आदिकाव्य - The First Poetry
"रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः" - "Rāma is dharma personified"
Composed by Maharshi Vālmīki, the Rāmāyaṇa is the eternal story of love, duty, sacrifice, and the triumph of good over evil. Through 24,000 verses, it presents the ideal of human conduct and divine grace.
बालकाण्ड
Dawn of Dharma
The childhood section narrating the birth of Rāma, his early life, marriage to Sītā, and the breaking of Śiva's bow.
अयोध्याकाण्ड
Sacrifice & Duty
The Ayodhya section covering Rāma's exile, Daśaratha's death, and Bharata's exemplary devotion.
अरण्यकाण्ड
Trials in Exile
The forest section describing life in exile, encounters with sages, and Sītā's abduction by Rāvaṇa.
किष्किन्धाकाण्ड
Divine Alliance
The Kishkindha section featuring Rāma's alliance with Sugrīva and Hanumān, and the search for Sītā.
सुन्दरकाण्ड
Heroic Devotion
The beautiful section dedicated to Hanumān's heroic journey to Laṅkā and meeting with Sītā.
युद्धकाण्ड
Victory of Good
The war section narrating the great battle in Laṅkā, Rāvaṇa's defeat, and Sītā's rescue.
उत्तरकाण्ड
Eternal Glory
The final section covering Rāma's reign, later events, and the ultimate journey to Vaikuṇṭha.
Maryāda Puruṣottama
Ideal of Purity
Devotion Incarnate
Pride's Downfall
"मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः।
यत्क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम्॥"
The first śloka ever composed, born from Vālmīki's compassion for the krauñcha bird
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