Ayodhya, now in Uttar Pradesh was ruled by a King named Dasharatha centuries ago. He did not have any children. Sage Rishyashringa performed Purtrakameshti for the king. He had three queens and all of them gave birth to 4 children, Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugnan.
After their education in gurukul Sage Viswamitra took Rama and Lakshmana with him. Rama killed demon Tadaka who was disturbing Sage Viswamitras prayers. Sage Viswamitra took Rama and Lakshmana to Kingdom of Janaka. There Rama was married to Sita, Lakshmana married to Urmila. Bharata and Shatrugna was married to Maandavi and Shrutakeerthi who were daughters of younger brother of King Janaka.
Kaikeyi was mother of Bharata. Manthara, her servant convinced her if Bharatha was to be made king Rama had to be sent to forest. Kaikeyi demanded the same with Dasharatha, and he had no option but to sent Rama to forest for 14 years.
Sita and Lakshmana accompanied Rama to forest. In the shock of sending his son to forest King Dasharatha died. Bharatha was unable to convince Rama to return to Ayodhya. Rama made him custodian of Ayodhya until he returns.
Raavan was King of Lanka at that time. His sister Shurpanaka wanted to marry Rama or Lakshmana. Both of them ignored her, and she got angry. Lakshmana cut her nose and she came running to her brother.
Ravan sent his brother Khara to kill Rama and Lakshmana. He did not succeed and got himself killed in the battle. Shurpanaka convinced Raavan to abduct Sita as she was beautiful. Raavan abducted Sita when Rama and Lakshmana was not nearby. He took her to Lanka.
Rama and Lakshmana started to search for Sita. They reached forest kingdom of Kishkinta, where Bali was ruling. They met with Balis brother Sugreeva who was fighting with Bali. Rama agreed to kill Bali and Sugreeva king of Kishkinta. In the battle between brothers Bali was killed by Rama.
Sugreeva after becoming king of Kishkinta formed a search team consisting of Hanuman his aide. Hanuman reached tip of India and from there jumped sea and reached Lanka. He then met with Sita and comforted her that Rama and his army are ready to reach Lanka.
Hanuman while returning burned the capital city of Raavan, and returned to Rama. With the help of this message, Rama started to invade Lanka. One brother of Raavan, Vibheeshana joined Ramas side. All other brothers of Raavan got killed in the battle that followed. Raavan's son, Meghnath also were among those killed.
In the final battle, Rama killed Raavan. Vibheeshana was made king of Lanka. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana then returned to Ayodhya.
Rama later ruled the kingdom. People of the kingdom was so happy that a good rule was later on called as Rama-Rajyam.
The story of Ramayana was written by Sage Valmiki.
I wrote this story for my nephew. There has to be mistakes, comments are welcome.
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