Kritibashi Ramayan [Hardcover]

The Ramayana is an ancient Indian epic that tells the story of Prince Rama, his wife Sita, and his battle to rescue her from the demon king Ravana. Here’s a short gist:

• Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, is exiled to the forest for 14 years due to a promise made by his father, King Dasharatha. He is accompanied by his wife Sita and his loyal brother Lakshmana.

• Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, kidnaps Sita and takes her to his kingdom. Rama, with the help of his devoted allies like Hanuman, Sugriva, and the monkey army, sets out to rescue her.

• After many trials, Rama and his allies build a bridge (Rama Setu) to cross to Lanka. A great battle ensues, where Rama defeats Ravana and rescues Sita.

• Eventually, Rama returns to Ayodhya after completing his exile, where he is crowned king. However, there are doubts about Sita’s chastity during her captivity, and despite proving her purity through an ordeal by fire (Agni Pariksha), she is later banished to the forest. Sita gives birth to twin sons, Luv and Kush, who eventually reunite with their father.

• The story ends with Rama fulfilling his duties as a king, with the narrative exploring ideals of dharma (righteousness), loyalty, love, and devotion.

The Ramayana is a blend of mythology, moral lessons, and cultural history, and it has been retold and adapted in many different forms across the world.