The Ramayana Epic
An overview of Lord Rama's life, his exile, the abduction of Sita, the battle against Ravana, and the establishment of Ram Rajya.
Treta Yuga
Rama
Maryada Purushottama Rama, Raghunandan, Ramachandra
Essence of the Avatar
Purpose of Incarnation
To establish the ideals of dharma, kingship, and moral conduct by living as a perfect human being.
Symbolic Meaning
- Maryada Purushottama – the ideal man, son, husband, and king
- Victory of dharma over adharma
- Self-sacrifice, truth, loyalty, and nobility
Stories, Events & Teachings
Key Events
Born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya in Ayodhya.
Married Sita, princess of Mithila, by breaking Shiva’s bow.
Exiled to forest for 14 years due to Kaikeyi’s boon.
Fought and killed the demon king Ravana to rescue Sita.
Returned to Ayodhya and ruled as an ideal king (Rama Rajya).
Eventually left Earth by walking into the Sarayu River.
Stories & Leelas
The Ideal King and Embodiment of Dharma
Explore the qualities of Lord Rama that make him Maryada Purushottam, the ideal man and upholder of righteousness.
Hanuman's Devotion
Discover the unwavering devotion and service of Hanuman to Lord Rama throughout the epic Ramayana.
Teachings
Dharma is greater than personal comfort.
Rule with justice and compassion.
Even God follows laws of righteousness in human form.
Love and loyalty triumph over ego and tyranny.
Scriptural Quotes
"I can abandon everything — the kingdom, wealth, even Sita — but I can never abandon the path of dharma."
"Raghukul reeti sada chali aayi, pran jaye par vachan na jayi — The tradition of the Raghu clan is that they may give up their life but never their word."
Quick Facts
Category: Dashavatara (#7)
Era: Treta Yuga
Place: Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh, India)
Appearance: Graceful, royal human form with bow and quiver; blue complexion (Dark blue)
Associates: Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Bharata, Shatrughna, Vibhishana
Asuras Defeated: Ravana, Kumbhakarna, Maricha, Tataka
Festivals: Rama Navami, Vijayadashami (Dussehra), Diwali (Return of Rama to Ayodhya), Hanuman Jayanti (associated), Ramayana Week
Scriptural References:
- Valmiki Ramayana
- Ramcharitmanas
- Bhagavata Purana
- Adhyatma Ramayana
- Yoga Vasistha
Bhagavata Purana 9.10.1–51