The Ramayana is a classic epic from ancient India that tells the story of Prince Rama of Ayodhya. Here's a brief overview of the main events:
Bala Kanda (Book of Childhood): The story begins with King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, who has no sons. After performing a sacred fire ritual, his three wives give birth to four sons: Rama (born to Kausalya), Bharata (born to Kaikeyi), and Lakshmana and Shatrughna (twins born to Sumitra). The princes grow up under the tutelage of the sage Vishwamitra, with Rama displaying exceptional virtue and strength. He marries Sita, the beautiful princess of Mithila, after winning a contest of strength.
Ayodhya Kanda (Book of Ayodhya): Dasharatha decides to make Rama his heir apparent. However, his youngest wife, Kaikeyi, under the influence of her wicked maid Manthara, demands that Bharata be crowned king and Rama be exiled to the forest for fourteen years. Bound by his promise, Dasharatha reluctantly fulfills her wish, and Rama, along with his devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana, goes into exile. Dasharatha dies of grief soon after Rama's departure. Bharata, who is away at the time, is deeply saddened by these events and refuses to accept the throne. He goes to the forest to bring Rama back, but Rama insists on honoring his father's vow. Bharata returns to Ayodhya and rules as Rama's regent, keeping Rama's sandals on the throne as a symbol of his authority.
Aranya Kanda (Book of the Forest): Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana live peacefully in the forest for several years. During this time, they encounter various sages and face challenges from demons. The demoness Surpanakha, Ravana's sister, is humiliated by Lakshmana when she tries to seduce Rama. Enraged, she reports this to her brother Ravana, the powerful ten-headed king of Lanka.
Kishkindha Kanda (Book of Kishkindha): Ravana, seeking revenge, sends the demon Maricha to trick Rama and Lakshmana. Maricha disguises himself as a golden deer, and Sita, captivated by its beauty, asks Rama to capture it. While Rama is away hunting the deer, Ravana, disguised as a mendicant, abducts Sita and takes her away to Lanka in his flying chariot. Rama and Lakshmana return to find Sita missing and begin a frantic search for her. They meet Hanuman, the devoted monkey general, and Sugriva, the exiled monkey king. Rama helps Sugriva regain his kingdom from his brother Vali, and in return, Sugriva pledges his army to help Rama find Sita.
Sundara Kanda (Book of Beauty): Hanuman takes a leap across the ocean to Lanka in search of Sita. He finds her imprisoned in Ravana's Ashoka Vatika (garden). Hanuman reassures Sita, conveys Rama's message, and wreaks havoc in Lanka before returning to Rama with news of Sita's whereabouts.
Yuddha Kanda (Book of War): Rama, Lakshmana, and the Vanara (monkey) army, led by Hanuman and Sugriva, build a bridge across the sea to Lanka. A fierce battle ensues between Rama's army and Ravana's demon forces. Many heroes are killed on both sides. Lakshmana is severely wounded but is healed by Hanuman, who brings the Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas. Finally, Rama confronts and kills Ravana in a climactic battle. Sita is rescued and reunited with Rama.
Uttara Kanda (Later Book): After their return to Ayodhya, Rama and Sita are crowned. However, due to public gossip questioning Sita's purity during her captivity, Rama reluctantly banishes her to the forest. In the forest, Sita gives birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha, who are raised by the sage Valmiki. Years later, Rama encounters his sons, recognizes them, and is eventually reunited with Sita. However, unable to bear the accusations any longer, Sita calls upon Mother Earth to receive her, and the earth opens up to take her. Heartbroken, Rama eventually departs from the world and returns to his divine abode.
This is a simplified summary of the Ramayana, and each of these "Kandas" contains many intricate sub-stories and teachings.
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