Valmiki Ramayana · Bala Kanda · Sarga 1
बहवो दुर्लभाश्चैव ये त्वया कीर्तिता गुणा: । मुने वक्ष्याम्यहं बुद्ध्वा तैर्युक्तश्श्रूयतान्नर:
bahavo durlabhāścaiva ye tvayā kīrtitā guṇā: | mune vakṣyāmyahaṃ buddhvā tairyuktaśśrūyatānnara:
"O sage rare indeed are men endowed with the many qualities you have described. I ascertained one. Listen carefully.
— M.N. Dutt (1891)
Commentary
Narada introduces the central figure of the Ramayana. Rama is described as born in the race of Ikshvaku, the solar dynasty. The verse establishes his lineage — one of the most illustrious in Indian tradition, tracing back to Manu himself.
इक्ष्वाकुवंशनियतात्मा