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Ramayana
Valmiki
The epic tale of Prince Rama, his exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by demon king Ravana, and his alliance with the monkey god Hanuman.
Notable Academic Translations
Ralph T.H. Griffith (1870)Robert P. Goldman (1984)
Recommended Reading Order
Arshia Sattar's abridged Penguin translation of Valmiki's Ramayana is a widely recommended, accessible starting point.
Canonical Figures in this Text
Key heroes and divinities who feature prominently across the chapters of this work
Key Dramatic Scenes
Pivotal passages and mythological turning points recorded in this canon
- I
Rama's Exile
(Ayodhya Kanda (Book 2))Rama is exiled to the forest for fourteen years to honor a promise his father made to his stepmother Kaikeyi.
- II
The Abduction of Sita
(Aranya Kanda (Book 3))The demon king Ravana abducts Sita after luring Rama away with an illusory golden deer.
- III
Hanuman's Leap to Lanka
(Sundara Kanda (Book 5))Hanuman crosses the ocean to find Sita and sets fire to Ravana's city.
- IV
The War with Ravana
(Yuddha Kanda (Book 6))Rama, with an army of vanaras, kills Ravana and rescues Sita.
- V
Sita's Trial and Rama's Reign
(Yuddha Kanda and Uttara Kanda (Books 6-7))Sita undergoes a trial by fire to prove her fidelity, and later tradition follows Rama's long reign and Sita's eventual banishment.
Source Passages and Editorial Notes
Direct quotations are distinguished from editorial paraphrases and records awaiting verification.
Ref: 3.35.13 (critical edition); 3.37.13 (vulgate)
Editorial paraphraseRama is Dharma personified; he is pious, righteous, and truthful in prowess. He is the sovereign of all the world, as Indra is the ruler of the gods.
Translator: Adapted translation; not verified against GoldmanEditorial adaptation; Goldman not checked
Featured in The Ramayana →Ref: Locator unverified
Verification pendingThen he beheld Rama standing invincible upon the field, bending his mighty bow with supreme force, bringing about the destined end of Ravana and establishing the triumph of truth.
Translator: Translation attribution unverified; do not treat as GoldmanNo verified edition or locator recorded
Featured in The Ramayana →Stories Sourced from this Work
The Ramayana
Epic tale of Prince Rama's exile, the abduction of his wife Sita by demon king Ravana, and the great war to rescue her. Demonstrates the ideals of dharma, duty, devotion, and righteous conduct.
Hanuman's Leap to Lanka
When Sita is held captive by the demon king Ravana, the monkey god Hanuman leaps across the ocean to Lanka, facing supernatural obstacles, to find her and bring hope before the war begins.