Ráma

Also known as: Brave Ráma / King Ráma / Lord of the mighty arm / Prince Ráma / Prince of men · Family: Ayodhyá · Role: prince · First appears: Book I, Canto 1 · Nárad

The summary of Nárad tells how Ráma left for exile to honor Daśaratha’s decree, with Lakshmaṇ and Sítá joining him. He refused Bharat’s appeal to return, giving him his sandals as a pledge of future rule. In Book I, Ráma’s birth to Kauśalyá is recounted; he wins Sítá by breaking the bow and marries her, then defeats foes including Táḍaká and protects Viśvámitra’s rite.

In Book II, when Kaikeyí demands his exile and Bharat’s coronation, Ráma relinquishes the throne and sets out for the forest with Sítá and Lakshmaṇ. He declines Bharat’s repeated appeals to return, insisting on fulfilling their father’s promise. In Books III and IV, he protects the hermits, defeats Khara and his forces, and, after Rávaṇ abducts Sítá, forms an alliance with Sugríva. Ráma kills Báli and restores Sugríva’s kingdom; with the Vánars’ help, he finds Sítá in Lanká.

In Book VI, Ráma leads the army across the sea, accepts Vibhishaṇ’s refuge and names him king, then fights Rávaṇ and kills him. Ráma and Sítá are reunited; he returns to Ayodhyá, where Bharat restores the kingdom and Ráma and Sítá are consecrated king and queen.