Ramayana Stories Timeline

Early Life of Rama

Birth of Rama

King Dasharatha performs the Putrakameshti Yajna, leading to the birth of Rama and his brothers.

Sita’s Swayamvara

Rama wins Sita’s hand in marriage by breaking Lord Shiva’s mighty bow.

Kaikeyi’s Boons

Queen Kaikeyi demands her boons, resulting in Rama’s exile for 14 years.

Bharata’s Devotion

Bharata rules Ayodhya with Rama’s sandals as a symbol while awaiting Rama’s return.

Ahalya’s Redemption

Rama liberates Ahalya from her curse by the touch of his feet, restoring her to life.

Exile and Early Encounters

Shurpanakha’s Encounter

Rama and Lakshmana confront Ravana’s sister, cutting off her nose after she threatens Sita.

The Golden Deer

Maricha disguises himself as a golden deer to lure Rama away, enabling Ravana to abduct Sita.

Jatayu’s Sacrifice

The noble vulture Jatayu tries to rescue Sita from Ravana but is fatally wounded.

Sabari’s Berries

Sabari, an old devotee, offers Rama berries she tasted first to ensure sweetness.

Rama Meets Hanuman

Hanuman first meets Rama in Kishkindha, marking the beginning of their eternal bond.

Vali-Sugriva Duel

Rama helps Sugriva reclaim his throne by slaying his brother Vali.

Search for Sita

Hanuman’s Leap to Lanka

Hanuman leaps across the ocean to reach Lanka in search of Sita.

Hanuman and Lankini

Hanuman defeats the guardian spirit of Lanka before entering the city.

Sita in Ashok Vatika

Hanuman meets Sita in captivity, giving her Rama’s ring to assure her rescue.

Burning of Lanka

After being captured, Hanuman’s tail is set on fire, which he uses to burn down parts of Lanka.

Hanuman Delivers the Message

Hanuman returns to Rama with Sita’s message, igniting preparations for war.

War in Lanka

Kumbhakarna’s Battle

Ravana’s giant brother Kumbhakarna fights valiantly but is slain by Rama.

Meghnad (Indrajit) Defeated

Indrajit, Ravana’s son, known for his sorcery, is finally defeated by Lakshmana.

Ahiravan’s Capture

Ahiravan abducts Rama and Lakshmana, but Hanuman rescues them by slaying him in Patala.

Vibheeshana’s Counsel

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

Hanuman Brings Sanjeevani

To save Lakshmana, Hanuman lifts the Sanjeevani-bearing mountain and brings it to the battlefield.

Mandodari’s Wisdom

Mandodari, Ravana’s queen, advises him to return Sita and avoid ruin, but he refuses.

Ravana’s Final Battle

Rama slays Ravana with the Brahmastra, ending the war and restoring dharma.

Return and Aftermath

Return to Ayodhya

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana return after 14 years; the people light lamps in joy (basis of Diwali).

Agni Pariksha

Sita undergoes a trial by fire to prove her purity before Rama and the world.

Sita in Valmiki’s Ashram

Sita leaves Ayodhya and gives birth to Lava and Kusha in Sage Valmiki’s hermitage.

Lava and Kusha Encounter

The twins capture Rama’s sacrificial horse, leading to a confrontation before their identities are revealed.

Ashwamedha Yajna

Rama performs the Ashwamedha sacrifice, a symbol of sovereignty, leading to the Lava-Kusha episode.

Sita Returns to the Earth

Sita, weary of doubts, prays to Mother Earth to take her back, and the earth opens to receive her.

Rama’s Departure

Rama eventually leaves his mortal form, returning to his divine abode as Vishnu.

Lesser-Known and Folk Tales

Hanuman and the Sun

As a child, Hanuman mistakes the sun for a fruit and tries to swallow it.

Hanuman’s Test of Devotion

Hanuman tears open his chest to show Rama and Sita dwelling in his heart.

Ravana’s Boons and Arrogance

Ravana earns boons from Lord Shiva and Brahma, but his arrogance leads to his downfall.

Hanuman and Bhima Meet

Hanuman humbles his younger brother Bhima, teaching him humility and strength.

Hanuman’s Boon of Immortality

Hanuman is granted the boon of being a Chiranjeevi, living until the end of time.

Hanuman and Rama’s Ring

In the Mahabharata era, Hanuman appears when Arjuna questions Rama’s bridge-building, teaching humility.

Hanuman Meets Lava and Kusha

Hanuman forms a bond with Rama’s sons, Lava and Kusha, in Valmiki’s ashram.

Story of Shabari’s Faith

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

Hanuman’s Later Adventures

Hanuman continues to serve dharma through ages, appearing in later yugas as protector of devotees.

Hanuman’s Encounter with Makardhwaja

Hanuman meets his son Makardhwaja, born from a drop of his sweat, while rescuing Rama and Lakshmana from Ahiravan.