रामायण is an ancient Indian epic attributed to the sage वाल्मीकि. It narrates the life of राम, the prince of अयोध्या, who embarks on a quest to rescue his wife, सीता, from the demon king रावण. The story explores themes of duty, righteousness, and devotion. The epic is divided into seven books, known as कांड, and features various characters, including हनुमान, a devoted monkey god, and लक्ष्मण, राम's loyal brother. रामायण has had a profound influence on Indian culture, literature, and art, inspiring countless adaptations and retellings over the centuries.