Ramayana
रामायण
Adikavya — The First Poem
A timeless journey of dharma, devotion, exile, and return.
Start ReadingAbout This Book
The Ramayana is one of India's most revered epics, narrating the life and journey of Lord Rama, the ideal human being and embodiment of dharma. Through exile, trials, devotion, and unwavering values, the Ramayana explores what it means to live rightly in the world.
How This Book Is Organised
The Ramayana is structured to guide the reader step by step through its narrative.
Kandas
Major sections of the story
Sargas
Chapters within each Kanda
Shloka
Verses read one by one
Kandas of the Ramayana
The Ramayana is traditionally divided into six Kandas.
Each Kanda represents a distinct phase in Rama's journey.
Bāla Kāṇḍa — Book of Youth, Beginnings, and Origins
The Book of Childhood - describes the birth and early life of Rama
This Kanda narrates the origins of Lord Rama, the lineage of the Iksvaku dynasty, and the events that prepare the ground for the epic journey ahead.
Ayodhya Kanda — Book of Ayodhya (the royal capital and its crisis)
The Book of Ayodhya - describes events in Ayodhya leading to Rama's exile
This Kanda narrates the preparations for Rama's coronation, the intrigue that leads to his exile, and the profound grief of Dasharatha.
Araṇya Kāṇḍa — Book of the Forest (The Wilderness/Exile in the Woods)
The Book of the Forest - describes Rama's life in the forest
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana live in the forests among sages and ascetics. This Kanda depicts encounters leading to the abduction of Sita.
Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa — Book of Kiṣkindhā (the Vanara capital; alliance and mobilization)
The Book of Kishkindha - describes the kingdom of the Vanaras
This Kanda focuses on Rama's alliance with the Vaanara king Sugriva and the devotion of Hanuman.
Sundara Kanda — Book of Beauty/Excellence (the ‘beautiful’ book, celebrated for its literary and spiritual brilliance)
The Beautiful Book - describes Hanuman's journey to Lanka
Often considered the heart of the Ramayana, this Kanda centers on Hanuman's journey to Lanka.
Yuddha Kanda (Book of War/Battle)
The Book of War - describes the battle between Rama and Ravana
This Kanda describes the great battle between Rama and Ravana, examining the clash between dharma and adharma.