Valmiki Ramayana · Bala Kanda · Sarga 1
नारदस्य तु तद्वाक्यं श्रुत्वा वाल्मीकिरब्रवीत् ।
उत्तरं प्रतिवक्तारं पप्रच्छ प्रश्रये स्थितः ॥
Having heard the words of Narada, Valmiki, standing with humility, asked: who in this world can answer my questions?
— Gita Press
नारद का वचन सुनकर वाल्मीकि ने विनयपूर्वक पूछा — इस संसार में उत्तर देने वाला कौन है?
Valmiki responds to Narada's presence with a question — who in this world is truly virtuous? This sets up the frame narrative: the entire Ramayana is the answer to this question, with Rama presented as the ideal human being. The verse structure mirrors the Upanishadic tradition of a disciple approaching a teacher with a sincere question.
वाक्य — speech, utteranceप्रश्रय — humility, respectful demeanour