Srimad Valmiki Ramayana: The Adi Kavya

Welcome to the complete digital critical edition of the Valmiki Ramayana, revered across millennia as the Adi Kavya (The First Poem) of Sanskrit literature. Composed by the sage Maharishi Valmiki in the melodious Anushtubh meter, this epic is not merely a historical narrative; it is the foundational manual of Indian ethos, exploring the profound depths of Dharma (righteousness), Satya (truth), and the complexities of human duty.

Across seven distinct Kandas (books) and nearly 24,000 verses, the Ramayana chronicles the life of Sri Rama, the Maryada Purushottama (the ideal human), charting his journey from the princely comforts of Ayodhya to the austere forests of Dandaka, and his ultimate triumph over the forces of Adharma in Lanka.

Why use this Digital Edition?

This platform is designed for the serious student and the devoted seeker. Unlike abridged summaries, we provide the full original Sanskrit text for every Shloka, accompanied by precise transliteration, word-for-word meanings, and scholarly translations in both English and Hindi. Whether you are researching the poetic metaphors of the Sundara Kanda, studying the strategic diplomacy in the Yuddha Kanda, or performing a daily Parayana (recitation), this interface ensures the text remains accessible and intelligible.

We invite you to explore the Table of Contents below. Select a Kanda to reveal the chapters (Sargas), and immerse yourself in the timeless wisdom of Maharshi Valmiki’s verses.

Select a Sarga to verify verses:

Select a Sarga to verify verses:

Select a Sarga to verify verses:

Select a Sarga to verify verses:

Select a Sarga to verify verses:

Select a Sarga to verify verses: