The seven books (Kāṇḍas) of the Valmiki Ramayana in their traditional Indian/Sanskrit names are:
- Bāla Kāṇḍa (बालकाण्ड) – The Book of Childhood
- Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa (अयोध्याकाण्ड) – The Book of Ayodhya
- Araṇya Kāṇḍa (अरण्यकाण्ड) – The Book of the Forest
- Kiṣkindhā Kāṇḍa (किष्किन्धाकाण्ड) – The Book of Kishkindha
- Sundara Kāṇḍa (सुन्दरकाण्ड) – The Beautiful Book (Hanuman’s journey to Lanka)
- Yuddha Kāṇḍa (युद्धकाण्ड), also called Laṅkā Kāṇḍa (लंका काण्ड) – The Book of War
- Uttara Kāṇḍa (उत्तरकाण्ड) – The Last Book (Sita’s exile, Luv and Kush, Rama’s departure)
Presenting a poem below summarizing the eternal story of Ramayana
In Ayodhya’s halls they rose,
Four heirs of sacred line,
Dasharatha’s joy through sons he chose,
Their destinies divine.
With teachers wise they trained,
Their temper calm yet strong,
Their youthful deeds by dharma gained,
Bright virtues moved along.
The bow was bent with might,
A fierce contest was done,
A radiant bride in sacred rite,
Two souls now together-one.
Kaikeyi’s voice was stern,
The crown was cast aside,
Exile embraced, no thought to spurn,
He walked with noble pride.
Across the wild they pressed,
With Lakshman by his side,
They guarded hermits, foes addressed,
Dark forces quelled with stride.
A shining lure appeared,
Its shimmer- false, deceived,
Ravana struck, Sita was steered,
Her sorrow, deeply conceived.
Sugriva gained his seat,
With Rama’s aid secured,
Hanuman with a spirited fleet,
Their friendship firm assured
Across the sea he flew,
Swift envoy strong and brave,
He found her with spirit true,
Her courage none could waive.
The armies clashed with roar,
The banners pierced the sky,
The demons fell, their reign no more,
The righteous stood nearby.
With arrows fierce he fell,
The tyrant’s reign was gone,
The world rejoiced, the chants would tell,
That dharma’s light had shone.
Through fire she walked serene,
Her purity displayed,
Her truth was shown, her vows enhanced,
Her honor unbetrayed.
The chariot blazed with gold,
Ayodhya sang with glee,
Exile was past, the tale retold,
The crown returned with a plea.
Justice prevailed with care,
The kingdom thrived in bloom,
Harmony spread through lands so fair,
Abundance filled each room
The crown was placed,
The waters blessed his fame,
His legacy through ages traced,
Eternal stood his claim.
Valmiki shaped their voice,
Twin heirs of noble flame,
Luv‑Kush sang to Ram, the people’s choice,
And spread his righteous name.