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Sri Sita Rama, Laksman and Hanuman
A Ramlila actor playing Ravana in traditional attire.

Ramcharitmanas (Devanāgarī: श्रीरामचरितमानस, IAST: ŚrīRāmacaritamānasa), also spelt as Ramacharitamanasa, is an epic poem in Awadhi dialect of hindi, composed by the 16th-century Indian bhakti poet Goswami Tulsidas (c.1532–1623). Ramcharitmanas literally means "Lake of the deeds of Rama".[1] Ramcharitmanas is considered as one of the greatest works of Hindi literature. The work has been acclaimed as "the living sum of Indian culture", "the tallest tree in the magic garden of medieval Indian poetry", "the greatest book of all devotional literature", "the Bible of Northern India", and "the best and most trustworthy guide to the popular living faith of the Indian people".[2]

The core of the work is considered by some to be a poetic retelling of the events of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana, centered on the narrative of Rama, the scion of the family tree of Raghu of the Sun Dynasty and the crown prince of Ayodhya who is also considered in Hindu tradition as one of the Avataras of Vishnu. However, Tulsidas never alludes to Ramcharitmanas as being a retelling of Valmiki Ramayana. He calls the epic Ramcharitmanas as the story of Rama was stored in the mind (Mānasa) of Shiva before he narrated the same to His consort Parvati. Tulsidas claims to have received the story through his guru, Narharidas. Tulsidas was unconscious (Acheta, Devanāgarī: अचेत) and the story was stored in his mind (Mānasa) for long before he wrote it down as Ramcharitmanas. The epic poem is, therefore, also referred to as Tulsikrit Ramayana (literally, The Ramayana composed by Tulsidas).[3]

The Ramcharitmanas consists of seven Kāndas (i.e. parts or books). Tulsidas compared the seven Kāndas (literally "books" or "episodes", cognate with cantos) of the epic to seven steps leading into the holy waters of Lake Manasarovar "which purifies the body and the soul at once".[4][5]

Ramcharitmanas, for the first time in the history of North India, made available the story of Rama to the common man to sing, meditate and perform on. Tulsidas was a great scholar of Sanskrit. However, he wanted the story of Rama to be accessible to the general masses and not just the Sanskrit-speaking elite. In order to make the story of Rama as accessible to the layman as to the scholar, Tulsidas chose to write in Awadhi, a local dialect of Hindi which was in vogue as the language of general parlance in large parts of north India during the composition of the work. Tradition has it that Tulsidas had to face a lot of criticism from the sanskrit scholars of Varanasi for being a bhasha(vernacular) poet. However, Tulsidas remained steadfast in his resolve for simplifying the knowledge of the Vedas and Upanishads to the common people and was subsequently accepted by all. The writing of Ramcharitmanas also heralded many a cultural tradition, most significantly that of the tradition of Ramlila, the dramatic enactment of the text.[6]

The Ramcharitmanas is considered by many as a work belonging to the Saguna school[7][8] of the Bhakti movement[9][10][n 1] in Hindi literature.


Picture of author, Tulsidas published in the Ramcharitmanas, 1949.

Tulsidas (the Sanskrit name of Tulsidas can be transliterated in two ways. Using the IAST transliteration scheme, the name is written as Tulasīdāsa, as pronounced in Sanskrit. Using the Hunterian transliteration scheme, it is written as Tulsidas or Tulsīdās, as pronounced in Hindi. ) began writing the Ramcharitmanas in Ayodhya in Vikram Samvat 1631 (1574 CE). [n 2] [16] The exact date is stated within the poem as being the ninth day of the month of Chaitra, which is the birthday of Rama, Rama Navami.[16] Ramcharitmanas was composed at Ayodhya, Varanasi & Chitrakoot.[17]

India was under the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar (1556-1605 CE) during this period. This makes Tulsidas a contemporary of Rana Pratap of Mewar and incidentally, also of William Shakespeare.[n 3][n 4]

Widely considered a re-telling of the Valmiki Ramayana[23][24][25][26][27] [n 5], the Ramcaritmanas of Tulsidas in vernacular Avadhi language,[37][38][39] is by no means a word-by-word copy of the former. In fact, Ramcaritmanas has elements from many other Ramayanas written earlier in Sanskrit and other Indian dialects as well as stories from Puranas. Tulsidas himself never writes Ramcharitmanas as being a retelling of Valmiki Ramayana. He calls the epic Ramcharitmanas as the story of Rama was stored in the mind (Mānasa) of Shiva before he narrated the same to His consort Parvati. Tulsidas claims to have received the story through his guru, Narharidas. Tulsidas was unconscious (Acheta, ) and the story was stored in his mind (Mānasa) for long before he wrote it down as Ramcharitmanas.

The Ramcharitmanas is a masterpiece of vernacular renaissance. It is believed by some to represent a challenge to the dominance of high-class Brahmanical Sanskrit,[40][41][42] echoing the revolt of Buddha against Brahmanical elitism.[43] However, this interpretation appears faulty as Tulsidas himself was a brahmin and often talks very highly of the Brahmins in the Ramcharitmanas and other books written by him. His seems to be, rather than an attempt to revolt, an attempt to reconcile of different stories of Rama and to bring the story within the reaches of the common man.


Scene Ramayana, Gupta art

The Ramcharitmanas consists of seven parts or Kāndas. The first two of the seven parts, Bāl Kāṇḍ (Childhood Episode) and Ayodhyā Kāṇḍ (Ayodhya Episode), make up more than half of the work. The other parts are Araṇya Kāṇḍ (Forest Episode), Kiśkindhā Kāṇḍ (Kishkindha Episode), Sundar Kāṇḍ (Pleasant Episode), Laṅkā Kāṇḍ (Lanka Episode), and Uttar Kāṇḍ (Later Episode). The work is primarily composed in the Chaupai metre (four-line quatrains), separated by the Doha metre (two-line couplets), with occasional Soratha and various Chhand metres.[44]

Invocations at beginning of each episode[edit]

Every chapter of the Ramcharitmanas begins with an invocation or Mangalācharaņ. It is customary of the Indian tradition of writing that the author begins a new book with invocation to the Gods to ensure that the book is finished unhindered. The first three or four verses of each Kānd are typically in the form of invocations.

Bāl Kāṇḍ begins with a hymn honouring the goddess Saraswati and the god Ganesha, the deities related to knowledge, wisdom, speech and auspiciousness.[45]

Ayodhyā Kāṇḍ begins with the famous verse dedicated to the god Shiva: May He in whose lap shines forth the Daughter of the mountain king, who carries the celestial stream on His head, on whose brow rests the crescent moon, whose throat holds poison and whose breast is support of a huge serpent, and who is adorned by the ashes on His body, may that chief of gods, the Lord of all, the Destroyer of the universe, the omnipresent Śhiva, the moon-like Śańkara, ever protect me."[45]

Araṇya Kāṇḍ '​s first verse again extols Shiva: I reverence Bhagavan Śańkara, the progeny of Brahmā, the very root of the tree of piety, the beloved, devotee of King Śri Rama, the full moon that brings joy to the ocean of wisdom, the sun that opens the lotus of dispassion, the wind that disperses the clouds of ignorance, who dispels the thick darkness of sin and eradicates the threefold agony and who wipes off all calumny and obloquy.[45]

Kiśkindhā Kāṇḍ commences with the following verse: Lovely as a jasmine and a blue lotus, of surpassing strength, repositories of wisdom, endowed with natural grace, excellent bowmen, hymned by the Vedas, and lovers of the cow and Brāhmaņas, who appeared in the form of mortal men through their own Māyā (deluding potency) as the two noble scions of Raghu, the armours of true dharma, friendly to all and journeying in quest for Sita, may they both grant us Devotion.[45]

Sundar Kāṇḍ begins with a hymn in the praise of Rama: I adore the Lord of the universe bearing the name of Rama, the chief of the Raghu's line and the crest-jewel of kings, the mine of compassion, the dispeller of all sins, appearing in human form through His Māyā (deluding potency), the greatest of all gods, knowable through Vedānta (the Upanishads), constantly worshipped by Brahmā (the Creator), Śhambhu (Lord Śivā), and Śeşa (the serpent-god), the one who bestows of supreme peace in the form of final beatitude, placid, eternal, beyond the ordinary means of cognition, sinless and all-pervading.[45]

Laṅkā Kāṇḍ begins with this hymn: I adore Śri Rama, the supreme Deity, the object of worship even of Śivā (the destroyer of Kāma, the God of Love), the Dispeller of the fear of rebirth, the lion to quell the mad elephant in the form of Death, the Master of Yogīs, attainable through immediate knowledge the storehouse of good qualities, unconquerable, attributeless, immutable, beyond the realm of Māyā, the Lord of celestials, intent on killing the evil-doers, the only protector of the Brāhmaņas, beautiful as a cloud laden with moisture, who has lotus like eyes and appeared in the form of an earthly king.[45]

Uttar Kāṇḍ begins with the following hymn: I unceasingly extol Śri Ramā, the praiseworthy lord of Jānakī (Sītā, Janakā's daughter and the wife of Lord Rama), the chief of Raghu's line, possessed of a form greenish blue as the neck of a peacock and adorned with a print of the Brāhmaņa's lotus-foot, which testifies to His being the greatest of all gods-rich in splendour, clad in yellow robes, lotus-eyed, ever-propitious, holding a bow and arrow in His hands, mounted on the aerial car named Puşpakā, accompanied by a host of monkeys and waited upon by His own brother Lakşmaņa.[45]

Kānd endings[edit]

Tulsidas ends every chapter in a similar manner.[46]

Every Kānd is formally concluded by Goswami Tulsidas. The following is an example of the ending of Kiśkindhā Kāṇḍ:

"Iti Srimad ramacharitamanase sakala kali kalusavi dhvamsane caturthah sopanah samaptah."

Translation: "Thus ends the fourth descent into the Mānasa lake of Sri Rama's exploits, that eradicates all the impurities of the kali age." All the other Kāndas are concluded in the same way where the word caturthah is substituted, according to the Kānd being concluded.


Ramcharitmanas is structured around three separate conversations. The conversations happen between Shiva and Parvati, Sages Bharadwaj and Yajnavalkya and finally Kakbhushundi to Khagpati (king of birds) Garuda. Some scholars are of the opinion that there is also an underlying personal conversation between Tulsidas and Lord Rama all through the text of Ramcharitmanas.[47]

Bāl Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Child Episode Tulsidas begins the story with the invocation of various deities, his guru, and saints who have preceded him and those who will succeed him in the future. Particular homage is paid to Valmiki for bringing the Ramayana to the devotees of Rama. Then are introduced and praised the various characters of the epic beginning with the birthplace of Rama, the holy city of Ayodhya. Praises are bestowed on Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya and Rama's father, and his queens Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra. Tulsidas then praises King Janaka, the father of Sita (wife of Rama), and his family. He goes on to praise the brothers of Rama - Bharata, Lakshman & Shatrughna and sings the glories of Hanuman, the monkey lord who was the constant companion to Rama, Sugriva, the monkey king and Jambavan, the leader of bears. Next, the characters of Sita and Rama are introduced.

The birth of the four sons of Dasharatha.

The story of Ramcharitmanas is then underway. It begins with the meeting of two sages - Bharadwaj and Yajnavalkya. Bharadwaj asks Yajnavalkya to narrate in detail the story of Rama. Yajnavalkya begins with how Shiva came about retelling the story of Rama to his wife Parvati. (The great story of Sati's self-immolation, the destruction of her father Daksha's sacrifice, the rebirth of Sati as Parvati and her marriage to Shiva). Shiva explains five different reasons as to why Rama incarnated on earth in different Kalpa (aeon). Each of these stories is discussed in detail, with the primary message being that Rama incarnated on earth to protect the righteous who follow the path of Dharma. The story then moves to the birth of Ravana and his brothers. Post this point, the narration is done at different time by Shiva, Yajnavalkya, Kakbhushundi and Tulsidas.

The story now moves to the abode of Brahma where Brahma and the other Devas are found mulling on the ways to rid the earth of Ravana and his excesses. Unable to find a solution, they pray to Shiva and asks him for his guidance on where to find the supreme God who will rid them of their predicament. Shiva tells them that they don't need to go anywhere to find the Supreme God for He resides in the hearts of his devotees. All the Devas then prey to the supreme Brahman to rid the earth of the demons wreaking havoc on men as well as Devas. Brahman shows compassion to all and announces in an Akashvani that He will be born in the the Sun Dynasty to rid the Devas and His devotees of the demons.

