The Ramayana primarily follows the journey of Rama as he encounters challenges, meets allies, and combats adversaries, focusing on ideals of loyalty, duty, and love.
- Bala Kanda (Book of Youth)
- The story begins with the birth of Rama and his three brothers, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna, to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.
- Sage Vishwamitra takes young Rama and Lakshmana on an adventure to protect his yagna (ritual) from demons.
- Rama wins the hand of Sita by lifting and stringing the divine bow of Shiva, thus marrying her.
- Ayodhya Kanda (Book of Ayodhya)
- Due to palace intrigue, orchestrated by Queen Kaikeyi, Rama is exiled to the forest for 14 years.
- Rama, along with his wife Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana, willingly goes into exile to uphold his father’s word.
- Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest)
- The trio lives in the forest and encounters various sages, demons, and mystics.
- Shurpanakha, sister of the demon king Ravana, tries to seduce Rama but is humiliated, leading Ravana to seek revenge.
- Ravana kidnaps Sita and takes her to his kingdom, Lanka, sparking the main conflict of the epic.
- Kishkindha Kanda (Book of Kishkindha)
- Rama befriends Sugriva, the exiled monkey king, and his loyal general, Hanuman.
- Together, they form an alliance to rescue Sita, and with the help of Hanuman, they learn about Sita’s location in Lanka.
- Sundara Kanda (Book of Beauty)
- This book focuses on Hanuman’s heroics as he leaps across the ocean to Lanka, meets Sita, and brings back her message to Rama.
- Hanuman’s journey symbolizes devotion, strength, and courage.
- Yuddha Kanda (Book of War)
- Rama, with his army of monkeys, crosses to Lanka and wages war against Ravana.
- After a fierce battle, Rama defeats Ravana and rescues Sita, restoring peace.
- Uttara Kanda (Last Book)
- This section deals with Rama and Sita’s return to Ayodhya, where Rama is crowned king.
- Due to societal gossip, Sita is eventually exiled, and she takes refuge in the ashram of sage Valmiki, where she raises her sons, Lava and Kusha.
- The story ends with a reunion and Rama’s eventual return to the divine realm.