Rama is a popular god in Hinduism. He is the seventh avatar (physical form) of the god Vishnu. Rama is usually shown as a king carrying a bow and arrow.
Rama’s story is told in many books. A complete version of the story appears in the epic the Ramayana. Rama was the oldest of four sons of the king of Ayodhya, and the heir to the throne. One of his father’s wives wanted her son Bharata, Rama’s half brother, to rule instead. She made the king exile Rama to a forest for 14 years. Rama was accompanied by his wife, Sita, and brother Lakshmana.
While in the forest, Sita was abducted by the 10-headed demon Ravana. The demon took Rama’s wife to his island kingdom of Lanka (now Sri Lanka). Rama defeated Ravana in a war and rescued Sita with the aid of troops led by the monkey god Hanuman.
After 14 years of exile, Rama returned to Ayodhya and assumed the throne. He ruled as a righteous king over a land known for peace and prosperity. Today, Ayodhya in northern India is a popular pilgrimage site, with many temples dedicated to Rama.
