The Ramayana

Ramayana – The Timeless Epic of Lord Ram

The Divine Essence of Ram

“Ram” — a sacred chant, a divine name, and the embodiment of virtue. Lord Ram is revered as the noble king, the gentle prince, and the blue-hued deity who traversed the land uniting people and cultures. His story, the Ramayana, first composed by Sage Valmiki around 500 B.C., is a tale of courage, devotion, and righteousness that continues to inspire millions across the world.

Global Legacy of the Ramayana

The Ramayana has transcended time and geography. Early Indian migrants carried its message to Surinam, Fiji, Guiana, Mauritius, and other distant lands. Across Asia — in Myanmar, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam — the epic has been lovingly adapted into local traditions, each version adding new hues to the eternal story of Ram. Within India, diverse linguistic and cultural communities have reinterpreted the tale, enriching the great Ramayana tradition.

Versions and Literary Traditions

While Valmiki’s Ramayana in Sanskrit remains the original, many regional versions have flourished over centuries:

• Adhyatma Ramayana, attributed to Sage Vyasa
• Kamba Ramayana, by the Tamil poet Kambar (12th century)
• Krittivasi Ramayana, by Krittibas Ojha in Bengali
• Ramcharitmanas, by Goswami Tulsidas (15th century, in Awadhi)

Of these, Ramcharitmanas became the most popular, emphasizing devotion (bhakti), righteousness (dharma), and the ideal conduct (maryada) exemplified by Lord Ram — the Maryada Purushottam.

The Story of Ramayana

The Birth of an Ideal Hero

Prince Ram of Ayodhya, the epitome of righteousness, was trained by Maharishi Vishwamitra, mastering the art of weaponry. During his travels, he reached Mithila, where he lifted the divine bow of Lord Shiva (Shiva Dhanush) and won the hand of Princess Sita, daughter of King Janak.

The Exile and Devotion

When King Dashrath decided to crown Ram as heir, Queen Kaikeyi, influenced by her maid Manthara, demanded that her son Bharat be crowned instead and that Ram be exiled for 14 years. Out of filial devotion, Ram accepted exile, accompanied by Sita and Laxman.

On their way, they crossed the Ganga with the help of Kevat, the humble boatman, and later stayed at Chitrakut. Bharat visited Ram, pleading for his return, but Ram, bound by duty, refused. Bharat then placed Ram’s wooden sandals (paduka) on Ayodhya’s throne as a symbol of his rule.

Encounters in the Forest

In the forest, they met Shabari, an aged devotee who lovingly offered berries after tasting them to ensure their sweetness. Her devotion moved Ram deeply.

Soon after, tragedy struck — Ravana, the king of Lanka, abducted Sita. The valiant bird Jatayu tried to rescue her but was fatally wounded. Before his death, he revealed Sita’s abduction to Ram.

The Search for Sita

Hanuman, Ram’s loyal devotee, leapt across the ocean to Lanka, discovered Sita in Ashok Vatika, and gave her Ram’s ring as a sign of hope. She entrusted him with a message of faith and devotion.

Victory and Return to Ayodhya

After a fierce battle, Ram defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. Upon returning to Ayodhya, he was crowned king. His reign, known as “Ram Rajya,” became the symbol of ideal governance, peace, and prosperity — where no sorrow existed, and justice prevailed.

The Later Years

In the Uttar Kand of Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas and Bhasa’s Uttar Ramcharit, the story continues with Sita’s exile and her life in the hermitage of Sage Valmiki, where she gives birth to Lava and Kusha.

The Eternal Message

The Ramayana remains an enduring symbol of dharma (righteousness), devotion, and moral integrity. Lord Ram represents the perfect son, husband, ruler, and human being — the Maryada Purushottam — an inspiration for all time and for all humanity.