DETAILED OVERVIEW OF VALMIKI RAMAYANA
Composition of Valmiki Ramayana
This epic scripture is divided into seven Kandas (books), each illuminating different phases of Lord Rama’s life. These Kandas are as follows:
Bala Kanda (Childhood Phase)
Birth of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna from King Dasharatha’s Putrakameshti Yajna.
Rama and Lakshmana slay the demoness Tataka and Subahu.
Birth of Sita (emerging from the earth) and the breaking of Shiva’s bow.
Marriage of Rama and Sita, and the dialogue between Parashurama and Rama.
Ayodhya Kanda (Events in Ayodhya)
Preparations for Rama’s coronation as the crown prince.
Manthara’s conspiracy and Kaikeyi’s two boons.
Rama’s 14-year exile, accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana.
Dasharatha’s sorrowful demise and Bharata’s worship of Rama’s sandals.
Aranya Kanda (Exile Period)
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana enter the Dandaka forest.
Shurpanakha’s humiliation and the cutting of her nose and ears.
Deception by the golden deer and Sita’s abduction.
Jatayu’s battle with Ravana and his death.
Kishkindha Kanda (Episode of the Monkey Kingdom)
Rama meets Sugriva and forms an alliance.
Battle between Vali and Sugriva leading to Vali’s death.
The monkey army begins the search for Sita.
Sampati’s revelation: “Sita is in Lanka!”
Sundara Kanda (Description of Hanuman’s Heroics)
Hanuman’s leap across the ocean.
Meeting with Sita in Ashoka Vatika.
Warning to Ravana and the burning of Lanka.
Hanuman returns to Rama with news of Sita.
Yuddha Kanda (Rama-Ravana War)
Construction of Rama’s bridge (Rama Setu).
A battle between Indrajit and Lakshmana and the Sanjeevani herb.
Battle between Kumbhakarna and Rama.
The Rama-Ravana war and Ravana’s death.
Sita’s fire ordeal and return to Ayodhya.
Uttara Kanda (Epilogue, considered a later addition)
Rama’s coronation (Ram Rajya).
Sita’s second exile.
Birth of Lava-Kusha and the singing of the Ramayana.
Sita’s return to Mother Earth.
Rama’s departure to Vaikuntha.
Each Kanda is composed in verse, making this epic a masterpiece of Sanskrit literature. Sage Valmiki narrates events and embodies philosophy, ethics, and human values.
Through these seven Kandas, the Ramayana attains completeness, making it an immortal work in Indian culture.
The Complete Timeline of Shri Rama’s 11,000+ Years of Life
Shri Rama’s life can be divided into four major phases:
Childhood to Coronation (25 years)
Exile Period (14 years)
Post-Sita Exile Period (12 years)
Reign and Final 10,000 Years
Childhood to Coronation (25 Years)
| Age | Event |
|---|---|
| Birth | Born on Chaitra Shukla Navami in Ayodhya |
| 5 years | Education in Gurukul with Vishwamitra |
| 12-15 years | Sita’s swayamvara, slaying of Tataka, battle with Maricha-Subahu |
| 18 years | Marriage to Sita |
| 25 years | Preparation for coronation, Kaikeyi’s demands, exile begins |
Exile Period (14 Years)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1st year | Crossing the Ganga, meeting Guha, stay in Chitrakuta |
| 3rd year | Shurpanakha’s mutilation, slaying of Khara-Dushana |
| 6th year | Abduction of Sita, death of Jatayu, meeting Hanuman |
| 10th year | Burning of Lanka, Rama-Ravana war begins |
| 14th year | Ravana’s death, Sita’s fire ordeal, return to Ayodhya |
Post-Sita Exile Period (12 Years)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1st year | Sita’s exile, settlement in Valmiki’s ashram |
| 5th year | Birth of Lava-Kusha |
| 10th year | Learning of Valmiki Ramayana |
| 12th year | Ashwamedha Yajna, Lava-Kusha’s battle, Sita’s return to Earth |
10,000-Year Reign (After Sita’s Separation)
(A) Initial 1,000 Years
- Establishment of kingdoms for Lava-Kusha (Lavapura, Kushavati).
- Conducting yajnas and spreading dharma (Ashwamedha, Rajasuya).
- Shambuka’s execution (Valmiki Ramayana, Uttara Kanda).
(B) Middle 5,000 Years
- Wars with demons, Yavanas, and Gandharvas (as per Padma Purana).
- Protection of dharma with Hanuman, Lakshmana, and Bharata.
(C) Final 4,000 Years
- Meditation on the banks of the Sarayu.
- Meeting with Yamadutas, the decision to leave the mortal body.
(D) Final Event: Sarayu Samadhi
- Lakshmana takes Jal Samadhi first (requested by Yama).
- Hanuman, Sugriva, Bharata, and Shatrughna follow.
- Shri Rama enters the Sarayu (departure to Vishnuloka).
Chronology as per Authoritative Sources
| Scripture | Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Valmiki Ramayana | 11,000 years |
| Padma Purana | 10,000 years (post-Sita’s separation) |
| Bhavishya Purana | 10,000+ years |
Conclusion
Shri Rama’s life spanned 11,000+ years, divided into:
- 25 years → Childhood, youth, till coronation.
- 14 years → Exile, war, victory.
- 12 years → Sita’s exile, the upbringing of Lava-Kusha.
- 10,000 years → Reign of righteousness, wars, and final samadhi.
“Ramo Vigrahavan Dharmah”—This entire period was dedicated to establishing dharma, justice, and ideal governance.