In the previous chapter, the extraordinary characteristics of the mode of composition of the work Rāmāyaṇa was noted. Now, the extraordinary characteristics of the work itself will be narrated.

A work is extraordinary when it is composed by a supremely trustworthy person, when its subject is worthy of pious glorification, when it is respectfully recognized by great personalities and it is glorified because of the hero of that work. Now, it is pointed out that this work is composed by a supremely trustworthy person and that its subject is worthy of pious glorification.

Lord Rāma had descended into the Raghu dynasty in order to protect the world. Therefore, He had accepted the rulership of His kingdom. The word rāmasya indicates that His qualities are most pleasing to all.¹ By the glory of this subject of the Rāmāyaṇa, it is indicated that this poem should be greatly respected, for the wealth of poetry shines due to the glory of of the subject of those poems [1]. Vicitra-padam, in addition to meaning “an astonishing arrangement of words,” can also mean “an astonishing place for a variety of literary and rhetorical ornamentation,” indicating that it can produce several useful results such as realization (parivardhate vijñānam) for it describes persons of good character. Bhagavān, “enlightened,” here indicates that Śrī Vālmīki had attained divine knowledge by the mercy of Lord Brahmā. Ātmavān, “of appropriate endeavor,” indicates that he endeavored to compose this literature.² “Only a Ṛṣi can compose a poem”—so goes the saying, and the Ṛṣi Vālmīki was certainly expert in composing a poem. He composed this literature for the welfare of the world; as noted in the earlier chapter, the sage was of liberal intelligence (udāra-dhīḥ). From this verse, it is clear that this Rāmāyaṇa was written while Lord Rāma was ruling His kingdom. In order to inform the reader of this, the sage again mentions that he wrote the Rāmāyaṇa.