The story then moves to Ayodhya. One find day, Dasharatha, the king of Ayodhya, was act that he had entered old age and was still without a son and heir to his throne. He conveys his distress to sage Vasistha, the family guru, and seeks the way forward. Vasistha comforts Dasharatha and tells him that will have four sons. Vasistha summons Shringi Rishi to perform the Putrakām yajna (vedic yajna for the birth of sons). Tulsidas states that the birth of Rama and his brothers took place on the ninth day of the Chaitra month. It was the fortnight of the moon, known as the shukla period.

The story then moves on and Rama and His brothers are now grown-up boys. The sage Vishvamitra arrives at Dashratha's royal court where the King receives his eminent guest with great honour. Sage Vishvamitra lived in the forest and was performing great sacrifices. However, the demons Maricha and Subahu would always desecrate the ceremonies. He knew that Rama had taken birth on earth to protect his devotees and so he decided to visit Dashratha to ask him for favour. The sage asks the king to let his sons roam the forest with him. Reluctantly the king agrees. Rama knew the intention of Vishvamitra and gave his assurances to the sage. Lakshman kills Subahu and Rama kills Maricha.

Vishvamitra looks as Ram breaks the bow, to win the hand of Sita in marriage.

The story then moves to the deliverance of Ahalya. Rama, Lakshman and Vishvamitra venture on a journey and reach the beautiful capital of the Videhas, Mithila. The king of Mithila, Janaka, welcomes the great sage and asks him who he is accompanied by. Janaka is overcome by great emotions he is able to sense the true nature of the brothers. The brothers then set out to discover the beautiful city and visits Janaka's garden. This is an important section of the manās as it is the first meeting of Rama and Sita takes place.

In the meanwhile, King Janaka happened to have arranged a swayamvara ceremony for Sita. A swayamvara ceremony was a Vedic ritual in which a prospective bride could select her groom from among a group of suitors who attended the ceremony. Sita falls in love with Rama at first sight in Janaka's garden and prays to Gauri that she may attain Rama as her husband. King Janaka sends a messenger to invite Rama, Laksman and Sage Vishvamitra to attend the swayamvara. Janaka put a condition to identify the right groom for Sita. The great bow of Shiva by the name of Pinaka was kept in the arena. Any suitor who would be able to string Pinaka would be married to Sita. Many princes tried but failed to even nudge the mammoth bow. This causes great distress to Janaka who wonders aloud if the earth has become devoid of brave men. This statement of Janaka angers Lakshman who retorts that no one talks like this in a gathering which has the presence of scions of the Sun Dynasty. Rama gently nudges him to keep calm as Vishwamitra asks him to break the bow and take Janaka out of his distress. Rama steps up and effortlessly lifts and strings the divine bow. His swift move breaks the bow. The breaking of Pinaka causes a great noise that raises the great sage Parashurama from his meditation and he storms the swayamvara arena in great anger vowing to kill whoever had dared break the bow of lord Shiva. Lakshman enters into an argument with Parashurama paying scant respect to the sage who was infamous for his anger and was known to slay whoever dared opposed him. Ultimately, Rama calmly puts things for Parashurama in perspective. Parashurama comes to know the real nature of lord Rama as the ultimate Brahman, pays his respects and leaves to the forests for meditation.Sita places the wreath of victory around his neck of Rama in accordance with the rules of the swayamvara and is this wedded to him.

However, Sita being his beloved daughter, Janaka desires to conduct a grand marriage of Sita and Rama in accordance with both Vedic and laukik (traditional) customes. Janaka dispatches messengers to Ayodhya to inform Dashratha and his family about the marriage of Rama and Sita and invite them for the formal consummation of marriage ceremony. Dashratha starts with a great marriage procession, consisting of Rama's family, friends and well wishers in addition to Shiva, Vishnu, Brahma and all Devas who join in human form and depart for Mithila.

After a grand wedding, the kind of which had never been witnessed in the universe, Rama and Sita return to Ayodhya where there is a great celebration and much rejoicing.[48]

Ayodhyā Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Ayodhya Episode

Ayodhya is described as being like heaven on earth ever since Rama and Sita arrived back from Mithila. Being wary of his old age, King Dashratha wanted to install Rama as Prince regent. He has decided that the next day he would begin the ceremony for the installation of Rama. The Devas become very concerned that Rama is becoming very settled in Ayodhya and something has to happen if Rama is to rid the world of Ravana. They approach Goddess Saraswati for help.

King Dashratha has three wives. Queen Kaushalya is the principle queen and the mother of Rama. Queen Kaikeyi is the mother of Bharata and Queen Sumitra is the mother of Lakshman and Shatrughna. Saraswati decides to alter the mind state of one of Queen Kaikeyi's maid servants named Manthara. Manthara's mind becomes twisted and begins to talk to Queen Kaikeyi in harsh conceited words. She chastises Kaikeyi for being supportive of the king's plan of installing Rama, as Prince Regent when in her mind Bharata would clearly be a greater king. At the time Bharata is in Kaikeya country visiting his uncle and so he is unaware of what is happening in Ayodhya. Slowly Queen Kaikeyi's mind is poisoned. Manthara reminds Queen Kaikeyi of the two boons that the King had promised her. Kaikeyi enters the sulking chamber in the royal palace and awaits Dashratha. Dashratha is greatly alarmed and concerned that Kaikeyi is sat in the sulking chamber as the entire population of Ayodhya is greatly happy and eagerly anticipating the coronation of Rama. Queen Kaikeyi speaks harshly to Dashratha, which surprises the king. She reminds him of the two boons he promised her and to his bewilderment, asks for him to install her son Bharata as Prince Regent and exile Rama to the forest for 14 years. Queen Kaikeyi is unaffected by Dashratha's lamentations and finally the king emotionally breaks down. The kings court assistant Sumantra sends Rama to His father.

Queen Kaikeyi speaks to Rama and explains the boons that she has asked of His father. Rama is actually Supreme Personality of Godhead incarnated on earth, yet He accepts His step mother's request and decides to leave the kingdom as it serves all purposes of his incarnation. The people of Ayodhya remonstrate against Queen Kaikeyi who firmly believes that she is doing the right thing. Rama attempts to talk Lakshman and Sita out of joining him but is unable to. The story becomes very emotional as Rama, Sita and Lakshman greet their mothers before finally going to Dashratha to take leave of him. Dashratha attempts, in vain, to try to talk Sita out of joining Rama in the forest.

