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Of The Ramayana Dasaratha -- King of Ayodhya (capital of Kosala),
whose eldest son was Rama. Dasaratha had three wives and four sons -- Rama, Bharata,
and the twins Lakshmana and Satrughna.
Rama -- Dasaratha's first-born
son, and the upholder of Dharma (correct conduct and duty). Rama, along with his
wife Sita, have served as role models for thousands of generations in India and
elsewhere. Rama is regarded by many Hindus as an incarnation of the god Vishnu.
Sita -- Rama's wife, the adopted daughter of King Janak. Sita was
found in the furrows of a sacred field, and was regarded by the people of Janak's
kingdom as a blessed child.
Bharata -- Rama's brother by Queen
Kaikeyi. When Bharata learned of his mother's scheme to banish Rama and place
him on the throne, he put Rama's sandals on the throne and ruled Ayodhya in his
name.
Hanuman -- A leader of the monkey tribe allied with Rama
against Ravana. Hanuman has many magical powers because his father was the god
of the wind. Hanuman's devotion to Rama, and his supernatural feats in the battle
to recapture Sita, has made him one of the most popular characters in the Ramayana.
Ravana -- The 10-headed king of Lanka who abducted Sita.
Kaushlaya -- Dasaratha's first wife, and the mother of Rama.
Lakshmana -- Rama's younger brother by Dasaratha's third wife, Sumitra.
When Rama and Sita were exiled to the forest, Lakshmana followed in order to serve.
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