The Ramayana is one of the two great epics of ancient Indian literature, the other being the Mahabharata. Composed in Sanskrit by the sage Valmiki, it narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, an avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu.
Summary of the Ramayana:
The epic consists of about 24,000 verses and is traditionally divided into seven books (kāṇḍas):
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Bala Kāṇḍa – The childhood of Rama, his divine birth, and marriage to Sita, daughter of King Janaka.
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Ayodhya Kāṇḍa – Rama is exiled for 14 years due to palace intrigue; he leaves Ayodhya with Sita and his brother Lakshmana.
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Aranya Kāṇḍa – In the forest, Sita is abducted by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka.
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Kishkindha Kāṇḍa – Rama befriends Hanuman and Sugriva, monkey allies, and begins his search for Sita.
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Sundara Kāṇḍa – Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, his discovery of Sita, and his heroic feats.
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Yuddha Kāṇḍa (also called Lanka Kāṇḍa) – The great battle between Rama's forces and Ravana’s army. Rama defeats Ravana and rescues Sita.
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Uttara Kāṇḍa – Rama returns to Ayodhya and is crowned king. Later, due to public doubt about Sita’s chastity, she is exiled. The epic ends with her return to Mother Earth and Rama’s departure from the world.
Key Characters:
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Rama: Prince of Ayodhya and incarnation of Vishnu.
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Sita: Rama’s devoted wife and an embodiment of purity.
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Lakshmana: Rama’s loyal brother.
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Hanuman: Devotee of Rama and a symbol of strength and loyalty.
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Ravana: The ten-headed demon king of Lanka who kidnaps Sita.
Themes:
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Dharma (duty and righteousness)
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Devotion and loyalty
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Good vs. evil
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Sacrifice and ideal conduct
Cultural Significance:
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The Ramayana is foundational to Hindu philosophy, values, and ethics.
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It has inspired countless regional versions, art, dance, theatre, and festivals (like Rama Navami and Dussehra).
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Versions of the Ramayana also exist in other Asian cultures, including Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia, and Laos.
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