Of all the books I have read the Ramayana influenced me most. This is my favourite book. I love it most. The book has many charms of its own. It is more interesting than any other book. It is more philosophic than any other book on philosophy. It is a complete moral code. Hence, it has influenced me most. It contains the life story of Rama who is thought to be an incarnation of God. Hence it is a religious book which helps us to make us good and pious.
The book is full of ideals. It presents every situation of life, from the examples given in the book, we learn how we should behave with our parents, brothers, sisters, friends, enemies, teachers, learned persons, strangers, husbands, wives, sons and even the low caste people. It teaches us to be brave and cheerful in all circumstances. Thus we may call it the best book for character-building in the world.
Rama was the son of King Dashrath of Ayodhya. He was a wonderful man. He was preached by his Guru Vashistha. Then Vishvamitraji sought his assistance to finish demons in the jungle and near his Ashram. Shri Rama was married to 'Janaki' known as 'Sita' the princess of Mithila. To obey the orders of his father, he went into exile for 14 years. His wife Sita, and brother Lakshmana went with him. Ravana the King of Lanka stole away Sita. Lord Rama invaded Lanka and defeated Ravana. It was a defeat of wrong by the right. It was a Dharam Yudh, which Lord Rama won. He got his wife back.
Rama protected Rishis and killed demons. Sita as an ideal wife was the follower of Rama in all his joys and sorrows. Rama's father Dashratha, died of grief without Rama but kept his word. Rama obeyed his father's wish and his brother, Lakshmana went with him to serve him with heart and soul. Bharata too did not accept crown but ruled over Ayodhya as Rama's steward.
Rama loved the people of Ayodhya and the people respected him. He treated the low caste boatman as his own brother. In the forest of Chitra Koot, he treated the Bhils as his own men. He became a true protector of all sages in trouble. His friendship with Sugreeva is an example for us Hanuman proved his true follower. Sita lived the life of purity and devotion in Lanka.
Thus we see that victory comes to the good people. The wicked people suffer in the end. Ramayana gives us consolation when we are in trouble.
