The Ramayana Volume 1 BĀLAKĀNDAM AND AYODHYĀKĀNDAM

The Ramayana Volume 1: Bālakāndam and Ayodhyākāndam is the first volume of the epic Ramayana traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki. This volume covers two key sections of the Ramayana: the Bālakāndam (The Book of Childhood) and the Ayodhyākāndam (The Book of Ayodhya).In the Bālakāndam the narrative begins with the birth of the divine prince Rama and the events of his early life. It details his education training and the key moments that shape his destiny. This section also introduces important characters such as his parents King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya and his brothers as well as the sage Vishwamitra who helps guide Rama and his brothers in their early adventures. It culminates in Rama's marriage to Sita the princess of Mithila.The Ayodhyākāndam focuses on the events surrounding Rama's exile. Due to a promise made by King Dasharatha to one of his wives Kaikeyi Rama is forced to leave his royal life in Ayodhya and live in the forest for fourteen years. The section covers his departure the grief of his family and the political and emotional turmoil that unfolds in Ayodhya. This volume sets the stage for the larger narrative of Rama's heroic journey and his eventual battle against the demon king Ravana which takes place in later books of the Ramayana.