Ramayana

The Ramayana is an epic poem that is important in Hinduism. It was composed in Sanskrit between the 7th century BC and 3rd century AD.

The Ramayana relates the story of the hero Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu. He marries the beautiful Sita (an avatar of Lakshmi), but soon afterwards is exiled from his father's kingdom of Ayodhya. During their travels Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana and brought to the island fortress of Lanka. Rama and his allies wage war to rescue her. After Ravana is defeated Rama becomes the king of Ayodhya.