4282 - Srimad Valmiki Ramayana
Author: Sage Valmiki
Description: The Valmiki Ramayana is the original Sanskrit epic composed by sage Valmiki, presenting the life of Prince Rāma—his birth, exile, Sita’s abduction, Ravana’s defeat, and return to Ayodhya. Spanning approximately 24,000 verses across seven Kansas (Bala to Uttara), each divided into multiple chapters (sargas), it weaves together devotion, moral teachings, philosophy, and human drama. This work is revered as the Adikavya—the first great classical Sanskrit poem—and holds foundational status in Indian religious and literary culture. ⸻ Keywords: Valmiki Ramayana, Sanskrit epic, seven Kandas, Itihasa, dharma, Rama’s life, epic poetry, ancient Indian scripture ⸻ Ideal for: Scholars of Sanskrit and ancient Indian literature, students of Hindu culture and spirituality, comparative mythologists, and readers seeking a complete, original narrative of Rama with philosophical and ethical depth. ⸻ Age: 18 years and up (due to the epic’s length, classical style, and philosophical complexity). ⸻ Theme: Righteous action (dharma), ideal conduct (Rama as the ideal man), devotion, family duty, moral integrity, cosmic order, triumph of good over evil. ⸻ Tone: Elevated, serious, reverent, richly poetic, with interwoven philosophical reflections; the emotional tone ranges from solemn pathos to triumphant resolution (). ⸻ Book Type: Classical scripture; Sanskrit epic poem; foundational religious and literary text (Itihasa). ⸻ Length: Approximately 24,000 verses.