The first chapter of Valmiki Ramayanam is called Sanskhepa Ramayanam (Ramayana in crisp). In this chapter, Valmiki maharshi enquired Narada mahamuni on who is the greatest and the most ideal human being on the face of the Earth. Narada mahamuni elaborated the history of Sri Ramachandra in 24,000 verses.

Sankshepa Ramayanam has 108 verses and is considered the summary of the epic history, Ramayanam.

This first chapter mentions one quality of Sri Ramachandra multiple times. What is it?

This first chapter mentions one quality of Sri Ramachandra multiple times. What is it?

It is rakshakatvam, the quality of being an able protector. Sri Ramachandra never ever stepped back even for a fraction of a second to protect anyone. He is soft-hearted. He is also equipped with immense determination and the required abilities to address any type of pain or need!

It could be trivial and visible such as a thorn in the foot or the most troublesome and invisible pain of being distant from God. Rama (the vibhava avatar of God) is determined to protect one by addressing all needs and eliminating all pains.

Sankshepa Ramayanam
verse:13 and verse: 14
rakshitha: ji:va lo:kasya (1) dharmasya parirakshitha: (2)
rakshitha: svasya dharmasya (3) svajanasya cha rakshitha: (4)

(1) protects all the beings;
(2) protects the dharma of all the beings;

(3) protects His dharma;
(4) protects all His beings

Sankshepa Ramayanam
verse:13 and verse: 14
rakshitha: ji:va lo:kasya (1)
dharmasya parirakshitha: (2)
rakshitha: svasya dharmasya (3)
svajanasya cha rakshitha: (4)

(1) protects all the beings;
(2) protects the dharma of all the beings;

(3) protects His dharma;
(4) protects all His beings

What is the difference between all the beings versus His beings?

The last line says ‘svajanasya cha rakshitha:’ The word svajanasya indicates ‘all those beings who belong to Him’. One may wonder: “If God is the source of all existence, then everyone and everything belongs to Him. So, why is there a special reference to ‘svajanasya’?”

Those who surrender to God and do not block His grace are able to realise the eternal bond with Him and are given opportunities to progress further for moksham (togetherness with God). If you are one of them, you are ‘svajanasya’, His team. As part of being “His team”, all one is expected to do is to trust in Him and hold onto Him.

There are millions of other beings across all species who are knowingly (due to arrogance) or unknowingly (due to ignorance) blocking themselves from the grace of God. Even then, He remains the sole protector to all these beings by assigning a body to them; keeping them alive, and addressing their needs to help them carry out their dharma.

**An anecdote on ‘Rakshakathvam‘ signifying Sitha amma’s glory in Rama’s journey…**

During an incident in the last two years of the 14-year exile, Sitha Devi questions Rama, “Why bother promising protection to all the rushis and get into any hassle in these last two years?” The intention of Sitha Devi is to check how strongly Rama is determined on His ‘rakshakatvam’ quality.

Rama responds, “I will leave my pra:na, life. If need be, I may leave you. Even further, I might even let go of Lakshmana. But I will not walk away from protecting the ones who need it!”

She ensured that Rama stands by His dharma at any cost! It is said that when women, farmers, and rulers play their roles well, the world will be in a good state. Sithamma supported Sri Rama and encouraged Him to do what is right for the well-being of everyone. She showed everyone what it means to work for and align with Rama’s goal above anything else. They are an exemplary divine couple working together for everyone around them.

Ramayanam beautifully depicts ‘rakshakatvam’ quality of Sri Ramachandra and thus He remained the most ideal and the greatest human being on the face of the Earth; cherished and worshipped forever…!

– From the discourse of Samudrala Venkata Rangaramanujacharya Swami
– The Director of JIVA Research and Publications
– In the divine presence of
Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji and Ahobila Ramanuja Jeeyar Swamiji