THE GREAT RAMAYANA

The Epic Journey of Lord Rama

Explore the timeless tale of dharma, devotion, and victory of good over evil through the seven Kands of Valmiki's Ramayana. Discover the rich tapestry of characters, places, and profound teachings that have guided humanity for millennia.

Ramayana at a Glance

7
Kands (Books)
24,000
Verses (Shlokas)
500+
Chapters (Sargas)
14
Years of Exile

Complete Family Tree & Character Relationships

Lord Vishnu
Supreme Deity
Goddess Lakshmi
Divine Consort
King Raghu
Ancestor
King Aja
Grandfather
King Janaka
Sita's Father
King Dasharatha
Father of Rama
Queen Kausalya
Rama's Mother
Queen Kaikeyi
Bharata's Mother
Queen Sumitra
Twins' Mother
Lord Rama
Maryada Purushottam
Vishnu's Avatar
Goddess Sita
Ideal Wife
Lakshmi's Avatar
Lakshmana
Devoted Brother
Bharata
Righteous Prince
Shatrughna
Loyal Brother
Hanuman
Greatest Devotee
Son of Vayu
Sugriva
Vanara King
Vibhishana
Righteous Rakshasa
Jatayu
Noble Eagle
Ravana
Ten-Headed Demon King
Kumbhakarna
Ravana's Brother
Surpanakha
Ravana's Sister
Indrajit
Ravana's Son
Sage Vishwamitra
Royal Sage
Sage Valmiki
Author of Ramayana
Sage Agastya
Southern Sage
Sage Bharadwaja
Forest Hermit
Luv
Rama's Son
Kusha
Rama's Son
Angada
Vali's Son
Main Characters
Divine Beings
Royal Family
Sages & Mentors

Seven Kands of Ramayana

1

Bala Kanda (बाल कांड)

The Book of Childhood - Chronicles Rama's divine birth, early life, education under Sage Vishwamitra, and marriage to Sita

• 77 Chapters (Sargas) • Birth of four princes • Breaking of Shiva's bow • Wedding celebrations
Read Full Kand
2

Ayodhya Kanda (अयोध्या कांड)

The Book of Ayodhya - Rama's exile due to Kaikeyi's boons, Dasharatha's death, and the beginning of the 14-year forest journey

• 119 Chapters • Rama's coronation preparations • Kaikeyi's demands • Bharata's devotion • Chitrakoot residence
Read Full Kand
3

Aranya Kanda (अरण्य कांड)

The Book of the Forest - Life in exile, encounters with sages, demons, and the tragic abduction of Sita by Ravana

• 75 Chapters • Panchavati residence • Surpanakha incident • Golden deer deception • Jatayu's sacrifice
Read Full Kand
4

Kishkindha Kanda (किष्किंधा कांड)

The Book of Kishkindha - Meeting Hanuman and Sugriva, forming alliance with Vanaras, and the search for Sita begins

• 67 Chapters • Vali-Sugriva conflict • Hanuman's introduction • Vanara army formation • Search parties dispatched
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5

Sundara Kanda (सुंदर कांड)

The Beautiful Book - Hanuman's heroic leap across the ocean, finding Sita in Lanka, and delivering Rama's message of hope

• 68 Chapters • Ocean crossing • Ashoka Vatika • Sita's meeting • Lanka burning • Return with news
Read Full Kand
6

Yuddha Kanda (युद्ध कांड)

The Book of War - The epic battle in Lanka, defeat of Ravana and his demon army, and the rescue of Sita

• 131 Chapters • Bridge to Lanka • Great war • Ravana's death • Sita's Agni Pariksha • Victory celebration
Read Full Kand
7

Uttara Kanda (उत्तर कांड)

The Final Book - Return to Ayodhya, Rama's coronation, establishment of Ram Rajya, and the later events of their lives

• 111 Chapters • Triumphant return • Diwali celebration • Ram Rajya • Sita's exile • Final departure
Read Full Kand

Key Characters

Hero

Rama (राम)

The seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, prince of Ayodhya, embodiment of dharma and righteousness

• Born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya • Married to Sita • Known as Maryada Purushottam • Established ideal governance (Ram Rajya)
Heroine

Sita (सीता)

Daughter of Earth, princess of Mithila, incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi, symbol of purity and devotion

• Found by King Janaka while plowing • Chose Rama in swayamvara • Accompanied Rama in exile • Underwent Agni Pariksha • Mother of Luv and Kush
Devotee

Hanuman (हनुमान)

Son of Vayu, greatest devotee of Rama, symbol of strength, courage, and unwavering devotion

• Born to Anjana and Kesari • Blessed with immortality • Leaped across the ocean to Lanka • Burned Lanka with his tail • Brought Sanjeevani herb
Brother

Lakshmana (लक्ष्मण)

Rama's devoted younger brother, son of Sumitra, symbol of loyalty and sacrifice

• Twin brother of Shatrughna • Accompanied Rama in exile • Protected Sita • Cut Surpanakha's nose • Never slept during 14 years of exile
Villain

Ravana (रावण)

Ten-headed demon king of Lanka, great scholar and devotee of Shiva, but consumed by ego and desire

• Son of sage Vishrava • Defeated Kubera and conquered Lanka • Received boons from Brahma • Abducted Sita • Killed by Rama's Brahmastra
Ally

Sugriva (सुग्रीव)

King of Vanaras, Rama's ally, brother of Vali, ruler of Kishkindha after Vali's death

• Son of Surya • Exiled by brother Vali • Helped by Rama to regain kingdom • Organized search for Sita • Led Vanara army to Lanka
Brother

Bharata (भरत)

Rama's younger brother, son of Kaikeyi, epitome of righteousness and devotion to elder brother

• Refused to accept throne meant for Rama • Ruled as regent with Rama's sandals • Lived ascetic life for 14 years • Welcomed Rama back to Ayodhya • Symbol of ideal brotherhood
Brother

Shatrughna (शत्रुघ्न)

Rama's youngest brother, son of Sumitra, known for his loyalty and bravery

• Accompanied Rama and Lakshmana in exile • Fought valiantly in the battle against Ravana • Symbol of loyalty and courage
Sage

Valmiki (वाल्मीकि)

The Adi Kavi (first poet), author of the Ramayana, transformed from bandit Ratnakar to great sage

• Composed the first Sanskrit epic • Gave shelter to Sita during her second exile • Taught Luv and Kush • Witnessed Sita's return to Earth • Established the tradition of epic poetry
King

Dasharatha (दशरथ)

King of Ayodhya, father of Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, known for his valor and righteousness

• Descendant of Ikshvaku dynasty • Had three queens: Kausalya, Kaikeyi, Sumitra • Performed Putrakameshti yajna for sons • Bound by his promise to Kaikeyi • Died of grief after Rama's exile
King

Janaka (जनक)

Philosopher-king of Mithila, Sita's adoptive father, renowned for his wisdom and spiritual knowledge

• Found Sita while plowing field • Organized Sita's swayamvara • Known as Videha (bodiless) for his detachment • Patron of learning and philosophy • Welcomed Rama's family with great honor
Sage

Vishwamitra (विश्वामित्र)

Great sage and former king, Rama's first guru, who transformed from Kshatriya to Brahmarishi through penance

• Originally King Kaushika • Became sage through intense penance • Taught Rama divine weapons • Protected his yajna with Rama's help • Guided Rama to Sita's swayamvara • Created new constellations
Bird

Jatayu (जटायु)

Noble vulture king, friend of Dasharatha, who sacrificed his life trying to save Sita from Ravana

• Son of Aruna, brother of Sampati • Friend and contemporary of Dasharatha • Fought valiantly against Ravana • Informed Rama about Sita's abduction • Died in Rama's arms • Received moksha from Rama
Demoness

Surpanakha (शूर्पणखा)

Ravana's sister, whose rejection and humiliation by Rama and Lakshmana led to the events culminating in the great war

