Hindu religious traditions

Ramayanaरामायण

Sanskrit epic

Valmiki’s epic follows Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman through exile, the abduction of Sita, the war in Lanka and the return to Ayodhya.

Explore connections

STORY & TRADITION

The world of Ramayana.

Valmiki’s epic follows Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman through exile, the abduction of Sita, the war in Lanka and the return to Ayodhya.

The Sacred Library

Details & context.

Tradition dependence
High — compare the identified textual or regional account.
Library category
Itihasa
Form / textual family
Sanskrit epic
Traditional attribution
Traditionally attributed to Valmiki.
Subject & teachings
Valmiki’s epic follows Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman through exile, the abduction of Sita, the war in Lanka and the return to Ayodhya.
Structure
Seven kandas in the received text; textual layers and recensions differ.
Associated deities / figures
Rama; Sita; Lakshmana; Hanuman; Ravana; Ayodhya; Lanka
Textual relationships
Itihasa
Historical context
Composition, transmission and redaction must be distinguished; no unsupported exact date is assigned.
Reading notes
Read the Sanskrit with an identified translation. Commentary is presented by its own school, not as the only interpretation.
Tradition notes
Names and accounts can vary by recension, region and commentary. This entry distinguishes attested details from identifications still requiring a passage-level source.

FOLLOW THE THREADS

Connected worlds.

165 connected profiles. Every path leads to an original record.

Astras35Show all 35 astras connections
Weapons4
Artifacts, Divine Treasures & Relics1
The Sacred Library1
Characters & Cosmic Entities114
DescribesValmikiSage and poet traditionally associated with the Ramayana

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRishyasringaSage associated with Shanta

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMainakaPersonified mountain offering Hanuman rest during the ocean crossing

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesJatayuVulture king and son of Aruna in common epic genealogy

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSampatiJatayu's brother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesIndrajit / MeghanadaRavana's son

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKumbhakarnaRavana's brother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesLavanasuraAsura of Madhura defeated by Shatrughna in Ramayana Uttara Kanda traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesPrahastaRavana's commander and adviser in the Lanka war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAtikayaRavana's powerful son defeated by Lakshmana in the war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAkampanaForest conflict

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKharaRakshasa ruler of Janasthana and Rama's opponent

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDushanaKhara's commander/companion defeated by Rama

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMarichaRakshasa who appears as the golden deer to draw Rama away

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSubahuRakshasa disrupting sacrifice and defeated by Rama under Vishvamitra's guidance

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesTatakaRakshasi confronting Rama early in his forest training

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDevantakaRavana-associated warrior in the Lanka war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesNarantakaRavana-associated warrior confronted by Angada

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesTrishiras RakshasaThree-headed Rakshasa of the forest-war context

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDhumrakshaRavana's commander defeated in the Lanka war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesVajradamshtraRakshasa commander in the Lanka war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMahodaraRavana's adviser and warrior

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMahaparshvaRavana-associated adviser and warrior in the Lanka war

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesNikumbha RakshasaRakshasa Nikumbha

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKumbha RakshasaRakshasa Kumbha

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMakarakshaKhara's son who confronts Rama in the Lanka campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKabandhaCursed

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesHidimbaRakshasa brother of Hidimbi

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAlambushaRakshasa warrior in the Mahabharata who opposes Pandava forces

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSimhikaShadow-catching opponent during Hanuman's ocean crossing

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesLankiniGuardian of Lanka whom Hanuman confronts at the city's entrance

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesViradhaRakshasa defeated by Rama and Lakshmana in the forest and released from a curse

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesJambumaliRakshasa sent against Hanuman in Lanka

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAksha KumaraRavana's son killed in combat with Hanuman

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSumaliRakshasa patriarch

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMalyavanElder Rakshasa and adviser whose counsel to Ravana urges caution

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMaliRakshasa brother in the Mali-Sumali-Malyavan grouping

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSukeshaRakshasa ancestor associated with Mali

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSuka RakshasaRavana's messenger or spy paired with Sarana in the war narrative

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSarana RakshasaRavana's spy paired with Suka

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShardula RakshasaRakshasa spy in the Lanka campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSuptaghnaNamed Rakshasa warrior in Lanka-war lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesYajnakopaNamed Rakshasa warrior in Lanka-war lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSuryashatruNamed Rakshasa warrior in Lanka-war lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAgniketuNamed Rakshasa warrior in Lanka-war lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRashmiketuNamed Rakshasa warrior in Lanka-war lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDurmukha RakshasaRavana-associated warrior

