Ramayana
/rɑːˈmɑːjənə/noun
A major Sanskrit epic poem traditionally attributed to Valmiki, recounting the life of Rama.
Did you know?The title Ramayana is a Sanskrit tatpurusha compound meaning “Rama’s journey,” and the epic became one of the great narrative vessels of dharma, devotion, and cosmic order in South and Southeast Asia.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Rāmāyaṇa
“The epic poem concerning Rama; literally, Rama’s journey or course.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
Rāma
“Rama, the hero and divine prince central to the epic.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
ayana
“A going, journey, course, or path.”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*yeh₂- / *ey-
“To go, move, or travel.”
Modern English
English
Ramayana
“The Sanskrit epic poem about Rama.”