Ramayana | Summary, Characters, Themes, & Facts - Britannica

Beyond its status as a religious scripture, the Ramayana is a profound literary masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships, the concept of Dharma (righteous duty), and the eternal struggle between good and evil. With over 24,000 verses (shlokas) spread across seven books (Kandas), it stands as one of the longest epic poems in the world.