Rama, Sita and Lakshman meeting Sage Bharadwaj at his ashram in Prayag.

The residents of Ayodhya can't spare the thought of being away from Rama and decide to join him in the forest. Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Sumantra separate and escape from the citizens during the deep night and venture further into the forest towards Sringaverapur after which they meet Guha, the Nishad king. They arrive at Prayag, the holy city where the Rivers Ganges, Yamuna and Saraswati meet. Rama meets with the Sage Bharadwaj at his ashram. Rama is overwhelmed with the reception and love shown by the people inhabiting the banks of the Yamuna. Rama then meets Sage Valmiki, the author of the Ramayan at Chitrakoot dham. Valmiki recognises the true opulence of Rama and sings His praises. At this point Tulsidas takes great care to describe the beauty of the land of Chitrakoot with some inspiring poetry.

Rama asks Sumantra to return to Ayodhya which sorely saddens Sumantra. He not only wants to stay with Rama, he is also afraid of how the citizens will treat him after arriving back to Ayodhya without Rama. On returning to Ayodhya, Dashratha asks Sumantra of the whereabouts of Rama. The pain of separation from Rama is too much for Dashratha who passes away crying Rama's name.

Sage Vashishtha knows that Rama will not return to the kingdom and so immediately sends an envoy to call Bharata and Shatrughna back to Ayodhya. Bharata learns of all that has happened and chastises his mother, Queen Kaikeyi. He is greatly pained and blames himself for Rama leaving Ayodhya. He accuses her of bringing ruin to the family. Shatrughna comes across Manthara and beats her in rage. They approach Queen Kaushalya and see her sorry state. Bharata begs for her forgiveness and loudly laments while the Queen attempts to pacify him. She asks him to carry out his duty and rule Ayodhya, but Bharata cannot bear the thought of sitting on the throne with his father dead and his brothers in exile in the forest. The cremation of King Dashratha takes place. Bharata and Shatrughna decide to go into the forest and ask Rama to return to Ayodhya and take the throne. Many citizens as well as the royal family, who have been grieving ever since Rama had left them, decide to join the brothers.

Bharata asks for Rama's paduka (footwear).

The Nishads see the approaching royal party and become suspicious. Guha approaches Bharata to understand his motive for bringing such a large party to the forest. He assumes that Bharata has some sinister motive. Bharata shows his love for Rama and Guha is moved to tears by his love for his brother. The royal procession then moves forward to Chitrakoot. Lakshman sees the huge army of people with Bharata and immediately begins to chastise Bharata. Rama counters this by praising the greatness of Bharata, leaving Lakshman feeling sorry for his harsh words. Bharata finally arrives at Chitrakoot where the brothers are all reunited once again. They collectively mourn the passing of their father and perform his Shraddha (obsequies) along with Sage Vashistha leading the ceremony.

Despite all of Bharata's convincing, Rama is true to the word of his father and step mother Kaikeyi, and vows that he will fulfill her wish. Bharata says that he simply cannot sit on the throne while Rama wanders in the forest. He asks Rama for his sandals, which he would place at the throne and would serve personally. With much sorrow and hurt, Bharata leaves Rama and returns towards Ayodhya. He decides that he would not live in the kingdom while Rama is in exile and so lives like a hermit in a nearby town called Nandigram.[49]

Araṇya Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Forest Episode

Ravana fights Jatayu as he carries off the kidnapped Sita.

Rama, Sita and Lakshman wander in the forest and come across the hermitage of a sage called Atri. Atri sees them approaching and is overcome with great joy. Sita is embraced by Atri's wife, Anasuya. Anusuya talks to Sita at length about the duties of a devoted wife.

Rama, Sita and Lakshman venture further into the forest and encounter Viradha. Viradha attempts to capture Sita. Rama kills him by burying him in a ditch. They then visit the ashram of Sage Sarabhanga. Rama asks him of where he should go for shelter in the forest. He is advised to visit the sage Sutiksna. As Rama approaches Sutiksna, the latter awakes from meditation. He tells Rama that he had been awaiting his arrival, and had even turned down the offer of entering the heavenly planets.

Continuing on their journey through the forest, they meet with Sage Agastya where Rama pays his respect to the sage. Agastya gifts divine weapons to Rama and advises him to venture further into the forest and into the region of Dandaka. Rama meets with the eagle, Jatayu. Rama, Sita and Lakshman take up abode at Panchavati and build a beautiful ashram, as per the advice of Agastya. Laksman becomes nostalgic on the past and begins to talk harshly about Kaikeyi. Rama pacifies him and explains that it is sinful to speak of his mother in such a way.

The story takes a change in direction as Rama, Sita and Lakshman are approached by the sister of the demon-king Ravana, called Surpanakha. She immediately takes a liking to Rama and falls in love with him. She disguises herself and talks to Rama in sweet tones. Rama rejects her advances explaining that he is already married and advising that she should approach Laksman as he is unmarried. However, Laksman also rejects her advances. Surpanakha takes great shame in being rejected and attempts to hurt Sita. Laksman takes hold of his sword and lops off Surpanakha's ear lobes and nose. Feeling humiliated, Surpanakha leaves the forest and goes to the abode of her brothers Khara, Dusana and Trisira. They are angry at the treatment of their sister and leave with the intention of killing Rama. All three brothers are vanquished by Rama.

