Rama (/rm/;[1] Sanskrit: Rma) or Ramachandra is the seventh avatar of the Hindu

God Vishnu. He is the central figure of the Hindu epic Ramayana, which is the principal narration of
the events connected to his incarnation on earth, his ideals and his greatness. Rama is one of the
many popular deities in Hinduism, and especially of the various Vaishnava sects. Religious texts and
scriptures based on his life have been a formative component in numerous cultures
of South and Southeast Asia.[2] Along with Krishna, Rama is considered to be one of the most
important avatars of Vishnu. In a few Rama-centric sects, he is considered the Supreme Being,
rather than an avatar.
Born as the eldest son of Kaushalya and Dasharatha, ruler of Ayodhya Kingdom(in Uttar Pradesh),
Rama is referred as ''Maryada Purushottama"[3] within Hinduism, which literally means the Perfect
Man or Lord of Self-Control or Lord of Virtue. His wife Sita is considered by Hindus to be an avatar
of Lakshmi and the embodiment of a great woman.[3][4]
Rama and his brothers Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughna were the chaturvyuha expansions of Vishnu
(Vasudev, Sankarshan, Pradyumna, Aniruddha). Rama's life and journey is one of adherence
to dharma despite harsh tests and obstacles and many pains of life and time. For the sake of his
father's honour, Rama abandons his claim to Ayodhaya's throne to serve an exile of fourteen years
in the forest.[5] His wife Sita and brother Lakshmana decide to join him, and all three spend the
fourteen years in exile together. While in exile, Sita is kidnapped by Ravana, the king of Lanka. After
a long and arduous search, Rama fights a colossal war against Ravana's armies. In a war of
powerful and magical beings, greatly destructive weaponry and battles, Rama slays Ravana in battle
and liberates his wife.[6] Having completed his exile, Rama returns to be crowned king in Ayodhya
and eventually becomes emperor,[5] rules with happiness, peace, duty, prosperity and justicea
period known as Rama Rajya.
The legend of Rama is deeply influential and popular in the societies of the Indian subcontinent and
across South East Asia. Rama is revered for his unending compassion,[7] courage and devotion to
religious values and duty.