Vedavedye Pare Pumsi — Word-by-Word Meaning
वेदवेद्ये परे पुंसि
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
वेदवेद्ये
Vedavedye
He who is to be known through the Vedas; the one knowable by the Vedas
परे
Pare
Supreme, the highest, transcendent
पुंसि
Pumsi
Person, the Supreme Being (Purusha)
जाते
Jate
When (He was) born, having taken birth
दशरथात्मजे
Dasharathatmaje
As the son of Dasharatha (i.e. as Rama)
वेदः
Vedah
The Veda (the eternal knowledge)
प्राचेतसात्
Prachetasat
From the sage Valmiki (son of Prachetas / Prachetasa)
आसीत्
Asit
Became, came forth, manifested
साक्षात्
Sakshat
Directly, in visible form, manifestly
रामायणात्मना
Ramayanatmana
In the form of the Ramayana (as the very soul / essence of the Ramayana)
Complete Translation
When the Supreme Person, who is to be known through the Vedas, took birth as the son of Dasharatha (Rama), the very Veda itself came forth from Valmiki (son of Prachetas) directly in the form of the Ramayana. In other words, just as the Lord beyond the Vedas descended as Rama, the Veda descended through Valmiki's mouth as the Ramayana to sing His glories.
Origin & History
Source: Traditional benedictory verse recited at the start of the Valmiki Ramayana parayana
Author: Traditional (mangala-shloka of the Ramayana parayana tradition)
Period: Ancient/Classical
This verse is one of the dhyana / mangala shlokas chanted before reciting the Valmiki Ramayana. According to tradition, Sage Valmiki, grief-stricken at seeing a hunter kill one of a pair of krauncha birds, spontaneously uttered the first shloka in metrical form, and Brahma then inspired him to compose the entire Ramayana. This benediction celebrates that event: the Lord beyond the Vedas became Rama, and through Valmiki the Veda itself reappeared as the Ramayana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of 'Vedavedye Pare Pumsi'?▼
It means: 'When the Supreme Person, who is to be known through the Vedas, was born as the son of Dasharatha (Rama), the Veda itself came forth from Valmiki directly in the form of the Ramayana.' It equates Rama with the Vedic Absolute and the Ramayana with the Veda made manifest.
When is this verse recited?▼
It is the traditional mangala (benedictory) shloka recited at the very beginning of a Valmiki Ramayana parayana or paaraayanam, setting a sacred tone for the reading.
Who is 'Prachetasa' in the verse?▼
Prachetasa (Prachetas) refers to Sage Valmiki, the Adi-Kavi or first poet, who composed the Ramayana. The verse says the Veda re-emerged through him as the Ramayana.
Why is the Ramayana called a form of the Veda?▼
Because it conveys the same eternal dharma and the glory of the Supreme Lord that the Vedas teach, but in an accessible narrative form. Hence it is honoured as the Veda manifest in the language of story.
Ready to start chanting?
See Benefits & How to Chant →