Surpanakha is greatly upset and visits Ravana at his residence in Lanka. She explains all that has happened, after which Ravana calls for his old friend Maricha. Ravana hatches a plot and asks Maricha to disguise himself as a golden deer, so that Ravana may then kidnap Sita. Maricha has already felt the power of Rama (as mentioned in Bālakāṇḍa) and is apprehensive, however, he thinks that he is going to die either way since Ravana will kill him in rage for refusing him. Ravana and Marich immediately leave for Rama's forest abode. Maricha takes his position and instantly Sita is attracted by his deer form. Rama knows that Ravana's intentions and orders Sita to place her shadow (Maya Sita) in her place, while she would hide in the fire. She asks Rama time and time again to mane the deer and bring it too her. Rama runs after the deer and is soon quite a far distance away from the ashram. Rama releases an arrow and hits the deer. Impersonating Rama's voice, Marich shouts out to Laksman to help him. Maya Sita (hereafter called simply Sita) hears the cry and orders Laksman to go help his brother. Ravana, while posing as a begging minstrel, uses this opportunity to forcibly kidnap Sita from the ashram. Jatayu, the eagle, sees Ravana's sinful act and attempts to fight with him, but Ravana has too much power and cuts off Jatayu's wings and leaves him for dead. Rama and Lakshman return to find the ashram empty. They anxiously set out to find Sita and find the severely wounded eagle. Jatayu dies in Rama's lap and receives liberation. As the brothers continue to look for Sita they come across the hermitage of Shabari. Tulsidas says that Shabari washes the feet of Ram with tears from her eyes and feeds him half eaten wild berries to ensure he gets only sweet ones. She is given liberation by Rama.

The brothers then head towards the Pampasarovar lake.[50]

Kiśkindhā Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Kiśkindhā Region Episode


High up in the Rishyamuk mountains, Sugriva sees Rama and Laksman at the foothills. He consults Hanuman as to whether he thinks they have been sent by his brother Bali. Hanuman disguises himself as a Brahmin and approaches the brothers. Hanuman recognises the true nature of Rama as God-incarnation and surrenders himself to his Holy feet. He tells the brothers that his king, Sugriva, wishes to extend his friendship to Them and will help Them to find Sita. Rama asks Sugriva why he resides in the mountains instead of Kishkindha, where Sugriva tells of his feud with his brother Bali. Rama sympathises with Sugriva and decides to help Sugriva in return for the latter's help in finding Sita. Ram kills Bali and installs Sugriva as king of Kishkindha and Angada, Bali's son, as prince regent. Sugriva becomes too attached to his new regal lifestyle and forgets about his agreement with Rama, which fills Rama with great anger. Rama asks Laksman to bring Sugriva to him. Laksman enters the royal court and threatens to burn the entire city to ashes. Sugriva is gravely worried and asks Hanuman to pacify him. Laksman escorts Sugriva to Rama and upon seeing Him, Sugriva falls as His feet and begs forgiveness.

Sugriva immediately orders the gathering of the region's bear and monkey community. Armies of bears and monkeys are dispatched north, south east and west to search for Sita. Rama knew that only Hanuman was really capable of finding Sita. He asks Hanuman to narrate the agony of separation from her and then hands over his ring. Hanuman is joined by Angad, Nala, Kesari and Jambavan as well as many others as they head to the south. As the army approach the coast, Jambavan and Angad see a cave by the shore of the ocean. The cave is occupied by Sampati (who is actually Jatayu's older brother). There is a conversation during which Angad explains that Jatayu died serving Rama and thereafter Sampati narrates his biography. He tells the monkeys that he is sure that Sita is captive in Ashok Vatika in Lanka. The island is 400 miles away and requires someone who is able to jump the distance. Jambavan deduces that Hanuman is the only one capable of the task.[51]

Sundar Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Pleasant Episode

Rama and the monkey chiefs.

Hanuman takes Jambavan's suggestion and immediately takes off for Lanka. He climbs onto the mountain and using it as a pivot, launches himself into the air. He meets Surasa, the mother of serpents and passes her test. The ocean demoness tries to capture Hanuman, thinking of him as a bird. He quickly kills her and then lands on the shore of the ocean in Lanka. He sees beautiful lush gardens, groves, lakes and reservoirs. Hanuman takes a minute form and, remembering Rama, enters Lanka. He is accosted by the demon Lankini whom he hits with his fist and causes her to fall to the ground.

Hanuman flies through the various palaces and gardens for his search of Sita, and amongst all the demonic activities going on in Lanka, Hanuman sees a palace where Sri Hari's name is being chanted. He is drawn towards the palace and decides to visit the inhabitant. The palace belongs to Ravana's brother, Vibhishan. Hanuman narrates Rama katha (story) and then introduces himself. Hanuman proceeds to Ashok Vatika where he finally sees Sita. He positions himself on a branch of a tree, under which Sita was sitting, and contemplates his next move. He sees Ravana walk towards Sita and beg her to glance at least once toward him. She simply looks at a blade of grass to insult him. Ravana threatens to behead Sita but is calmed down by his wife, Mandodari. Hanuman has to use all his powers of calm not to react to Ravana's threats. When all is quiet again, Hanuman begins to sing the glory of Rama in sweet tones. He then approaches Sita and explains who he is. He presents the ring lord Rama had given him and Sita is overjoyed. She blesses Hanuman with many kind words and boons.

Hanuman tells Sita that he is hungry and asks for her permission to eat fruits from the grove. He not only eats but manages to destroy large parts of it. He easily kills one of Ravana's sons, prince Aksaya. Indrajit arrives in the grove and Hanuman allows himself to be captured. He is brought in front of the king of Lanka, Ravana. Ravana orders his death, however, Vibhishan reminds him that Hanuman is an envoy and cannot be killed according to religious principle. Ravana decides to humiliate Hanuman by setting his tail on fire. Large amounts of clothes are tied to his tail and soaked in oil. Hanuman chants the name of Rama and his tail begins to get longer, and more cloth and oil is used. He changes from his small form into a gigantic form and decides to torch alight the whole of Lanka.

He returns to the ocean to extinguish his tail and then goes to Sita to reassure her that the next time she sees him, it will be with Rama. He bids farewell to Sita and leaps back towards Angad and Jambavan. The monkey army then ventures back to where Sugriva, Rama and Lakshman are waiting. On arrival Hanuman explains all that happened and immediately an army is prepared to go south towards Lanka.

Meanwhile in Lanka, both Mandodari and Vibhishan ask Ravana to hand Sita back to Rama. Ravana takes great exception to this suggestion and begins to insult Vibhishan particularly. He tells him he has no need for a weakling like him and that he is no longer needed. Vibhishan decides to join Rama at Kishkindha. Vibhishan falls at Ram's feet and asks him for protection. The army deliberate over how to cross the ocean to Lanka. The deity of the seas tells Rama of the boon obtained by the monkey brothers Nila and Nala, and that they have the power to build a bridge to link the seashore to Lanka.[52]

Laṅkā Kāṇḍ[edit]

The Lanka Episode

Building Rama Setu Bridge to Lanka.