• Sister of Ravana and Khara • Approached Rama with romantic intentions • Rejected by both Rama and Lakshmana • Nose and ears cut by Lakshmana • Complained to Ravana, leading to Sita's abduction • Catalyst for the war
Vanara

Angada (अंगद)

Son of Vali, nephew of Sugriva, brave Vanara warrior and diplomat who served as Rama's messenger to Ravana

• Prince of Kishkindha • Led search party to the south • Discovered Sita's location through Sampati • Served as Rama's emissary to Ravana • Challenged Ravana's court • Fought bravely in Lanka war
Demon

Vibhishana (विभीषण)

Ravana's righteous younger brother who joined Rama's side, later became king of Lanka after Ravana's death

• Youngest brother of Ravana • Devotee of Lord Vishnu • Advised Ravana to return Sita • Banished from Lanka for opposing Ravana • Joined Rama's army • Crowned king of Lanka by Rama

More Characters

Shabari Ally

Devotee who offers berries to Rama; symbolizes pure devotion.

Jambavan Ally

Wise bear-king who guides Hanuman to realize his strength.

Nala Ally

Engineer of the Rama Setu; helps build the bridge to Lanka.

Nila Ally

Vanara commander aiding in the Lanka campaign.

Sampati Ally

Jatayu’s brother who informs the search party about Sita’s location.

Trijata Ally

Rakshasi who consoles Sita in Ashoka Vatika.

Vali Neutral

Vanara king; slain by Rama to restore justice and seat Sugriva.

Tara Neutral

Vali’s wise queen; counsels prudence and peace.

Guha Neutral

Nishada chief and friend of Rama; aids during exile.

Mandodari Antagonist

Ravana’s noble queen; often urges him to return Sita.

Maricha Antagonist

Rakshasa who lures Rama away in golden-deer guise.

Subahu Antagonist

Rakshasa defeated by Rama during Vishwamitra’s yagna.

Akampana Antagonist

Ravana’s advisor who instigates the abduction of Sita.

Khara & Dushana Antagonist

Surpanakha’s brothers; slain by Rama after attacking Panchavati.

Sacred Places

Kingdom

Ayodhya (अयोध्या)

Capital of Kosala kingdom, birthplace of Rama, symbol of ideal governance and prosperity

• Located on banks of river Sarayu • Ruled by Ikshvaku dynasty • Known for its magnificent palaces • Center of dharmic governance • Modern-day Uttar Pradesh
Kingdom

Mithila (मिथिला)

Kingdom of King Janaka, birthplace of Sita, center of learning and philosophy

• Ruled by philosopher-king Janaka • Famous for Sita's swayamvara • Center of Vedic learning • Known for spiritual discussions • Modern-day Bihar/Nepal border
Forest

Panchavati (पंचवटी)

Sacred grove where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived during exile, site of Sita's abduction

• Located on banks of Godavari river • Named after five banyan trees • Built hermitage here • Scene of Surpanakha incident • Modern-day Maharashtra
Kingdom

Lanka (लंका)

Golden city of Ravana, island kingdom across the ocean, site of the great war

• Originally ruled by Kubera • Conquered by Ravana • Made of gold and precious stones • Surrounded by fortifications • Modern-day Sri Lanka
Mountain

Kishkindha (किष्किंधा)

Kingdom of Vanaras, ruled by Sugriva, base for the search and rescue mission

• Located near Rishyamukha mountain • Capital of Vanara kingdom • Alliance formed with Rama • Search parties organized • Modern-day Karnataka
Garden

Ashoka Vatika (अशोक वाटिका)

Beautiful garden in Lanka where Sita was held captive, site of Hanuman's meeting with Sita

• Filled with Ashoka trees • Guarded by Rakshasis • Sita's place of captivity • Hanuman's first meeting with Sita • Scene of Lanka's partial destruction
Forest

Chitrakoot (चित्रकूट)

Sacred hill where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana first stayed during exile, place of Bharata's visit

