walmiki ramayan

 walmiki ramayan

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that holds great significance in Hindu mythology and literature. It is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India, the other being the Mahabharata. The Ramayana is attributed to the sage Valmiki, who is considered its author.

The Ramayana narrates the tale of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, and his quest to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The epic is divided into seven books or Kandas, and it comprises approximately 24,000 verses.

Here is a brief overview of the seven Kandas (books) in the Valmiki Ramayana:

Balakanda: This book introduces the characters and sets the background for the main story. It narrates the birth of Lord Rama, his childhood, marriage to Sita, and his exile from the kingdom.

Ayodhyakanda: This book focuses on Lord Rama's departure from Ayodhya to the forest. It also deals with the grief of his family members, including his father King Dasharatha, after his departure.

Aranyakanda: In this book, Rama, Sita, and his brother Lakshmana live in the forest during their 14-year exile. The main events include the golden deer episode, the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana, and the meeting with Shurpanakha.

Kishkindhakanda: This book tells the story of Lord Rama's alliance with the vanara (monkey) king Sugriva and the search for Sita. Hanuman, a prominent character, plays a crucial role in this Kanda.

Sundarakanda: This is one of the most significant Kandas, focusing on the heroic exploits of Hanuman as he reaches Lanka in search of Sita. He conveys Rama's message to Sita and demonstrates his devotion and strength.

Yuddhakanda: The Kanda revolves around the epic battle between Rama's forces and Ravana's army in Lanka. It culminates with the defeat of Ravana by Rama, with the help of Hanuman and the vanara army.

Uttarakanda: This book deals with the events that occur after Rama's return to Ayodhya and his coronation as the king. It also addresses doubts raised by some citizens regarding Sita's purity, leading to her departure from the kingdom and her eventual return to her mother, the Earth.

The Ramayana, in addition to being a captivating narrative, conveys profound moral, ethical, and spiritual teachings. It is not only a cherished religious scripture but also a classic piece of literature that continues to inspire millions of people around the world.