Biography
Rama is the seventh avatar of Vishnu, the prince of Ayodhya and the hero of the Ramayana. Born to Dasharatha and Kausalya, he was exiled for 14 years due to Kaikeyi's demands. In the forest, his wife Sita was abducted by Ravana. With the help of Hanuman and the Vanara army, he defeated Ravana and rescued Sita. He returned to Ayodhya and established Rama Rajya — the ideal kingdom. His life is the supreme example of dharma in action.
Family Relationships
Major Events
Birth in Ayodhya
Born as the eldest son of King Dasharatha after a great sacrifice.
Exile to the Forest
On the eve of his coronation, Kaikeyi demanded his exile. Rama accepted without protest.
Abduction of Sita
Ravana abducted Sita from the forest; Rama searched for her with Lakshmana.
Alliance with Sugriva
Formed an alliance with the Vanara king Sugriva and gained Hanuman's devotion.
Bridge to Lanka
Built a bridge across the ocean with the Vanara army.
Defeat of Ravana
Killed Ravana in battle and rescued Sita.
Return to Ayodhya
Returned after 14 years and was crowned king, establishing Rama Rajya.
Important Dialogues
“I shall go to the forest for fourteen years, wearing bark garments, as you have commanded. I give my word.”
Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda
“There is no greater dharma than truth. There is nothing higher than a mother and father. I must obey my father's command.”
Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda
Ethical Dilemmas
Exile vs. Coronation
Rama was about to be crowned king, but Kaikeyi demanded his exile. He could have refused — he had the right and the power.
Resolution
Rama chose exile without hesitation, prioritizing his father's word and dharma over personal desire.
Sita's abandonment
After rescuing Sita, public rumors about her purity led Rama to abandon her in the forest despite knowing she was pure.
Resolution
Rama chose his duty as king over personal happiness — one of the most debated decisions in Hindu literature.
Related Verses
रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः
rāmo vigrahavān dharmaḥ
Rama is dharma personified.
Ramayana, Valmikiधर्मो रक्षति रक्षितः
dharmo rakṣati rakṣitaḥ
Dharma protects those who protect it.
Manusmriti 8.15Interpretations Across Traditions
Valmiki Ramayana
Rama is a human hero (maryada purushottama) — the ideal man who exemplifies dharma through personal sacrifice.
Tulsidas (Ramcharitmanas)
Rama is the supreme Lord (bhagavan) — his human actions are divine lila. Sita is Lakshmi, and devotion to Rama is the path to liberation.
Ramanuja (Sri Vaishnavism)
Rama as an avatar of Vishnu demonstrates that God descends to restore dharma and show the path of righteousness.