Rama (Sanskrit: राम, IAST: Rāma) is a major deity in Hinduism, worshipped as the seventh and one of the most popular avatars of Vishnu. Within Rama-centric Hindu traditions, he is regarded as the Supreme Being. He is also described as the ideal man (maryāda puruṣottama) and is the male protagonist of the Hindu epic Ramayana. Rama is especially important to Vaishnavism.
| Name | Rama (Rāma) |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit | राम |
| Tradition | Hinduism, particularly Vaishnavism |
| Affiliation | Seventh avatar of Vishnu |
| Parents | Dasaratha (father) and Kausalya (mother) |
| Siblings | Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna |
| Spouse | Sita |
| Birthplace (per text) | Ayodhya, capital of the Kingdom of Kosala |
| Festival | Rama Navami (ninth day of Shukla Paksha in Chaitra, March–April) |
| Principal text | Ramayana |
According to the Ramayana, Rama was born to King Dasaratha and his first wife, Kausalya, in Ayodhya, the capital of the Kingdom of Kosala. His siblings were Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna. He married Sita. Born into a royal family, his life is described in Hindu texts as one challenged by unexpected changes, including a fourteen-year exile into the forest, a period marked by difficult circumstances and ethical dilemmas.
The most notable episode associated with Rama is the kidnapping of Sita by the demon-king Ravana, followed by the journey of Rama and Lakshmana to rescue her. The life story of Rama, Sita and their companions allegorically explores duties, rights and social responsibilities of an individual. The narrative illustrates dharma and dharmic living through model characters.
Rama is the central figure of the Ramayana, a text historically popular across South Asian and Southeast Asian cultures. The legends associated with him have attracted extensive bhashya (commentaries) and secondary literature, and have inspired numerous performance arts. Notable derivative texts include:
Rama's birth is celebrated annually on Rama Navami, observed on the ninth day of the bright half (Shukla Paksha) in the lunar month of Chaitra, the first month of the Hindu calendar, corresponding to March or April. The Ramlila, dramatic re-enactments of episodes from the Ramayana, are performed across India in the autumn season.