- The Ramayana is one of the oldest and most revered epics of India, traditionally attributed to Sage Valmiki and composed around 500 BCE–100 BCE, though oral versions may be much older.
- It contains 24,000 verses (shlokas) divided into 7 books (Kandas) and narrates the life of Lord Rama, prince of Ayodhya, his exile of 14 years, the abduction of his wife Sita by the demon-king Ravana, and the eventual victory of good over evil.
- The Ramayana is not only a spiritual text but also a sociocultural document that presents ideals of dharma, leadership, family duty, loyalty, and moral conduct.
- Historians note that versions of the Ramayana exist in over 300 languages, including Thai, Chinese, Tibetan, Indonesian, Lao, and Khmer traditions—making it one of the most widely adapted epics in the world. Scientific studies also suggest that places mentioned in the Ramayana, such as Rameswaram, Kishkindha, Panchavati, and Lanka, correspond to real-world locations.
- The epic influenced the naming of the Indian Ocean region “Ram Setu”, believed to be the bridge built by the Vanara Sena.
- The Ramayana continues to shape festivals like Diwali (Rama’s return to Ayodhya), inspires classical arts, and remains a source of ethical and spiritual guidance for millions, emphasizing that righteousness ultimately triumphs over ego, injustice, and ignorance.