Valmiki's Ramayana: The Great Indian Epic - Amar Chitra Katha Vol. 10001 (P)

Valmiki's Ramayana, originally composed in Sanskrit, holds the distinction of being the Adikavya—the first poem in the Sanskrit literary tradition. The story of its origin is as fascinating as the epic itself. Legend has it that Sage Valmiki, moved by sorrow and anger upon witnessing the killing of a bird by a hunter, uttered a curse that flowed in metrical form. This moment marked the birth of the poetic verse that would shape the Ramayana.

According to tradition, Lord Brahma assured Valmiki that as long as mountains stand and rivers flow, the Ramayana would remain cherished by humanity. Spanning 24,000 verses, the epic recounts the life and virtues of Lord Rama, his quest for truth, and his embodiment of dharma. While Valmiki describes Rama as an extraordinary being and an avatar of Vishnu, he refrains from explicitly calling him a deity, focusing instead on his human qualities and ideals.

This timeless masterpiece continues to inspire generations, offering profound lessons on morality, duty, and devotion through its captivating narrative and poetic brilliance.