Jambavan asks the monkeys Nala and Nila to begin work on building the bridge across the sea. The Mānas states that entire mountain ranges were used by Nala and Nila to complete their objective. Rama remembers Lord Shiva and decides to install a shrine for Rameswaram. Upon completion, the army of Rama begins to cross the bridge and arrives at Lanka, taking camp on Mount Suvela. Ravana hears of the advances of Rama's army and feels greatly agitated. Mandodari asks Ravana to return Sita to Rama as she fears for her husband's life. Ravana is dismissive of Rama's power and pacifies his wife. Next, Ravana's son Prahasta attempts to reinforce his mothers sentiments, but all to no avail.

Rama fires a warning shot from his retreat in Suvela. The arrow strikes Ravana's crown and royal umbrella. Mandodari once again attempts to convince Ravana of handing Sita back to Rama. Meanwhile, Rama asks Jambavan what should be done. Jambavan suggests that they send Angada, as messenger, to give Ravana a chance to return Sita. On reaching Ravana's court, Angada explains he is the ambassador of Rama, and tells Ravana that he still has time to save himself from destruction. Ravana insults Angada and his refusal to comply makes war inevitable.

The war begins with great ferocity as Ravana loses half of his army on the first day. Indrajit, Ravan's son, is required to enter the battle far earlier than he expected. He severely wounds Lakshman with his special weapon, the Saang. Hanumanji is ordered to fetch the doctor of Lanka called Sushena. Sushena tells Rama that there exists a herb called Sanjivani which can only be found in the Himalayan mountains. It is the only hope to save Lakshman. Hanuman immediately reassures Rama that he shall find this herb. As Hanuman is about to leave, Ravana orders the demon Kalanemi to impede him. However, Hanuman kills Kalanemi with ease. Hanuman reaches the mountain and can't find the herb. In his frustration he decides to take the entire mountain to Lanka.

Hanuman searching for the Sanjivani herb.

Hanuman makes good speed towards Lanka when suddenly he is shot by an arrow as he approaches Nandigram. Hanuman is mistaken to be a demon by Bharat. Hanuman falls to the ground together with the great hill. Hanuman regains consciousness and recognizes that Bharata is Rama's brother. He continues on to Lanka where he delivers the Sanjivani herb and Sushena treats Lakshman. Rama embraces Hanuman with great pride and affection. Ravan takes the news of Lakshman's recovery very badly and decides to awaken his brother Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna kills indiscriminantly and wreaks much havoc. Rama releases an arrow which kills him instantly. The death of his brother scares Ravan greatly. Indrajit hastily tries to arrange a ceremony to receive great boons and powers but is interrupted by Hanuman and Angada. Lakshman takes up arms against Indrajit and kills him. Rama throws numerous arrows at Ravana but is unable to kill him. He asks Vibhishan on how to kill his brother after which Rama finally kills Ravana. The war is over.

Ravana's funeral takes place and Vibhishan is crowned the king of Lanka. Hanuman carries the happy news to Sita in Ashok vatika. Finally Rama and Sita are reunited. Rama and the army prepare to depart Lanka and return towards Ayodhya. Rama, Sita, Lakshman and the senior monkeys travel back in Ravana's flying vehicle, Pushpak Vimaan.[53] Hanuman falls to the ground together with the great hill. Hanuman regains consciousness and recognizes that Bharata is Rama's brother. He continues on to Lanka where he delivers the Sanjivani herb and Sushena treats Lakshman. Rama embraces Hanuman with great pride and affection. Ravan takes the news of Lakshman's recovery very badly and decides to awaken his brother Kumbhakarna. Kumbhakarna kills indiscriminantly and wreaks much havoc. Rama releases an arrow which kills him instantly. The death of his brother scares Ravan greatly. Indrajit hastily tries to arrange a ceremony to receive great boons and powers but is interrupted by Hanuman and Angada. Lakshman takes up arms against Indrajit and kills him. Rama throws numerous arrows at Ravana but is unable to kill him. He asks Vibhishan on how to kill his brother after which Rama finally kills Ravana. The war is over.


Uttar Kānd[edit]

The Epilogue

The Family of Rama

It is now the day before Rama is to return to Ayodhya after serving his exile. Bharata is anxious that his brother still hasn't arrived. The Mānas mentions that Bharata had passed his days shedding tears for fourteen years in Nandigram. Hanuman meets Bharata telling him of the arrival of Rama, Sita and Laksman. Bharata rushes to Ayodhya to tell the citizens of the great news. As the Pushpak Vimaan landed in Ayodhya the citizens shouted chants of 'Glory be to Ramchandra'. Rama, Sita and Laksman collectively touch the feet of the sage Vashishta on arriving in Ayodhya and thereafter greet all that have gathered in the assembly. Lastly Rama meets Bharata with great affection and love. Rama's coronation takes place and he is finally crowned king of Ayodhya. Shiva arrives to glorify the festivities further and asks Rama of the boon that he may have firm and undeviating devotion of Rama's feet.

In conclusion to the tale, Rama has twin sons named Lava and Kusha. The other brothers each have two sons as well. It is mentioned that great sages like Nārad and Sanaka visit Ayodhya to meet with Rama and to see his great city.

In the subsequent passages of Uttar Kānd the biography of Saint Kakbhushundi is given, followed by a description of what is to be expected in the current age of Kaliyuga. Shiva ends his narration of the Rama Katha to Parvati as does Kakbhushundi to Garuda. It is not mentioned whether Yajnavalkya finishes his recitation to Bharadwaj. Finally, Goswami Tulsidas concludes his retelling of the Shri Ramcharitmanas.[54] The Rudrastakam in Sanskrit is a part of this Kanda.

Ramachandra's incarnation[edit]

During the Bālakāṇḍa, it is mentioned that Shiva is retelling the story of Rama (Rama Katha) to his spouse Parvati. During this retelling, Shiva explains as many as five reasons why Rama incarnated on earth.

Balance of creation[edit]

Shiva explains to Parvati that whenever virtue declines and vile and haughty demons multiply, and whenever demigods and the earth herself are in distress, the gracious assumes various transcendent forms and relieves the distress of the virtuous. Killing the demons, he reinstates the demigods and diffuses his great glory throughout the universe. This is the primary motive for Rama's decent.

