Overview
The Ramayana, also known as Rama’s Journey, is India’s first significant Sanskrit poetry. It was written by the Indian scholar Valmiki about 400 AD and was inspired by prayers, hymns, and legends about Rama and Sita. While the Ramayana has Hindu beginnings, it has been repeated in a variety of languages and artistic mediums and is revered throughout South and Southeast Asian civilizations.
The epic describes the pilgrimage of the obedient Lord Rama, Prince of Ayodhya, both physically and mentally. Along with his wife Sita and brother Laxmana, Rama was banished from his father’s kingdom for 14 years. Ravana, the demon ruler of the island of Lanka, later kidnaps his beloved Sita, starting a conflict that results in the destruction of Lankapura, the nation’s capital, and the siege of Ravana’s legendary island stronghold.