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesVajramushtiRakshasa warrior in Lanka-war traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesPrajanghaRakshasa warrior in the Lanka campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKampana RakshasaRakshasa Kampana in the Lanka-war context

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesPraghasaRakshasa warrior name used in forest and/or Lanka episodes depending on edition

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSonitakshaRakshasa warrior in the Lanka campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesYupakshaRakshasa warrior in the Lanka campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesBharataRama's brother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShatrughnaRama's brother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSugrivaVanara ruler allied with Rama after Vali's death

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAngadaVali and Tara's son

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesJambavanBear-associated elder and adviser who encourages Hanuman

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesNala VanaraVanara bridge-builder

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesNila VanaraVanara leader involved in Rama's bridge and war traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMaindaVanara associated with the Ashvins in divine-origin accounts

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDvividaVanara associated with Mainda and the Ashvins

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesGavakshaVanara commander serving in Rama's campaign

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesGavayaVanara warrior named in the search and army lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSharabha VanaraVanara named Sharabha

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSushena VanaraVanara associated with healing and military service in Rama narratives

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKesariVanara associated with Hanuman's earthly/social parentage through Anjana

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRiksharajaVali-Sugriva origin accounts

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDadhimukhaVanara elder guarding Madhuvana

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKumuda VanaraVanara leader in Rama's search and army lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesGaja VanaraVanara named Gaja

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesPanasa VanaraVanara warrior named in Rama's army

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRishabha VanaraVanara named Rishabha

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShatabaliVanara commander in Rama's search and army lists

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesLavaRama and Sita's son

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKushaRama and Sita's son

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesJanakaJanaka of Mithila

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDasharathaKing of Ayodhya and father of Rama and his brothers

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSagaraSolar king whose sons' fate leads to the Ganga-descent lineage

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesBhagirathaSolar king whose austerities bring Ganga to release his ancestors

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRaghuSolar-dynasty king associated with exemplary rulership and the Raghu lineage

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesDilipaSolar-dynasty king-name with multiple bearers

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAjaAja-Indumati

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesIkshvakuFoundational solar-dynasty ruler

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShabariAscetic devotee visited by Rama

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesTara, Vanara QueenVanara queen

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRumaSugriva's consort

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesTrijataRakshasi who comforts Sita and relates an auspicious dream

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesGuhaNishada ruler and Rama's friend who assists during exile

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMandodariRavana's queen and Indrajit's mother in common accounts

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKausalyaDasharatha's queen and Rama's mother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKaikeyiDasharatha's queen and Bharata's mother

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSumitraDasharatha's queen and mother of Lakshmana and Shatrughna

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesUrmilaLakshmana's consort and Sita's sister in common Ramayana genealogy

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMandaviBharata's consort

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShrutakirtiShatrughna's consort

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesShantaPrincess associated with Dasharatha and Romapada and married to Rishyasringa

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSumantraDasharatha's minister and charioteer accompanying Rama at the start of exile

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesMantharaKaikeyi's attendant whose persuasion affects the succession crisis

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAhalyaGautama's consort and figure of a curse-and-release episode

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSulochanaIndrajit's consort in particular regional Rama traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKaikesiVishrava's consort

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesSunayanaSita's mother/Janaka's queen in later and regional Rama traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesKushadhvajaJanaka's brother and father of Mandavi and Shrutakirti in common epic genealogy

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesRomapadaAnga king associated with Shanta and the invitation to Rishyasringa

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesYudhajitKaikeyi's brother and Bharata's maternal uncle

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesAshvapatiking-name provisionally identified with Kaikeyi's father

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesTaksha, son of BharataSon of Rama's brother Bharata in Uttara Kanda traditions

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
DescribesPushkalaSon of Rama's brother Bharata

Related source tradition; the profile reference identifies the passage and evidence status.

Valmiki Ramayana
Earthly Sacred Locations7
Stories & Events3

Image credit.

Bhagavata Purana manuscript, West Bengal, 16th century (?), LACMA M.88.134.4. Gift of Mr. and Mrs. H. Robert Slusser. Image courtesy LACMA, public domain.

Original source · Public domain, released with LACMA's Public Domain High Resolution Image Available designation

Resized and converted to WebP.

READ THE SOURCES

Texts & references.

01

Valmiki Ramayana

Complete epic; use the linked kanda and sarga for individual episodes.

Ramayana · Translations and numbering vary by edition. Separate the primary text from its commentary.

Reference overview. Consult the identified text and passage; unestablished fields are explicitly marked.