The Ramayana, one of the two great epics of ancient India, is a timeless saga that continues to inspire and captivate readers across the world. Attributed to the sage Valmiki, it narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu, and his journey to uphold dharma (righteousness) and defeat evil.
Background: The Ramayana is believed to have been composed around 7 O O O BCE to 1 O O O O BCE, although its origins may date back even further. Set in the Treta Yuga (the second age in Hindu cosmology), the epic unfolds in the ancient kingdom of Kosala, located in present-day Uttar Pradesh, India. It revolves around the central characters of Rama, his devoted wife Sita, and his loyal brother Lakshmana, along with a host of divine and mortal beings.
Synopsis: The Ramayana is divided into seven kandas (books), each depicting a significant phase of Ramas life:
Balakanda (The Book of Childhood): Introduces Ramas birth, his princely upbringing, and his marriage to Sita.
Ayodhyakanda (The Book of Ayodhya): Focuses on the exile of Rama to the forest, following the plotting of his stepmother Kaikeyi, and the subsequent grief of King Dasharatha.
Aranyakanda (The Book of the Forest): Chronicles Ramas life in exile, his encounter with various sages and demons, and the kidnapping of Sita by the demon king Ravana.
Kishkindhakanda (The Book of Kishkindha): Describes Ramas alliance with the monkey king Sugriva, the search for Sita, and the slaying of the demon king Vali.
Sundarakanda (The Book of Beauty): Focuses on the exploits of Hanuman, the faithful servant of Rama, who discovers Sitas whereabouts in Lanka.
Yuddhakanda (The Book of War): Narrates the epic battle between Rama and Ravana, culminating in the latters defeat and the rescue of Sita.
Uttarakanda (The Book of the Concluding Episode): Chronicles Ramas return to Ayodhya, his coronation as king, and the reunion with Sita, followed by her trial by fire and eventual return to the earth.