Jay and Vijay[edit]

The brothers Jay and Vijay are the two favoured gate keepers of Hari. Due to a curse, by the Brahmin Sanaka and his three brothers, Jay and Vijay were born in the species of the demons. One took the birth of Hiranyakashipu and the other was born as Hiranyaksha. The Supreme incarnated Himself as Varaha in order to kill Hiranyaksha, while incarnating as Narasimha to kill Hiranyakashipu. Even though these brothers are killed by Hari Himself, they do not attain liberation as the Brahman's had cursed them to three births and so were reborn as the powerful demons Ravana and Kumbhakarna. Hari took a human incarnation, as Rama, to kill Ravana and Kumbhakarna.[55][56]

The curse of Nārad Muni[edit]


Nārad visits Vishnu at his abode, and unable to control his pride, re-tells his episode with Kamadeva, ignoring all that Shiva had advised. Vishnu further fans Nārad's pride by telling him that his steadfast vow of celibacy is so strong that he can never be smitten. Nārad then departs Vishnu's abode. Hari tells Laksmi that he has a plan and sets his illusory powers (maya) into operation. As Nārad departs Vaikuntha, Vishnu creates a beautiful illusory city with illusionary inhabitants. The city is ruled by King Sheelanidhi, who has a beautiful daughter called Vishvamohini. Nārad is intrigued with the city and decides to visit the king. Nārad sees the king's daughter and falls in love with her. The king explains that he wishes to marry his daughter to a suitable man. Nārad devises a plot to get the princess to choose him.


Nārad realises that there is no city and there is no Visvamohini, and is dismayed at what he has done. He begs Vishnu to invalidate his curse. Hari explains that it was His will and advises Nārad to chant his name to absolve himself of any sin. Nārad returns to his abode chanting the praises of Ram.[57]

Svayambhuva Manu and Shatarupa[edit]

Svayambhuva Manu had Shatarupa as his wife. Manu ruled the earth for many years and carried out the Lord's commandments. He longed to devotion to Hari and decides to give up rulership to his son so that he can retire to the forest with Satarupa and meditate upon the Lord. Manu and Satarupa settle at the banks of the Sarayu river and devoutly repeat the twelve-syllable Mantra, calling out to who is the source of many Brahmas, Vishnus and Shivas emanate.[58] Some commentators indicate that the twelve-syllable mantra is the Vishnu mantra (Oṃ Namo Bhagavate Vāsudevāya).[59] Rambhadracharya comments that the twelve-letter mantra is the coupled mantra for Sita and Rama.[60]

Manu and Shatarupa first sacrifice food and then water and are finally willing to sacrifice air. Brahma, Hari and Shiva call on Manu but Manu and Satarupa are resolute and do not swerve on their sacrifices. A great voice from the heavens tells Manu, in sweet tones, to ask for a boon. Rama and Sita approach Manu in a beautiful form,[61] which leaves Manu overcome with emotion. Manu explains now that he and Satarupa have seen the Lord's lotus feet, all their desires have been met. Manu has one longing but doesn't know how to ask the Lord. Finally he asks, "O gracious Lord, I tell You my sincere wish: I would have a son like You. I have nothing to conceal from You."

The Lord announces that it shall be, however, where would he find a son like Himself? The Lord tells Manu that He Himself would be a son to him. The Lord then asks Satarupa of her wish. She says that she greatly likes the boon received by her husband and wants the same. Bowing at the Lord's feet, Manu then asks one more favour. He asks that he be dependent on which is granted. The Lord then commands the couple to dwell in Indra's capital in heaven.


Tale of King Pratapbhanu[edit]

Prior to the birth of Rama, Muni Bharadwaja is told the story of King Pratapbhanu by Yajnavalkya. There is a kingdom called Kaikay where Satyaketu is king. He has two sons, Pratapbhanu and Arimardana and rules his kingdom with his prime minister Dharamaruchi. Satyaketu abdicates and hands the reign to Pratapbhanu, who becomes conqueror of the world.





The abrupt ending[edit]


The divinity of Ram in the Manas[edit]

Ram's divine birth[edit]




Deliverance of Ahalya[edit]



The immolation of Sati and the incarnation of Parvati[edit]


Sati's doubts[edit]



Daksha's sacrifice[edit]



Parvati and Nārad's prophecy[edit]



The wedding of Shiva and Parvati[edit]


English translation[edit]


Frederick Growse translated the Ramcharitmanas into English under the title The Ramayan of Tulsidas during the nineteenth century.[66] His translation remains in print.

The English commentary by Morari Bapu, Mangal Ramayan, is an English composition of one of his orrated Ram Katha commentaries. The book contains all the translations of prayers, Doha, Chaupais, and Chandan sung by Bapu, as well as an in-depth disccusion behind the meanings of the poetry.

See also[edit]

Tulsi Manas Mandir

Notes and references[edit]


  1. ^ Tulsidas, Kabir, Mirabai, and Surdas are considered the greatest devotional poets of Bhakti kāl[11][12][13]
  2. ^ In verse 1.33.2[14] of Bālkānd, the first chapter of Rāmcaritmanas, Tulsidas mentions 1631 as the date according to Vikram Samvat calendar, which is 1574 in Gregorian calendar or Common Era.[15]
  3. ^ Pronounced as tool-see-DAHSS [18]
  4. ^ Tulsidas was a contemporary of Akbar, Maharana Pratap, and William Shakespeare[6][19][20][21][22]
  5. ^ In fact, Tulsidās is regarded as the incarnation of Valmiki, the author of the original epic poem Ramayana in Sanskrit[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]


