Rama
राम • Rāma
"The Pleasing One; He who delights (from 'ram' - to rejoice)"
Category & Classification
Iconography
Attributes & Weapons
- Kodanda (Bow) (Left hand holding) - Protector; warrior dharma
- Arrow (Right hand) - Precision; justice
- Sometimes Shankha-Chakra
Distinctive Features
- Often shown with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman at feet
Family & Relations
| Origin | Born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Kausalya as the eldest prince |
| Father | Dasharatha |
| Mother | Kausalya (birth mother), Kaikeyi, Sumitra |
| Consort | Sita (Janaki, Maithili) |
| Children | Lava, Kusha |
| Siblings | Bharata (Kaikeyi's son), Lakshmana & Shatrughna (Sumitra's sons) |
| Guru | Vasishtha; also learned from Vishwamitra |
Mythology & Stories
Born to King Dasharatha of Ayodhya and Queen Kausalya as the eldest prince
Rama represents the ideal man living by dharma regardless of personal cost. His life provides the template for righteous living in all roles and relationships.
Ramayana - The Epic Journey
The complete epic covering Rama's birth, marriage to Sita, 14-year exile, Sita's abduction by Ravana, alliance with Hanuman and Vanara army, the great war, and return to Ayodhya.
Source: Valmiki Ramayana
Maryada Purushottama
Rama is the embodiment of dharma - as son (sacrificing kingdom for father's word), brother (perfect bond with brothers), husband (devotion to Sita), king (prioritizing subjects over personal happiness), and friend (true friendship with Sugriva, Vibhishana).
Source: All Rama literature
Life Events
- 1 Birth - at Ayodhya
- 2 Guru Shiksha
- 3 Protecting Vishwamitra's yajna - Killed Tataka, Subahu
- 4 Breaking Shiva's bow - at Mithila
- 5 Marriage to Sita - Swayamvara victory
- 6 Exile
- 7 Sita's abduction by Ravana - at Panchavati
- 8 Alliance with Sugriva - at Kishkindha
- 9 Lanka war - Killed Ravana
- 10 Return to Ayodhya
- 11 Coronation - Ram Rajya established
- 12 Sita's exile - Controversial later episode
- 13 Departure
Worship & Mantras
Mantras
Om Ram Ramaya Namah
Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram
Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi Tanno Ramah Prachodayat
Ram (just the name - Taraka Mantra)
Stotras & Hymns
Offerings
- Tulsi
- Flowers
- Fruits
- Prasad
Temples
Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Ayodhya, UP
Birthplace of Rama; new temple inaugurated 2024
Ramaswamy Temple
Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
One of major Rama temples
Sitaramachandra Temple
Bhadrachalam, Telangana
Famous pilgrimage center
Rameshwaram
Tamil Nadu
Where Rama worshipped Shiva before Lanka war
Associated Festivals
Astrological Connection
Symbolism & Philosophy
Cosmic Role: Destroyer of evil (Ravana); establisher of dharmic order
Rama shows that even God submits to dharma. His suffering demonstrates that righteous living doesn't guarantee easy life, but leads to eternal glory.
