Ramayan

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Maharshi Valmiki

A dacoit named Ratnakar used to rob and murder people to support his family. Once, he attempted to rob the rishi of the gods, Narad. When confronted, Narad asked Ratnakar if his family would share the burden of his sins. To find out, Ratnakar asked his family, who refused to share in his punishment, claiming that he was simply fulfilling his duty to provide for them. 

Narad then advised Ratnakar to give up his life of crime and suggested that he repent by chanting Lord Ram's name. After years of chanting, Brahma, the Creator of the universe, appeared before Ratnakar and bestowed upon him the title of 'Maharshi Valmiki.' At this point, Lord Ram's story began to unfold before Valmiki's eyes, and he started composing the Ramayan. 

Chapters

Ram's Childhood

Kaikeyi's Boons

The Dandak Forest

Kishkindha

Hanuman in Lanka

The War

Lav and Kush

Sources