The Ramayan is an ancient Indian epic that narrates the life and adventures of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. It is traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki and consists of about 24,000 verses. The story revolves around Rama's quest to rescue his wife, Sita, who is abducted by the demon king Ravana. The epic is divided into seven books, known as Kandas, and explores themes of duty, righteousness, and devotion. It also features important characters like Hanuman, a devoted monkey god, and Lakshmana, Rama's loyal brother. The Ramayan has influenced Indian culture, literature, and religious practices for centuries.