Ramayana (Valmiki)
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The epic of Rama, prince of Ayodhya, his exile, the abduction of Sita by Ravana and her rescue. Valmiki is honoured as the adi kavi, the first poet.
| Tradition | Hindu |
|---|---|
| Type | Epic (Itihasa) |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| Period | c. 5th century BCE – 3rd century CE, composed in stages (scholarly estimate) |
| Composed or compiled by | Traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki |
What it contains
- About 24,000 verses in seven books (kandas): Bala, Ayodhya, Aranya, Kishkindha, Sundara, Yuddha and Uttara.
- Rama's 14-year exile with Sita and Lakshmana.
- Hanuman's leap to Lanka and the search for Sita (Sundara Kanda).
- The war with Ravana and Rama's return to Ayodhya.
Significance
Rama is held up as the ideal of dharma (maryada purushottam). The Ramayana has been retold in nearly every Indian language and across South-East Asia, and is performed as Ramlila, which UNESCO recognises as Intangible Cultural Heritage.