The gods declared that Rama was born to defeat the demon king Ravana. Rama was the eldest son of King Dasharatha, but his stepmother Kaikeyi convinced the king to exile Rama for 14 years.
Rama's marriage
Rama won Sita's hand in an archery contest. They lived happily in Ayodhya until Rama was exiled.
Sita's kidnapping
Ravana heard about Sita's beauty and kidnapped her. He disguised himself as a holy man and tricked Sita into crossing a line drawn by her brother Lakshmana.
Rama's search for Sita
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana lived in the forest, where they encountered the demoness Surpanakha. When Rama refused her advances, she attacked Sita. Lakshmana cut off her nose and ears.
Rama enlists Hanuman's help
Rama and Lakshmana sought help from Hanuman, the monkey king, to rescue Sita. Hanuman flew to Lanka and found Sita in a backyard. He identified himself as Rama's messenger and carried Sita's ring.
Rama's victory
Rama destroyed Ravana's army and rescued Sita.
The Ramayana is an epic that some say has a complex adult and human aspect. It raises questions about human motivation and how greed and desire can lead to arrogance and self-deception