• Beautiful natural setting • Built hermitage on Kamadgiri hill • Bharata's emotional meeting with Rama • Sage Atri and Anasuya's ashram nearby • Modern-day Madhya Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh border
Bridge

Rama Setu (राम सेतु)

The legendary bridge built by Vanaras to cross the ocean to Lanka, engineering marvel of ancient times

• Built under supervision of Nala and Nila • Stones floated by chanting Rama's name • 100 yojanas (800 miles) long • Completed in 5 days • Also known as Adam's Bridge
Ashram

Dandaka Forest (दंडक वन)

Vast forest region where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent most of their exile, home to many sages and hermitages

• Stretched across central India • Home to sages like Agastya, Sutikshna • Protected by Rama from demons • Site of many spiritual teachings • Covered modern Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh
Mountain

Rishyamukha (ऋष्यमूक)

Sacred mountain where Sugriva lived in exile, protected by sage's curse, meeting place of Rama and Hanuman

• Cursed by sage Matanga • Vali couldn't enter this mountain • Sugriva's safe haven • First meeting of Rama and Hanuman • Located in present-day Karnataka • Beautiful lake Pampa nearby

Key Events Timeline

King Dasharatha's Reign (राजा दशरथ का शासन)
Bala Kanda
King Dasharatha rules Ayodhya with wisdom and justice. His reign is marked by prosperity and peace.
Birth of Rama (राम जन्म)
Bala Kanda
Prince Rama is born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. He is the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, born to restore dharma on earth.
Sita Swayamvara (सीता स्वयंवर)
Bala Kanda
Rama breaks Lord Shiva's bow at Sita's swayamvara in Mithila, winning her hand in marriage. This divine union represents the perfect harmony of masculine and feminine principles.
Rama's Exile (राम वनवास)
Ayodhya Kanda
Due to Queen Kaikeyi's demands, Rama accepts 14 years of exile to honor his father's promise. Sita and Lakshmana voluntarily accompany him, showing ultimate devotion.
Sita's Abduction (सीता हरण)
Aranya Kanda
Ravana, the ten-headed demon king of Lanka, abducts Sita through deception. This act of adharma sets the stage for the great battle between good and evil.
Meeting Hanuman (हनुमान मिलन)
Kishkindha Kanda
Rama meets Hanuman and forms an alliance with Sugriva and the Vanara army. Hanuman becomes Rama's greatest devotee and most trusted ally in the quest to rescue Sita.
Hanuman's Leap (हनुमान छलांग)
Sundara Kanda
Hanuman leaps across the ocean to Lanka, finds Sita in Ashoka Vatika, and delivers Rama's message. His courage and devotion inspire hope in Sita's heart during her darkest hour.
Battle of Lanka (लंका युद्ध)
Yuddha Kanda
The great war begins in Lanka. Rama's army of Vanaras fights against Ravana's demon forces. The battle represents the eternal struggle between dharma and adharma.
Defeat of Ravana (रावण वध)
Yuddha Kanda
Rama defeats Ravana with the Brahmastra, ending the demon king's reign of terror. This victory of good over evil restores cosmic order and dharma to the world.
Return to Ayodhya (अयोध्या वापसी)
Uttara Kanda
After 14 years of exile, Rama returns to Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshmana. The people celebrate by lighting lamps, establishing the tradition of Diwali. Rama is crowned king, beginning Ram Rajya.
Rama's Coronation (राम का राज्याभिषेक)
Uttara Kanda
Rama is crowned king of Ayodhya, ushering in a golden age of peace and prosperity. His rule is marked by justice, righteousness, and the welfare of his subjects.
Rama's Legacy (राम की विरासत)
Uttara Kanda
Rama's legacy is celebrated through the ages, symbolizing the ideals of dharma, duty, and righteousness. His story inspires countless generations to uphold these values.
Rama's Departure (राम का प्रस्थान)
Uttara Kanda
Rama departs from Ayodhya, leaving behind a legacy of righteousness and justice. His story continues to inspire and guide humanity towards the path of dharma.

Family & Allies Flowchart

Hero Ally Sage Antagonist Divine Neutral