Rama

राम • Rāma

"The Pleasing One; He who delights (from 'ram' - to rejoice)"

Vishnu Avatar Vaishnavism; Universal Hindu worship

Ramachandra Raghava Raghunataha Dasharathi Kodandapani

Epithets

Maryada Purushottama (Supreme Man of Dignity) Patita Pavana (Purifier of the Fallen) Kausalya-nandana (Joy of Kausalya)

Category & Classification

Type

Vishnu Avatar

Tradition

Vaishnavism; Universal Hindu worship

Avatar Type

Purna Avatar (Complete manifestation)

Number

Iconography

Form

Ideal handsome prince with bow

Complexion

Green-blue (Shyama) or blue-black

Faces

Arms

Posture

Standing with bow; or seated with Sita (Ram Darbar)

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

Beej Mantra

Om Ram Ramaya Namah

Mool Mantra

Shri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram

Gayatri Mantra

Om Dasharathaye Vidmahe Sitavallabhaya Dhimahi Tanno Ramah Prachodayat

Taraka Mantra

Ram (just the name - Taraka Mantra)

Stotras & Hymns

Rama Raksha Stotram Ram Ashtakam Rama Nama

Auspicious Days

Any day; especially Tuesday Ram Navami

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

Ram Navami (birthday) Diwali (return to Ayodhya) Vivah Panchami (marriage)

Astrological Connection

Planet

Sun (royalty, righteousness, dharma)

Nakshatra

Punarvasu (birth star)

Day

Any day; Tuesday (Mars - warrior aspect)

Remedial For

Sun afflictions Righteousness issues Protection Family harmony

Symbolism & Philosophy

Cosmic Role: Destroyer of evil (Ravana); establisher of dharmic order

Righteousness Honor Sacrifice Devotion Ideal conduct in all relationships

Rama shows that even God submits to dharma. His suffering demonstrates that righteous living doesn't guarantee easy life, but leads to eternal glory.