Despite its huge popularity in Eastern cultures, and even though it is recognized by many Western scholars as a literary masterpiece, most people in the West have never heard of Ramayana.
The story of Lord Rama is both a spellbinding adventure and a work of profound philosophy, offering answers to life's deepest questions. It tells of another time when gods and heroes walked among us, facing supernatural forces of evil and guided by powerful mystics and sages.
Revered throughout the ages for it's moral and spiritual wisdom, it is a beautiful and uplifting tale of romance and high adventure, recounting the odyssey of Rama, a great king of Ancient India. Rama, along with his beautiful wife, Sita, and faithful brother Lakshmana, is exiled to the forest for fourteen years, where Sita is kidnapped by the powerful demon Ravana. Along with his brother Lakshmana and a fantastic army of supernatural creatures, Rama embarks on a perilous quest to find his beloved Sita.
The Lord Himself says in Ramayana, "If one surrenders unto Me sincerely, saying, `My Lord, from this day I am fully surrendered unto You,' I always give him protection. That is My vow.” Since the ultimate benefit of hearing the Ramayana is increased faith in Lord Rama, everyone will want to read this important book.
Who is Rama?
Described by the Vedas as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Rama appeared in human society many millennia ago. Ramayana is an account of his pastimes performed whilst on earth, compiled by the sage and mystic Valmiki. It tells how Rama took his birth in order to assist the gods in their mission of eradicating evil from the world. From the very beginning of his life Rama displayed all divine qualities. His superhuman activities culminated in the killing of the otherwise invincible ten headed demon Ravana. The Vedas say that simply by regularly hearing of Rama’s activities one can achieve perfection and happiness in life, and ultimately attain spiritual emancipation. His famous consort Sita was an incarnation of the Goddess of Fortune, Sri Lakshmidevi. Those who become devoted to Rama attract her mercy and are thus blessed with all opulence. In the ancient Vedic text, Bhagavat Purana, it is said: “Lord Rama’s spotless name and fame, which can vanquish all sinful reactions, are celebrated in all directions of the universe. Great saints are forever chanting his glories. All the gods, including even Brahma and Siva, worship him by bowing their heads to the ground. Let us therefore offer our obeisances to him.”