The Ramayana is not just a religious scripture; it is a cultural treasure that showcases the ideal life of Lord Rama, blending morality, duty, and dharma. Every year, the Ramnami community organizes special bhajan-kirtans and spiritual discourses, drawing devotees from across the country. In 2025, Ram Navami will be celebrated on Sunday, April 6, with devotional singing, Ram Katha, and spiritual sermons.
Under the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), several schools and universities in India have introduced the Ramayana as an optional subject to familiarize students with Indian culture, history, and religious values. Institutions such as Banaras Hindu University (BHU), National Sanskrit Institute, and Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGSIPU) have incorporated it to promote awareness of Indian literature and traditions.
Do you think you know the Ramayana well? Test your knowledge with these intriguing questions!
Who is the author of the Ramayana?
The Ramayana was written by Sage Valmiki and is considered the world’s first epic. It consists of 24,000 verses in Sanskrit.
What was the primary reason for Lord Rama’s exile?
King Dasharatha had granted two boons to his wife Kaikeyi, one of which was to make her son Bharata the king and the other to send Rama into exile for 14 years.
Which bird attempted to rescue Sita during her abduction?
The vulture Jatayu tried to fight Ravana but was ultimately slain.
Who built the Ram Setu bridge to Lanka?
The Vanara army, under the leadership of Nala and Nila, constructed the bridge.
Where did Hanuman first meet Sita in Lanka?
Hanuman found Sita in the Ashok Vatika garden, where she was held captive by Ravana.
What was Ravana’s original name?
Ravana’s real name was ‘Dashagriva,’ meaning ‘one with ten heads.’
How long did Lakshmana stay awake during exile?
Lakshmana did not sleep for the entire 14 years of exile. His wife, Urmila, took his share of sleep.
Which warrior was defeated by his own father in battle?
Meghnad (Indrajit) was defeated by his father, Ravana, in order to attain special celestial weapons.
Which divine weapon did Lord Rama use to kill Ravana?
Lord Rama used the Brahmastra to kill Ravana.
Which character in the Ramayana was granted immortality?
Lord Hanuman was blessed with immortality.
Which sage gifted divine weapons to Lord Rama?
Sage Vishwamitra gave Lord Rama divine weapons.
How was Sita born?
Sita was discovered in a furrow in the earth by King Janaka while plowing the field.
Who was Lord Rama’s most devoted devotee?
Hanuman is considered Lord Rama’s greatest devotee.
Which mountain did Hanuman lift to bring the Sanjeevani herb?
Hanuman lifted the Dronagiri mountain to bring the Sanjeevani herb.
Who was Ravana’s son?
Ravana’s son was Meghnad, also known as Indrajit.
Who introduced Lord Rama to Sugriva?
Hanuman played a key role in forming the alliance between Lord Rama and Sugriva.
Which of Ravana’s brothers surrendered to Lord Rama?
Vibhishana accepted Lord Rama’s divinity and later became the king of Lanka.
Where did Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana first stay during their exile?
They first stayed on the banks of the Tamasa River.
Where was Lord Rama’s coronation held?
Lord Rama’s coronation took place in Ayodhya.
Who was considered the wisest character in the Ramayana?
Hanuman and Vibhishana were among the wisest figures in the Ramayana.
Who wrote the Ramcharitmanas, and in which language?
The Ramcharitmanas was composed by Tulsidas in the Awadhi language.
The Ramayana is more than a story; it is a guiding light that teaches values of duty, devotion, and righteousness. Whether studied academically or followed spiritually, it continues to shape lives and traditions. How many of these questions did you get right? Keep exploring and deepening your understanding of this great epic!
