The eternal Ramayana – The Hindu

In Brahma Loka, the Ramayana was recited in a hundred crore verses, but sage Narada condensed it into a hundred verses as the Sankshepa Ramayanam, and narrated it to sage Valmiki. The upadesa (teaching) of sage Narada to Valmiki was like a seed that grew within him, inspiring deep reflection. Later, Brahma appeared and asked Valmiki to expand upon the brief version.

Kesava Vajapeya Swamy said in a discourse that, initially, Valmiki hesitated and doubted his ability to write the Ramayana as he knew nothing about it. However, Brahma blessed him, assuring that the events would appear before him like scenes, enabling him to write effortlessly. Brahma also told Valmiki that his Ramayana would contain only the truth, free from any falsehood, and would remain eternal. Brahma declared that the Ramayana would endure as long as the world existed. Feeling deeply blessed, Valmiki joyfully began writing with inspiration flowing like the river Ganga.

Poet Kalidasa compared Valmiki to a great ship sailing across the vast sea of the Ramayana, while he saw himself as only a small boat attempting to cross it.

After completing the Ramayana, Valmiki wondered whom he could share it with. Then he met Rama’s sons, Kusa and Lava, who gave him great joy. Valmiki brought the children to Rama’s court hall to recite the Ramayana. Rama listened attentively and was incredibly delighted. Kusa and Lava recited the Ramayana in Rama’s court for 32 days.

The Ramayana can be recited in various ways, over a month, a fortnight, nine days, a week, or from one Tamil star, Punarvasu, to the next. Reading or listening to the Ramayana is said to bring peace, happiness, prosperity, unity in the family, and friendliness.