  1. ^ K.B. Jindal (1955), A history of Hindi literature, Kitab Mahal, ... The book is popularly known as the Ramayana, but the poet himself called it the Ramcharitmanas or the 'Lake of the Deeds of Rama' ... the seven cantos of the book are like the seven steps to the lake ... 
  2. ^ Lutgendorf 1991, p. 1.
  3. ^ Lallan Prasad Vyas (1992), Ramayana, its universal appeal and global role, Har-Anand Publications, ... Its original name is Ram Charit Manas, but people call it Tulsi Krit Ramayan. (This has been the custom to name the Ramayan after its author). Tulsi Krit Ramayan was written in the 16th Century AD. This is most popular and world renowned ... 
  4. ^ Sanujit Ghose (2004), Legend of Ram: Antiquity to Janmabhumi Debate, Bibliophile South Asia, ISBN 978-81-85002-33-0, ... Lake of the Deeds of Ram. He says that the seven cantos or sections of the work are like the beautiful flights of steps to the holy water of a lake, which purifies the body and the soul at once ... 
  5. ^ Olive Classe (2000), Encyclopedia of literary translation into English: M-Z, Volume 2, Taylor & Francis, ISBN 978-1-884964-36-7, ... Rāmcāritmānas, composed in the Avadhi dialect of Hindi, is an epic of some 13,000 lines divided into seven kandas or 'books.' The word mānas (which Hindi speakers often use as an abbreviation of the longer title) alludes to a sacred lake in the Himalayas, and so the title may be rendered 'the divine lake of Ram's deeds' ... 
  6. ^ a b Subramanian 2008, p. 19
  7. ^ McLean 1998, p. 121
  8. ^ Puri & Das 2003, p. 230
  9. ^ Lele 1981, p. 75
  10. ^ Lorenzen 1995, p. 160
  11. ^ Lutgendorf 2006, p. 92
  12. ^ Sadarangani 2004, p. 78
  13. ^ Kumar 2001, p. 161
  14. ^ Tulsidas 1574, p. 45
  15. ^ Saraswati 2001, p. 485
  16. ^ a b O.P. Ralhan (1997), The Great Gurus of the Sikhs, Volume 1, Anmol Publications Pvt Ltd, ISBN 978-81-7488-479-4, ... It was on a Tuesday, the ninth day of Chaitra in the Samvat year 1631, that Tulsidas started writing the Ramcharitmanas in the city of Ayodhya on the banks of the sacred Saryu. The place and date are significant, Ayodhya being the birthplace and the day being the birthday of Sri Rama ... 
  17. ^ Rambhadracharya, Swami (2008). Ramcharitmanas Bhavarthbodhini Hindi Tika. Page No. xxxi
  18. ^ Duiker 2012, p. 3.1
  19. ^ Pant 2012, p. 64
  20. ^ Singh 1990, p. 121
  21. ^ Mathew 2012, p. H-39
  22. ^ Ghosh 2002, p. 104
  23. ^ Lamb 2002, p. 29
  24. ^ Agarwal 2005, p. 114
  25. ^ MacFie 2004, p. 115
  26. ^ Bakker 2009, p. 122
  27. ^ Rajagopal 2001, p. 99
  28. ^ Pillai & Bharti 2005, p. 120
  29. ^ Lutgendorf 2006, p. 293
  30. ^ Mathur & Chaturvedi 2005, p. 67
  31. ^ Melton 2011, p. 875
  32. ^ Quinn 2009, p. 456
  33. ^ Jones & Ryan 2006, p. 456
  34. ^ Pinch 2006, p. 217
  35. ^ Callewaert 2000, p. 58
  36. ^ Bulcke & Prasāda 2010, p. xi
  37. ^ Lochtefeld 2002, p. 713
  38. ^ Coogan 2003, p. 141
  39. ^ Richman 2001, p. 9
  40. ^ Miller 2008, p. 161
  41. ^ Lamb 2002, p. 39
  42. ^ Ascher & Heffron 2010, p. 27
  43. ^ Mehta 1992, p. 243
  44. ^ Impact of Ramayan - http://www.bhuvaneshwarmandir.com/resources/impact.htm
  45. ^ a b c d e f g Shri Ramacharitamanasa, A Romanized Edition (1968 ed.). Gorakhpur: Gita Press. 
  46. ^ Gita press ShriRamcharitmanas - End of each Kānd of Gitapress version
  47. ^ Morari Bapu 2000, pp. 58, 59, 134. https://openlibrary.org/b/OL2164668M/Mangal_Ramayan
  48. ^ Bālakāṇḍa section of Gitapress version
  49. ^ Ayodhya Kānd section of Gitapress version
  50. ^ Aranya Kānd section of Gitapress version
  51. ^ Kishkinha Kānd section of Gitapress version
  52. ^ Sunder Kānd section of Gitapress version
  53. ^ a b Lanka Kānd section of Gitapress version
  54. ^ Uttar Kānd section of Gitapress version
  55. ^ Jay and Vijay, the gatekeepers - http://www.srirangjimandir.org/glossary.html
  56. ^ Morari Bapu 2000, pp. 159–161
  57. ^ Nārad Muni's curse - http://www.boloji.com/hinduism/109.htm
  58. ^ Śrīrāmacaritamānasa (Gita Press) 2004, pp. 107–108: संभु बिरंचि बिष्नु भगवाना। उपजहिं जासु अंस ते नाना॥ ... ... and from a particle of whose emanate a number of Śambhus, Virañcis and Viṣṇus.
  59. ^ Śrīrāmacaritamānasa (Gita Press) 2004, p. 105: They further devoutly repeated the twelve-letter formula (ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय).
  60. ^ Rambhadracharya 2008, p. 127: मनु शतरूपा श्रेष्ठ बारह अक्षरों वाले श्रीसीताराम के युगलमंत्र का प्रेमपूर्वक जाप करने लगे।
  61. ^ Śrīrāmacaritamānasa (Gita Press) 2004, pp. 107–108: भृकुटि बिलास सृष्टि लय होई। राम बाम दिसि सीता सोई ॥ ... Sītā, who stood to the left of Śrī Rāma, was the same was the same ... the mere play of whose eyebrows brings the cosmos into existence.
  62. ^ Morari Bapu 2000, pp. 173–180
  63. ^ Pratapbhanu's tale - (Reason v) http://charm.cs.uiuc.edu/~bhatele/ramayan.htm
  64. ^ Morari Bapu 2000, p. 635
  65. ^ Ram Janam Stuti from the Manas - http://www.iiramii.net/stuti_ram_janam_stuti.html
  66. ^ J. M. Macfie, The Ramayan of Tulsidas Or the Bible of Northern India, Kessinger Publishing, 2004, ISBN 978-1-4179-1498-2, ... The splendid English translation by FC Growse has also been used (the sixth edition, 1914, published by Ram Narayan, Allahabad). Another admirer of the poet whose studies in the Indian Antiquary, 1893, and in the Indian Gazetteer are of much value, is Sir George Grierson, who speaks of the Ramcharitmanas as worthy of the greatest poet of any age ... 

Online sources


External links[edit]