Read the original epic
The Valmiki Ramayana, shloka by shloka
Journey through all seven Kandas with Sanskrit, transliteration, word meanings, explanations, and available commentary.
Start with the first shloka
An enduring Sanskrit epic
What is the Ramayana?
Traditionally attributed to Maharishi Valmiki, the Ramayana narrates the life of Rama, the exile shared by Sita and Lakshmana, Sita's abduction, and the journey that follows.
The epic has shaped literature, performance, visual art, festivals, and ethical reflection across India and beyond. Many communities also preserve distinct regional retellings and living traditions of interpretation.
Seven books
Choose a Kanda
Each Kanda opens to a chapter list. Your reading position and bookmarks remain on this device.
Kanda 1
Bala Kanda
The opening book introduces Valmiki, Rama's birth and youth, Vishvamitra's guidance, and the marriage of Rama and Sita.
77 Sargas · 2,217 Shlokas
Open Bala KandaKanda 2
Ayodhya Kanda
Events in Ayodhya lead to Rama's exile, Bharata's grief, and a profound exploration of duty, loyalty, and kingship.
119 Sargas · 4,262 Shlokas
Open Ayodhya KandaKanda 3
Aranya Kanda
Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana live in the forest, where encounters with sages and rakshasas culminate in Sita's abduction.
75 Sargas · 2,439 Shlokas
Open Aranya KandaKanda 4
Kishkindha Kanda
Rama meets Hanuman and Sugriva, an alliance is formed, and the search for Sita begins across the world.
67 Sargas · 2,445 Shlokas
Open Kishkindha KandaKanda 5
Sundara Kanda
Hanuman crosses the ocean, finds Sita in Lanka, delivers Rama's message, and returns with hope and vital news.
68 Sargas · 2,772 Shlokas
Open Sundara KandaKanda 6
Yuddha Kanda
Rama's forces cross to Lanka, the great war is fought, and the central conflict with Ravana reaches its conclusion.
131 Sargas · 5,693 Shlokas
Open Yuddha KandaKanda 7
Uttara Kanda
The concluding book recounts later traditions about Rama's reign, Sita, Lava and Kusha, and the epic's final events.
111 Sargas · 3,574 Shlokas
Open Uttara Kanda