Ramayana is an epic poem and one of the most important literary works in ancient Indian literature. It tells the story of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu, and his journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The story is set in the Treta Yuga, one of the four ages in Hindu cosmology.
The Ramayana is divided into seven chapters, or kandas, and consists of over 24,000 verses. The poem is attributed to the sage Valmiki, who is considered the Adi Kavi, or first poet, in Sanskrit literature. The Ramayana is not only a religious text, but also a cultural and moral guide for Hindus. It teaches the importance of dharma, or righteousness, and the virtues of love, loyalty, and devotion.
The Ramayana has been adapted into various forms of literature, including plays, films, and television series. It continues to be a significant part of Hindu culture and is celebrated in the festival of Diwali, which marks the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom after defeating Ravana. The poem has also influenced the literary traditions of other countries, such as Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where it is known as the Ramakien or Hikayat Seri Rama.
