Ramayana

Rāma slays Rāvaṇa

Valmiki Ramayana

Avatars

The marriage ceremony of Rama and Sita

Raja Ravi Varma, Jatayu vadha, 1906

Council of War of the Vanaras

Ramayana is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Mahabharata. It narrates the life of Rama, the legendary prince of the Kosala Kingdom. The epic follows his fourteen-year exile to the forest from the kingdom, by the command of his father King Dasharatha, on the request of Rama's stepmother Kaikeyi. During his exile, Rama's wife Sita is abducted by Ravana, the king of Lanka, which leads to a quest to rescue her and Rama's eventual return to Ayodhya to be crowned king.

The Ramayana is attributed to the sage Valmiki and consists of nearly 24,000 verses, divided into seven Kandas (books). These books chronicle Rama's childhood and the events leading up to his birth, his marriage to Sita, his exile, the search for Sita, the battle across Lanka, Sita's return, and Rama's return to Ayodhya. The epic concludes with Rama's coronation and addresses the ideals of Dharma (duty/righteousness), the responsibilities of relationships, and the portrayal of ideal characters such as the ideal father, ideal servant, the ideal brother, the ideal wife, and the ideal king.

Characters

The main characters of the Ramayana include:

• Rama: The protagonist, whose life the epic narrates.
• Sita: Rama's wife, known for her unwavering devotion to her husband.
• Lakshmana: Rama's loyal brother who accompanies him during his exile.
• Hanuman: A devoted follower of Rama and one of the central characters in the epic. He is a Vanara (monkey god) who helps find Sita.
• Ravana: The ten-headed king of Lanka who abducts Sita, leading to the epic battle.
• Dasharatha: King of Ayodhya and father of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna.
• Bharata and Shatrughna: Rama's other brothers.

Themes

The Ramayana explores themes such as duty, righteousness, loyalty, bravery, and the victory of good over evil. It also delves into the concept of Dharma and how it applies to the individual and society.

Cultural Impact

The Ramayana has had a profound impact on art, culture, and religion in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It has been adapted into numerous versions in different languages, including the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas in Awadhi, which is particularly popular in northern India. The epic has inspired countless works of literature, drama, dance, opera, and film, both in India and across Southeast Asia.

Textual History and Structure

The Ramayana is traditionally divided into seven books, which are further subdivided into chapters or Sargas. These books detail the life and adventures of Rama from his birth to his coronation. The critical editions of the Ramayana, compiled by scholars, reconcile various versions of the texts found across India and provide a standardized version.

Influence

The influence of the Ramayana extends beyond literature and religion; it permeates every aspect of Indian culture, from dance and drama to festivals like Diwali and Dussehra, which celebrate events from the epic. The moral and ethical teachings of the Ramayana continue to influence the social and moral fabric of India and the regions influenced by Indian culture.