Bala Kanda 4

Valmiki Ramayana: Translation by Uma Sri

Posted: Jul 22, 2026

Brahma's Guidance

Upon entering the hermitage, Valmiki sat absorbed in quiet meditation. It was at this moment that Lord Brahma visited him. Astounded by his presence, the sage arose from his seat and honored Brahma by washing his feet. Following the solemn rituals, Valmiki offered him a seat and inquired after his well-being.

Once Pitamaha, the grandfather of the worlds, was comfortably seated, Valmiki voiced the thoughts occupying his mind, recounting the Krauncha bird episode that continued to weigh heavily on his spirit.

Brahma smiled and reassured him:

"Indeed, it is a beautiful verse that you have composed; entertain no doubt about that. It was through divine will that this utterance sprang from your lips.

"Now, compose the entire saga of Rama as you heard it from Narada. Ensure that every word in this poem remains truthful. Weave the sacred narrative of Rama into rhythmic, poetic verses.

"As long as mountains stand and rivers flow upon the face of the earth, so long shall the story of the Ramayana endure. And as long as the tale of Rama, brought forth by you, continues to be recited, you shall abide in the eternal realm of hearts."

Having said this, Lord Brahma departed.

Valmiki's Epic

Reflecting upon the verse he had composed, structured into four pādas of equal metric length, Valmiki resolved, "I shall compose the entirety of the Ramayana using this very meter."

Thus, rendered in exquisite poetic meter, the grand epic of Rama was brought into existence. The sage meticulously chronicled every event: Rama's birth, his heroism, his boundless compassion toward all beings, and his universal acclaim across the three worlds.

He documented Rama's life, every trial that ensued—including Rama's vulnerable lamentations at Lake Pampa, his journey to Rishyamuka to forge an alliance with Sugriva, and his ultimate reclamation of the kingdom—weaving an epic adorned with sublime language.