Ramayana Quiz

Who wrote the original Ramayana and when was it composed?

The original Ramayana was composed by Sage Valmiki, who is regarded as the Adi Kavi (first poet) of Sanskrit literature. According to tradition, Valmiki composed the epic after being inspired by the story of Rama as narrated by Narada. The composition is traditionally dated to the Treta Yuga, but scholarly consensus places its written composition between 500 BCE and 100 BCE. However, the oral tradition of the Ramayana likely existed long before its written composition. The Valmiki Ramayana consists of 24,000 verses, 500 sargas (chapters), and 7 kandas (books). Valmiki also played a role in the epic itself - he gave shelter to Sita during her exile and taught the Ramayana to her twin sons Lava and Kusha, who later recited it to Rama himself.

What is the difference between Valmiki Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas?

The Valmiki Ramayana and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas are two of the most revered versions of Rama's story, but they differ significantly in language, era, perspective, and theological emphasis. Valmiki's Ramayana is written in Sanskrit, composed around 500 BCE-100 BCE, and presents Rama primarily as an ideal human king (Maryada Purushottam) who is an avatar of Vishnu but whose divinity is revealed gradually through the epic. The Ramcharitmanas was composed by Goswami Tulsidas in the 16th century CE in Awadhi (a Hindi dialect) and presents Rama as God incarnate from the very beginning, emphasizing Bhakti (devotion) as the path to liberation. Tulsidas's work is more devotional in nature, while Valmiki's is more narrative and philosophical. Both are revered texts, and the Ramcharitmanas is particularly beloved in North India, recited daily by millions of devotees.

Is Ram Setu (Adam's Bridge) a historical structure?

The Ram Setu, also known as Adam's Bridge, is a chain of limestone shoals between Pamban Island (Rameswaram, India) and Mannar Island (Sri Lanka). According to the Ramayana, this bridge was built by the vanara army under Nala's supervision to enable Rama's forces to cross to Lanka. Geologically, the structure is composed of limestone formations, and satellite imagery confirms the existence of this bridge-like formation. The debate about its natural versus man-made origin continues. Some studies suggest the rocks are over 7,000 years old, while the sandbar formation is dated to around 3,500 years. Many believers consider it archaeological evidence supporting the Ramayana's historicity. The Indian government's Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project faced opposition from religious groups who consider Ram Setu sacred and potentially historically significant. The structure remains a subject of both scientific investigation and religious veneration.

What is the significance of the number 14 in Ramayana?

The number 14 appears repeatedly in the Ramayana and carries deep symbolic significance. Rama's exile was for 14 years, not 12, 13, or 15. This number is not arbitrary - in Vedic cosmology, there are 14 worlds (7 upper and 7 lower). The 14 years of exile symbolize Rama's journey through and transcendence of all these worlds. Additionally, the 14 years represent the complete cycle of time required for spiritual transformation and the defeat of evil. King Dasharatha's name itself means "one who holds ten chariots" but also symbolizes the ten senses (five jnanendriyas and five karmendriyas), and his three queens represent the three gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas). The exile of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana represents the journey of the individual soul through the 14 worlds, accompanied by the body (Lakshmana) and the mind/intellect (Sita), guided by the divine Self (Rama).

What happened to Sita after her return to Ayodhya?

After Rama's coronation, they ruled Ayodhya for several years. However, rumors spread among the citizens questioning Sita's purity during her captivity in Lanka. Though Rama personally knew of her purity and she had undergone Agni Pariksha (trial by fire), he felt bound by his duty as king to uphold public sentiment. With great anguish, he asked Lakshmana to leave Sita in the forest near Sage Valmiki's ashram. Sita, pregnant at the time, was given shelter by Valmiki. There she gave birth to twin sons, Lava and Kusha, who were educated by Valmiki and learned the Ramayana. Years later, during Rama's Ashwamedha Yajna, Lava and Kusha recited the Ramayana and revealed their identity. Rama invited Sita to return, requesting her to prove her purity publicly once more. Sita, in profound sorrow, called upon Mother Earth to receive her if she had always been pure. The earth opened and she was taken back, leaving Rama to rule Ayodhya alone. This final episode (Uttarakanda) is considered by some scholars to be a later addition to the original Valmiki Ramayana.

How is Hanuman still alive according to tradition?

According to Hindu tradition, Hanuman is Chiranjeevi (immortal) and received this boon from various deities. When Rama was leaving his mortal form, he granted Hanuman the boon of immortality, stating that Hanuman would continue to live as long as the story of Rama was remembered on earth. It is believed that Hanuman still resides in the Himalayas and can be seen by pure-hearted devotees. He is said to be present wherever the Ramayana is recited. Many saints and yogis throughout history have claimed visions of Hanuman. The tradition also holds that Hanuman will be one of the seven immortals who will assist the tenth avatar of Vishnu (Kalki) at the end of Kali Yuga. This belief in Hanuman's living presence continues to inspire millions of devotees who experience his protection and grace in their lives.

What is the inner spiritual meaning of the Ramayana?

Spiritually, the Ramayana is an allegory of the soul's journey toward self-realization. Ayodhya, the city of Rama, represents the body or the human personality. Dasharatha, the king, represents the five elements and three gunas that constitute the body. Rama is the divine Self (Atman) within. Sita is the individual mind or consciousness. Lakshmana represents the will or focused attention. Ravana is the ego with its ten heads representing the five senses and five organs of action. Hanuman is the realized Guru or perfect devotee who unites the Self (Rama) with the mind (Sita). The 14-year exile is the journey through the 14 worlds of consciousness. The war against Ravana is the internal battle against ego and desires. Sita's Agni Pariksha represents the purification of the mind through trial. Rama's coronation is the state of self-realization where the Self reigns supreme. Interpreted thus, the Ramayana is not merely history but the eternal story of every soul's journey from ignorance to enlightenment, from ego to Self, from bondage to liberation.