Ramayana: Story, Books & Author
The Ramayana is an ancient Hindu epic that tells the story of the legend Lord Rama, his wife Sita and his battle with the demon king Ravana. It’s a story of love, duty, and the triumph of good over evil. Here is a simplified version of the article:
Once upon a time there lived in Ayodhya a noble and virtuous prince named Rama the eldest son of King Dasaratha Rama was an idol of righteousness and popular. He was a model son, brother and warrior.
Rama’s life took a tragic turn when his father decided to crown him as the future king. However, his stepmother Queen Kaikeyi wanted the throne for her son Bharata. He insisted that Rama be banished to the forest for fourteen years. Reluctantly, King Dasaratha had to comply with her request, and Rama, accompanied by his devoted wife Sita and faithful brother Lakshmana, voluntarily left Ayodhya for the dense forest in the 19th century.
In the forest, Rama met various sages and helped them in their quests. Once the demon Surpanakha came to them and was confused by Rama’s misconception. When his advances were rebuffed, he attacked Sita and in retaliation Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears. This angered Surpanakha and she helped her demon possessed brother Ravana.
Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, was a formidable opponent. He kidnapped Sita and took her to his island fortress Lanka Rama and Lakshmana allied with the monkey army and made the wise monkey god Hanuman to rescue Sita.
There was a spectacular battle between Rama’s army and Ravana’s army and Rama finally defeated Ravana in a fierce battle with divine bow and arrow He rescued Sita, but their troubles were far from over.
To prove that Sita was pure when she was imprisoned, the Agnipariksha (test of fire) was performed, which proved that she was pure and came out unharmed. Rama received her wholeheartedly and returned to Ayodhya. Rama’s return to Ayodhya was celebrated with great joy and he was crowned his rightful king. His rule was just, compassionate and prosperous. The Ramayana is not only a story of courage and bravery, but also a reflection on the importance of upholding religion and upholding moral values. This story continues to inspire with timeless lessons.
Books in Ramayana
- Balakanda (Book of Childhood)
- Ayodhyakanda (Book of Ayodhya)
- Aranyakanda (Book of the Forest)
- Kishkindhakanda (Book of Kishkindha)
5. Sundarakanda (Book of Sundara)
6. Yuddhakanda (Book of War)
7. Uttarakanda (Book of Uttara, or the Epilogue)
Who wrote Ramayana?
The author of the Ramayana is the sage Valmiki. Valmiki is considered the “Adi Kavi” or the first poet in the history of Sanskrit literature, and his masterpiece, the Ramayana, is one of his most famous and enduring creations. The Ramayana is an oral tradition, preserved in manuscripts and passed down through generations, has had a profound impact on Indian culture, religion and literature
How old is Ramayana?
It is believed to have originated over 2,500 years ago. Tradition places its composition to the sage Valmiki, although the exact dating of its origin remains a subject of scholarly debate. While its historical origins are ancient, the Ramayana continues to hold immense cultural, religious, and literary significance in India and many Southeast Asian countries.
How many people died in Ramayana?
In the Ramayana, many characters meet their end, but it’s challenging to provide an exact count of the number of deaths. Some sources believe that around 50 million people died in the war. The epic involves numerous battles, conflicts, and incidents where characters perish. Some of the prominent deaths include those of major characters like Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, and various warriors from both sides.