Long ago, in the kingdom of Ayodhya, there ruled a wise and powerful king named Dasharatha. He had three queens but no children. Worried about his kingdom's future, he performed a sacred ritual, after which he was blessed with four sons — Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. Among them, Rama was known for his wisdom, kindness, bravery, and obedience.
As the princes grew up, Rama and Lakshmana went with the sage Vishwamitra to protect his sacred rituals from demons. During this journey, Rama showed great courage by defeating powerful demons and protecting righteousness.
Later, Rama traveled to the kingdom of Mithila, ruled by King Janaka. Janaka's daughter, Sita, was a virtuous and beautiful princess. Her marriage was to be decided through a swayamvar, where the suitor had to lift and string Lord Shiva's divine bow. Many kings failed, but Rama lifted and broke the bow effortlessly. Thus, Rama and Sita were married.
Years later, King Dasharatha decided to make Rama the king of Ayodhya. However, his second queen Kaikeyi, influenced by her maid, demanded two promises that the king had once granted her — that her son Bharata should become king and Rama should be sent into exile for fourteen years. Bound by hisीF the word he had given, Dasharatha sadly agreed.
Rama accepted the exile willingly to honor his father's promise. His devoted wife Sita and loyal brother Lakshmana chose to go with him. They left the royal comforts and began living in the forests. Soon after Rama's departure, King Dasharatha died in grief. Bharata refused to accept the throne and ruled the kingdom as Rama's representative, waiting for his return.
During their forest life, a demoness named Shurpanakha approached Rama and tried to harm Sita when her advances were rejected. Lakshmana punished her by cutting off her nose. Seeking revenge, she went to her brother Ravana, the powerful king of Lanka.
Ravana planned to abduct Sita. With the help of a demon who disguised himself as a golden deer, he distracted Rama and Lakshmana. When Sita was left alone, Ravana kidnapped her and took her to Lanka, keeping her captive in a garden called Ashoka Vatika.
When Rama discovered Sita's disappearance, he was filled with sorrow and began searching for her. During this search, he met Hanuman, a devoted follower, and Sugriva, the king of the monkey kingdom. Rama helped Sugriva regain his throne, and in return Sugriva promised to help find Sita.
Hanuman made a great leap across the ocean to Lanka, found Sita, and gave her Rama's ring as proof that help was coming. After warning Ravana to return Sita, Hanuman allowed himself to be captured, and his burning tail set parts of Lanka on fire before he returned to Rama with news of Sita.
Rama then prepared for war. With the help of the monkey army, a bridge called Ram Setu was built across the sea to reach Lanka. A great battle took place between Rama's army and Ravana's forces. Many powerful warriors fought bravely. Ravana's brother Vibhishana joined Rama because he believed in righteousness. Lakshmana defeated Ravana's mighty son Indrajit. Finally, Rama killed Ravana with a divine weapon, ending his tyranny and rescuing Sita.
After the victory, Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana returned to Ayodhya after fourteen years of exile. The people welcomed them by lighting lamps everywhere — an event celebrated as the festival of Diwali. Rama was crowned king, and his rule, known as Ram Rajya, became a symbol of justice, peace, and ideal governance.
Later, when some people questioned Sita's purity after her stay in Lanka, Rama, putting his duty as a king above personal feelings, sent her to the forest. She took refuge in Valmiki's ashram and gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha. They grew up learning the story of Rama's life.
Years later, Sita proved her purity and returned to Mother Earth. Eventually, after completing his duties, Rama ended his earthly life and returned to his divine form.