Ramayana Story in English, Explained with Image

Ramayana Story in English: A long time ago, in the land of Ayodhya, there lived a kind and wise king named Dasharatha. He had four sons, but the eldest, Rama, was the most gentle and honest of them all. Rama was loved by everyone, not just in the palace but also by the people of the kingdom. He always spoke the truth and respected all. His younger brothers, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, also looked up to him with great love.

When King Dasharatha grew old, he decided it was time for Rama to become the next king. The people were happy. The city was decorated. Songs were sung. But something unexpected happened. Kaikeyi, one of Dasharatha’s queens and the mother of Bharata, reminded the king of two promises he had once made to her.

She asked him to fulfill those promises now.

One promise was that her son, Bharata, should be made king. The other was that Rama should be sent away from the kingdom for fourteen years.

Dasharatha was heartbroken. He loved Rama dearly. But he had given his word. Rama understood. Without anger or complaint, he agreed to go to the forest. He wore simple clothes and left the palace. His wife, Sita, and his brother Lakshmana chose to go with him. They loved him too much to stay behind.

The three of them walked far into the forest. They lived among trees, birds, and wild animals. They built small huts and cooked their food. They smiled through all troubles. Their days were simple, but their hearts were full of love and peace.

Back in Ayodhya, Bharata was shocked. He did not want to become king. He had great respect for Rama. He ran to the forest and begged Rama to return. But Rama did not change his mind. He wanted to keep his father’s promise. Bharata understood and returned to Ayodhya with Rama’s sandals. He placed them on the throne and ruled the kingdom as Rama’s servant, not as king.

Many peaceful years passed.

One day, a demon named Shurpanakha came to their hut. She was the sister of Ravana, the powerful ruler of Lanka. She saw Rama and wanted to marry him. But Rama refused. Angry and hurt, she tried to harm Sita. Lakshmana stopped her and cut off her nose.

Shurpanakha ran to her brother, Ravana, and told him everything. Ravana was furious. He decided to take revenge. He planned to kidnap Sita. With the help of another demon, Maricha, he tricked Rama and Lakshmana. Maricha turned into a golden deer. Sita saw the deer and asked Rama to catch it for her.

Rama went after the deer. After some time, Lakshmana also left the hut, as Sita asked him to check on Rama. Ravana came in the form of a holy man. He stood near the hut and called out. Sita came out to offer food. That moment, Ravana turned into his real form, took Sita, and flew to Lanka in his chariot.

When Rama and Lakshmana returned, they found Sita gone. Rama was full of pain, but he stayed calm. He searched for her, walking from forest to forest. One day, they met Hanuman, a strong monkey with great heart and wisdom. Hanuman was a servant of Sugriva, the monkey king. Rama helped Sugriva win his lost kingdom, and in return, Sugriva promised to help find Sita. Hanuman leapt across the sea and reached Lanka.

He found Sita in a garden, sad and alone. She sat under a tree, praying for Rama to come. Hanuman gave her Rama’s ring to show he was sent by him. Sita smiled for the first time in days. Hanuman promised Rama would soon rescue her.

Rama gathered a large army of monkeys and bears. They built a bridge of stones across the sea. It was long and strong. They walked across and reached Lanka. A great war followed. Many brave warriors from both sides fought.

Rama faced Ravana in battle. The fight was long and hard. In the end, Rama defeated Ravana and brought Sita back.

But before taking her home, Rama asked Sita to prove her purity, as many people might question her time in Lanka. Sita walked through fire. The flames did not touch her, as she had remained true to Rama. Everyone saw her honesty, and she was welcomed back.

They returned to Ayodhya. The people cheered, danced, and celebrated. It was a bright day—this day is still remembered as Diwali, the festival of lights. Rama became king. His rule was full of peace, kindness, and justice. People loved him more than ever.

Years passed. But the people of the kingdom started talking again. Some still doubted Sita. Though Rama knew the truth, he placed the people’s trust above his own feelings. With great sorrow, he sent Sita away to the forest.

There, Sita found shelter in the ashram of a kind sage. She gave birth to two sons—Lava and Kusha. They grew up brave and wise, just like their father. They learned about Rama through stories and songs. One day, they met him without knowing he was their father. They sang the story of Rama’s life in his court. As they sang, tears flowed in Rama’s eyes. He realized they were his children.

Rama invited Sita back to the palace. But Sita had suffered too much. She prayed to Mother Earth to take her away if she had always been pure. The ground opened, and she vanished into it. Rama stood silent, heartbroken.

In the end, Rama ruled for many more years, always fair and just. One day, he walked into the river Sarayu and left the world in peace.

Moral:

The story of Ramayana shows the power of truth, love, and duty. Rama teaches us to keep promises, respect others, and stay calm during hard times. Sita shows strength through patience and honesty. Lakshmana shows loyalty. Bharata shows love that does not ask for reward. Hanuman shows that true service needs no pride.

This story reminds us to stay kind, stand by what is right, and treat every person with respect.