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Bála Káṇḍa: Ráma's Youth and Divine Destiny

Sage Válmíki hears the legend of Ráma from Nárada and invents the ślóka verse meter after witnessing the sorrow of a crane. In Ayodhyá, King Dasharatha performs the sacred horse sacrifice to gain heirs, resulting in the birth of Ráma and his three brothers. Prince Ráma accompanies sage Vishvámitra into the forest to slay demonic disruptors of holy rites. Arriving in Mithilá, Ráma bends and snaps the mighty bow of Lord Śiva, winning Princess Sítá in marriage.

Ayodhyá Káṇḍa: The Exile from Ayodhyá

King Dasharatha prepares to crown Ráma as regent, but Queen Kaikeyi demands the exile of Ráma to the Daṇḍaka forest for fourteen years and the coronation of her son Bharata. Ráma dutifully accepts the decree, departing alongside Sítá and his devoted brother Lakshmaṇa. Dasharatha dies of grief shortly after their departure. Bharata refuses the throne, seeking Ráma in the wilderness to present him with wooden sandals, which Bharata places upon the throne to rule in Ráma's name.

Araṇya Káṇḍa: The Abduction in the Forest

Ráma, Sítá, and Lakshmaṇa dwell peacefully in the Daṇḍaka forest until the demoness Śúrpanakhá attempts to attack Sítá, prompting Lakshmaṇa to mutilate her. Her brother Rávaṇa, demon king of Laṅká, seeks vengeance by sending Málícha disguised as a golden deer to lure the brothers away. Rávaṇa abducts Sítá in their absence, mortally wounding the heroic vulture Jaṭáyu who attempts a rescue. Ráma discovers the abandoned camp and vows to rescue his captive bride.

Kishkindhá Káṇḍa: The Alliance with the Vanaras

Ráma and Lakshmaṇa journey south toward Lake Pampá and forge an alliance with Sugríva, an exiled monkey prince. Ráma slays Sugríva's brother Váli, restoring Sugríva to his kingdom of Kishkindhá. In gratitude, Sugríva dispatches monkey armies across four directions to locate Sítá. A search party led by Prince Aṅgada, Jámbaván, and Hanumán reaches the southern ocean, where the vulture Sampáti reveals that Sítá is captive on the island of Laṅká.

Sundara Káṇḍa: Hanumán's Mission to Laṅká

Hanumán expands his size and leaps across the southern ocean, overcoming marine obstacles to enter the fortress city of Laṅká. He discovers Sítá guarded in the Aśoka grove, steadfastly rejecting Rávaṇa's advances. Hanumán presents Ráma's signet ring to Sítá, offering reassurance of her impending rescue. Before returning north, Hanumán slays demon commanders, allows himself to be captured, and sets fire to Laṅká with his burning tail.

Yuddha Káṇḍa: The Great War and Return

Ráma's army builds a stone bridge across the ocean to Laṅká, joined by Rávaṇa's righteous brother Vibhíshaṇa. A fierce war culminates in Lakshmaṇa slaying Indrajit and Ráma killing Rávaṇa with the divine Brahmástra arrow. Sítá proves her purity through trial by fire, satisfying public doubts. Ráma, Sítá, and Lakshmaṇa return to Ayodhyá aboard the flying chariot Pushpaka, where Ráma is crowned king, establishing a reign of peace and justice.

Book

The Rámáyan of Válmíki

An ancient Sanskrit epic recounting prince Ráma's righteous exile, Sítá's abduction, and the ultimate victory over demon king Rávaṇa.

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