Ramayana Stories Timeline

Early Life of Rama

Birth of Rama

King Dasharatha conducts the Putrakameshti Yajna, resulting in the birth of Rama and his brothers.

Sita’s Swayamvara

Rama earns Sita’s hand by shattering Lord Shiva’s great bow.

Kaikeyi’s Boons

Queen Kaikeyi invokes her boons, sending Rama into 14 years of exile.

Bharata’s Devotion

Bharata governs Ayodhya, using Rama’s sandals as a symbol, while awaiting his return.

Ahalya’s Redemption

Rama restores Ahalya to life, breaking her curse with the divine touch of his feet.

Exile and Early Encounters

Shurpanakha’s Encounter

Rama and Lakshmana face Ravana's sister, severing her nose when she menaces Sita.

The Golden Deer

Maricha transforms into a golden deer to distract Rama, allowing Ravana to capture Sita.

Jatayu’s Sacrifice

Brave Jatayu, the noble vulture, attempts to save Sita from Ravana but suffers a mortal wound.

Sabari’s Berries

Sabari, a devoted elder, gives Rama berries she pre-tasted to check their sweetness.

Rama Meets Hanuman

Hanuman encounters Rama in Kishkindha, forging their timeless friendship.

Vali-Sugriva Duel

Rama aids Sugriva in regaining his kingdom by defeating his brother Vali.

Search for Sita

Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka

Hanuman soars over the sea, seeking Sita in distant Lanka.

Hanuman and Lankini

Hanuman overcomes Lanka's sentinel before venturing into the city.

Sita in Ashok Vatika

Hanuman finds Sita in captivity and gives her Rama’s ring as a sign of hope.

Burning of Lanka

Captured by foes, Hanuman's fiery tail becomes a weapon, torching parts of Lanka.

Hanuman Delivers the Message

Hanuman delivers Sita’s message to Rama, sparking plans for battle.

War in Lanka

Kumbhakarna’s Battle

Ravana's massive sibling Kumbhakarna battles fiercely but falls to Rama.

Meghnad (Indrajit) Defeated

Indrajit, the sorcerer son of Ravana, is ultimately slain by Lakshmana.

Ahiravan’s Capture

Ahiravan kidnaps Rama and Lakshmana, but Hanuman saves them by defeating him in Patala.

Vibheeshana’s Counsel

Vibheeshana, Ravana’s righteous brother, defects and joins Rama’s side.

Hanuman Brings Sanjeevani

To save Lakshmana, Hanuman carries the Sanjeevani-clad mountain to the battlefield.

Mandodari’s Wisdom

Mandodari, queen of Ravana, urges him to return Sita and avert disaster, yet he declines.

Ravana’s Final Battle

Rama defeats Ravana using the Brahmastra, bringing peace and upholding dharma.

Return and Aftermath

Return to Ayodhya

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return after 14 years; people celebrate with lamps of joy (Diwali’s origin).

Agni Pariksha

Sita faces a fiery ordeal to demonstrate her chastity to Rama and the world.

Sita in Valmiki’s Ashram

Sita departs from Ayodhya and births Lava and Kusha at Sage Valmiki's ashram.

Lava and Kusha Encounter

The twins seize Rama’s ceremonial horse, sparking a clash before their identities come to light.

Ashwamedha Yajna

Rama conducts the Ashwamedha ritual, signifying authority, culminating in the Lava-Kusha tale.

Sita Returns to the Earth

Sita, burdened by doubts, calls upon Mother Earth, who opens her arms to embrace her.

Rama’s Departure

Rama ultimately departs his earthly life, ascending to his celestial home as Vishnu.

Lesser-Known and Folk Tales

Hanuman and the Sun

As a young boy, Hanuman spots the sun, thinking it's a fruit, and attempts to eat it.

Hanuman’s Test of Devotion

Hanuman rips his chest apart, revealing Rama and Sita residing within his heart.

Ravana’s Boons and Arrogance

Ravana gains blessings from Shiva and Brahma, yet his pride causes his ruin.

Hanuman and Bhima Meet

Hanuman imparts wisdom to his brother Bhima, instilling humility and resilience.

Hanuman’s Boon of Immortality

Hanuman is blessed with the boon of immortality, living until the universe's end.

Hanuman and Rama’s Ring

During the Mahabharata, Hanuman meets Arjuna, humbling him over Rama’s bridge-building doubts.

Hanuman Meets Lava and Kusha

Hanuman befriends Rama's sons, Lava and Kusha, at Valmiki's hermitage.

Story of Shabari’s Faith

Her devotion is rewarded by meeting Rama, exemplifying pure bhakti.

Hanuman’s Later Adventures

Hanuman upholds dharma across eras, emerging in later yugas as the guardian of devotees.

Hanuman’s Encounter with Makardhwaja

Hanuman encounters his son Makardhwaja, born of his sweat, while saving Rama and Lakshmana from Ahiravan.