā udadheḥ | samudram kṣobhayāmāsa śaraiḥ āditya sannibhaiḥ

Then, going with Sugriva to the shore of the great ocean, he agitated the sea with arrows resembling the sun.

Shloka 80 (bala.1.80)

दर्शयामास चात्मानं समुद्रः सरितां पतिः । समुद्रवचनाच्चैव नलं सेतुमकारयत् ॥ 1.80 ॥

darśayāmāsa ca ātmānam samudraḥ saritām patiḥ | samudra vacanāt ca eva nalam setum akārayat

The Ocean, lord of rivers, then showed himself; and upon the Ocean's counsel, Rama had Nala build the bridge.

Shloka 81 (bala.1.81)

तेन गत्वा पुरीं लङ्कां हत्वा रावणमाहवे । रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य परां व्रीडामुपागमत् ॥ 1.81 ॥

tena gatvā purīm laṃkām hatvā rāvaṇam āhave | rāmaḥ sītām anuprāpya parām vrīḍām upāgamat

Crossing by it to the city of Lanka, and slaying Ravana in battle, Rama, on recovering Sita, felt a great unease.

Shloka 82 (bala.1.82)

तामुवाच ततो रामः परुषं जनसंसदि । अमृष्यमाणा सा सीता विवेश ज्वलनं सती ॥ 1.82 ॥

tām uvāca tataḥ rāmaḥ paruṣam jana saṃsadi | amṛṣyamāṇā sā sītā viveśa jvalanam satī

Then Rama spoke harsh words to her in the assembly of people; and Sita, the chaste one, unable to bear it, entered the blazing fire.

Shloka 83 (bala.1.83)

ततोऽग्निवचनात्सीतां ज्ञात्वा विगतकल्मषाम् । कर्मणा तेन महता त्रैलोक्यं सचराचरम् ॥ 1.83 ॥

tataḥ agni vacanāt sītām jñātvā vigata kalmaṣām | karmaṇā tena mahatā trailokyam sa carācaram

Then, on the word of Agni, knowing Sita to be free of all stain — and by that great deed, the three worlds with all that moves and is still—

Shloka 84 (bala.1.84)

सदेवर्षिगणं तुष्टं राघवस्य महात्मनः ॥ बभौ रामः संप्रहृष्टः पूजितः सर्वदैवतैः ॥ 1.84 ॥

sa devarṣi gaṇam tuṣṭam rāghavasya mahātmanaḥ || babhau rāmaḥ saṃprahṛṣṭaḥ pūjitaḥ sarva devataiḥ

—together with the gods and sages, rejoiced at the deed of the great-souled Raghava; and Rama shone forth greatly delighted, honoured by all the gods.

Shloka 85 (bala.1.85)

अभिषिच्य च लङ्कायां राक्षसेन्द्रं विभीषणम् । कृतकृत्यस्ततो रामो विज्वरः प्रमुमोद ह ॥ 1.85 ॥

abhyaṣicya ca laṃkāyām rākṣasa indram vibhīṣaṇam | kṛtakṛtyaḥ tadā rāmo vijvaraḥ pramumoda ha

And having enthroned Vibhishana as lord of the demons in Lanka, Rama, his purpose accomplished, rejoiced free from all anguish.

Shloka 86 (bala.1.86)

देवताभ्यो वरं प्राप्य समुत्थाप्य च वानरान् । अयोध्यां प्रस्थितो रामः पुष्पकेण सुहृद् वृतः ॥ 1.86 ॥

devatābhyo varām prāpya samutthāpya ca vānarān | ayodhyām prasthitaḥ rāmaḥ puṣpakeṇa suhṛt vṛtaḥ

Having received a boon from the gods and having revived the fallen monkeys, Rama set out for Ayodhya in the Pushpaka chariot, surrounded by his friends.

Shloka 87 (bala.1.87)

भरद्वाजाश्रमं गत्वा रामः सत्यपराक्रमः । भरतस्यान्तिकं रामो हनुमन्तं व्यसर्जयत् ॥ 1.87 ॥

bharadvāja āśramam gatvā rāmaḥ satyaparākramaḥ | bharatasya aṃtikam rāmo hanūmaṃtam vyasarjayat

Rama of true valour, having gone to the hermitage of Bharadwaja, sent Hanuman ahead to Bharata.

Shloka 88 (bala.1.88)

पुनराख्यायिकां जल्पन् सुग्रीवसहितश्च सः । पुष्पकं तत्समारुह्य नन्दिग्रामं ययौ तदा ॥ 1.88 ॥

punaḥ ākhyāyikām jalpan sugrīva sahitaḥ tadā | puṣpakam tat samārūhya naṃdigrāmam yayau tadā

Then he, together with Sugriva, recounting the tale once more, boarded the Pushpaka again and went to Nandigrama.

Shloka 89 (bala.1.89)

नन्दिग्रामे जटां हित्वा भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽनघः । रामः सीतामनुप्राप्य राज्यं पुनरवाप्तवान् ॥ 1.89 ॥

naṃdigrāme jaṭām hitvā bhrātṛbhiḥ sahito anaghaḥ | rāmaḥ sītām anuprāpya rājyam punaḥ avāptavān

At Nandigrama, the faultless Rama, laying aside his matted locks, together with his brothers and having regained Sita, regained his kingdom too.

Shloka 90 (bala.1.90)

प्रहृष्टमुदितो लोकस्तुष्टः पुष्टः सुधार्मिकः । निरामयो ह्यरोगश्च दुर्भिक्षभयवर्जितः ॥ 1.90 ॥

prahṛṣṭo mudito lokaḥ tuṣṭaḥ puṣṭaḥ sudhārmikaḥ | nirāmayo hi arogaḥ ca durbhikṣa bhaya varjitaḥ

Under his rule, the people will be delighted and joyous, content, prosperous, and deeply righteous; free from sickness and disease, and free from fear of famine.

Shloka 91 (bala.1.91)

न पुत्रमरणं किंचिद्द्रक्ष्यन्ति पुरुषाः क्वचित् । नार्यश्चाविधवा नित्यं भविष्यन्ति पतिव्रताः ॥ 1.91 ॥

na putra maraṇam kecit drakṣyanti puruṣāḥ kvacit | nāryaḥ ca avidhavā nityam bhaviṣyanti pati vratāḥ

Men will nowhere witness the death of their sons; and women, ever devoted to their husbands, will never become widows.

Shloka 92 (bala.1.92)

न चाग्निजं भयं किञ्चिन्नाप्सु मज्जन्ति जन्तवः । न वातजं भयं किञ्चिन्नापि ज्वरकृतं तथा ॥ 1.92 ॥

na ca agnijam bhayam kincit na apsu majjanti jantavaḥ | na vātajam bhayam kincit na api jvara kṛtam tathā

There will be no fear at all from fire, nor will creatures drown in water; there will be no fear from storms, nor any caused by fever.

Shloka 93 (bala.1.93)

न चापि क्षुद्भयं तत्र न तस्करभयं तथा । नगराणि च राष्ट्राणि धनधान्ययुतानि च ॥ 1.93 ॥

na ca api kṣut bhayam tatra na taskara bhayam tathā | nagarāṇi ca rāṣṭrāṇi dhana dhānya yutāni ca

There will be no fear of hunger there, nor fear of thieves; and the cities and kingdoms will abound in wealth and grain,

Shloka 94 (bala.1.94)

नित्यं प्रमुदिताः सर्वे यथा कृतयुगे तथा । अश्वमेधशतैरिष्ट्वा तथा बहुसुवर्णकैः ॥ 1.94 ॥

nityam pramuditāḥ sarve yathā kṛta yuge tathā | aśvamedha śataiḥ iṣṭvā tathā bahu suva^^rṇakaiḥ

and all will be ever joyful, as in the Krita Yuga. Having performed hundreds of horse-sacrifices, rich with much gold,

Shloka 95 (bala.1.95)

गवां कोट्ययुतं दत्त्वा विद्वद्भ्यो विधिपूर्वकम् । । असंख्येयं धनं दत्त्वा ब्राह्मणेभ्यो महायशाः ॥ 1.95 ॥

gavām koṭyayutam dattvā vidvabhyo vidhi pūrvakam | asaṃkhyeyam dhanam dattvā brāhmaṇebho mahāyaśāḥ

and giving crores of cows duly to the learned, that greatly renowned one, having given countless wealth to brahmins—

Shloka 96 (bala.1.96)

राजवंशान् शतगुणान् स्थापयिष्यति राघवः । चातुर्वर्ण्यं च लोकेऽस्मिन् स्वे स्वे धर्मे नियोक्ष्यति ॥ 1.96 ॥

rāja vaṃśān śata guṇān sthāpa iṣyati rāghavaḥ | cātur varṇyam ca loke asmin sve sve dharme niyokṣyati

Raghava will establish royal dynasties a hundredfold, and will set the four social orders in this world, each in its own righteous duty.

Shloka 97 (bala.1.97)

दशवर्षसहस्राणि दशवर्षशतानि च । रामो राज्यमुपासित्वा ब्रह्मलोकं गमिष्यति ॥ 1.97 ॥

daśa varṣa sahasrāṇi daśa varṣa śatāni ca | rāmo rājyam upāsitvā brahma lokam prayāsyati

Having ruled the kingdom for ten thousand years and ten hundred years, Rama will go to the world of Brahma.

Shloka 98 (bala.1.98)

इदं पवित्रं पापघ्नं पुण्यं वेदैश्च सम्मितम् । यः पठेद्रामचरितं सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते ॥ 1.98 ॥

idam pavitram pāpaghnam puṇyam vedaiḥ ca saṃmitam | yaḥ paṭhet rāma caritam sarva pāpaiḥ pramucyate

This account of Rama's deeds is sacred, sin-destroying, meritorious, and equal in worth to the Vedas; whoever reads it is freed from all sins.

Shloka 99 (bala.1.99)

एतदाख्यानमायुष्यं पठन् रामायणं नरः । सपुत्रपौत्रः सगणः प्रेत्य स्वर्गे महीयते ॥ 1.99 ॥

etat ākhyānam āyuṣyam paṭhan rāmāyaṇam naraḥ | sa putra pautraḥ sa gaṇaḥ pretya svarge mahīyate

A man who reads this life-giving narrative, the Ramayana, is honoured in heaven after death, together with sons, grandsons, and kin.

Shloka 100 (bala.1.100)

पठन् द्विजो वागृषभत्वमीयात् । स्यात् क्षत्रियो भूमिपतित्वमीयात् ॥ वणिग्जनः पण्यफलत्वमीयात् । जनश्च शूद्रोऽपि महत्त्वमीयात् ॥ 1.100 ॥

paṭhan dvijo vāk ṛṣabhatvam īyāt | syāt kṣatriyo bhūmi patitvam īyāt || vaṇik janaḥ paṇya phalatvam īyāt | janaḥ ca śūdro api mahattvam īyāt

By reading it, a brahmin attains mastery of speech; a kshatriya attains sovereignty over the earth; a merchant attains profit in trade; and even a person of the shudra class attains greatness.