The BEST episodes of Ramayan
Every episode of Ramayan ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best episodes of Ramayan!
Ramayan is a highly successful Indian television series created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar. The 78-episode series originally aired weekly on Doordarshan from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988, on Sundays at 9:30 a.m. IST. It is a television adaptation of the ancient Indian religious epic of the same name and is primarily based on Valmiki's Ramayan and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas. It is also partly derived from portions of Kamban's Kambaramayanam and other works.
#1 - Birth of Rama
Season 1 - Episode 1 - Aired 2/1/1987
The saga of Ramayan: Gods' Pray to Lord Vishnu to be born on earth. King Dashrath performs yagna to blessed with a son. Birth and childhood of Shri Ram
#2 - Queen Mandodari appeals to Ravan
Season 1 - Episode 58 - Aired 3/6/1988
Queen Mandodari appeals to Ravan to listen to the advice of his elders. She tells him that this is the last night to decide and begs him to accept the terms of peace. Ravan brags of his power. Mandodari reminds him that he did not dare cross the 'Lakshman Rekha' drawn by Shri Ram's brother. Angad returns to Sugriv's camp as his peace mission has failed, but Shri Ram and Lakshman praise him. A spy returns and announces that Ravan has spurned the advice of his well wishers.
#3 - Battle Starts
Season 1 - Episode 59 - Aired 3/13/1988
At the battlefield, Sugriv reports to Shri Ram that Hanuman has killed Durmukh. Hanuman comes and reports that Lakshman has killed Prahast. The news reaches Ravan's court. Indrajit seeks permission to fight. However Makarakshasa, Khar's son says that he would like to fight Shri Ram. His mother had told him that he could not perform his father's tarpan (rituals) until he brought Shri Rams head. Ravan grants him permission. Makarakshasa dies a hero. Indrajit again seeks permission. Ravan, however, says that as it is his battle, he would go and put an end to it.
#4 - Angad tells Ravan to surrender himself
Season 1 - Episode 57 - Aired 2/28/1988
Angad tells Ravan that his father Vali, had asked him to serve Shri Ram. He then asks Ravan to surrender himself. Ravan asks his men to capture Angad. Angad puts his foot down, challenging Ravan's men to lift it. All, including Indrajit try, but fail. Finally, Ravan comes and stoops down. Angad lifts his foot and tells Ravan that he should fall at Shri Ram's feet and not his. Ravan is advised by his family members to surrender. Queen Mandodari's father begs him not to antogonise Shri Ram. Malyavan, Ravan's maternal grandfather, also advises him to surrender. Even his mother, Kaikesi, warns him against Shri Ram. However, Ravan is too proud to listen.
#5 - Army surrounds Lanka
Season 1 - Episode 56 - Aired 2/21/1988
Sugrive tells Shri Ram that the army has completely surrounded Lanka. Shri Ram says that Ravan should be given one last chance. He, therefore, sends Angad as an ambassador to Ravan's court, with a message, "Tell Ravan, if he loves his life, he should humbly restore Sita and beg for forgiveness." Angad goes to Ravan's court and delivers the message. Ravan's derogatory remarks about Shri Ram enrage Angad, but he manages to control himself. Ravan has a cunning plan in mind. He tells Angad that he would restore his rightful throne, left by his father to him. He further adds, that as he has earned Ram's confidence, he should take advantage of it, kill Ram and avenge his father's death.
#6 - Shri Ram surveys Lanka
Season 1 - Episode 55 - Aired 2/14/1988
Shri Ram surveys Lanka and admires its beauty. Suddenly, Sugriv leaps up as he notices Ravan on the tower of Lanka. He knocks off Ravan's crown. The two wrestle. Sugrive returns to Shri Ram as Ravan resorts to magic. Shri Ram, happy on seeing Sugrive safe, tells him that it is not advisable for a king like him to take such risks. Ravan arranges his army, while the Vanar Sena surrounds Lanka in the formation laid down by Shri Ram.
#7 - Queen Mandodari begs Ravan
Season 1 - Episode 54 - Aired 2/7/1988
Queen Mandodari begs Ravan not to fight with Shri Ram. She advises him to surrender and return Sita to Ram. But Ravan, proud as he is says: "Is there any warrior in the world my equal?" He then sends two spies, Suka and Sarana, to Shri Ram's camp. The spies assume the form of monkeys and enter the camp of Shri Ram. Vibhishan spots them and takes them to Shri Ram. Shri Ram forgives them and says: "If you have completed your task, you are welcome to go back armed with your information."
#8 - The construction of the bridge is completed
Season 1 - Episode 53 - Aired 1/31/1988
The construction of the bridge is completed and Shri Ram crosses the bridge with his army. He reaches the shore of the sea and says. "Let the army camp here since there are groves and fruit trees in abundance." When Ravan hears that Shri Ram has crossed the sea with his army, he calls Vidytjibha and orders him: "Prepare a head just like Ram with your maya." Ravan goes to Ashok Vatika and tells Sita that her husband has been beheaded and shows the head of Shri Ram smeared with blood. Sita's grief knows no bounds.
#9 - Shri Ram worships Lord Shiva
Season 1 - Episode 52 - Aired 1/24/1988
Prior to the construction of the bridge as suggested by the Sea-God Varun, Shri Ram worships Lord Shiva and seeks his blessings. Shri Ram then orders Nal and Neel to construct the bridge. The monkeys, under the supervision of Nal and Neel, start working with gusto. They break rocks, uproot trees and then drag them to the shore to construct the bridge. The noise created by then drowns the roar of the sea.
#10 - Sukh meets Sugriv
Season 1 - Episode 51 - Aired 1/17/1988
Ravan discusses the matter with his courtiers and sends Sukh to lure Sugriv from his loyalty to Shri Ram. Sukh meets Sugriv and says: "You are a king and Ravan is another. Earn his friendship instead of risking your life for helping a disinherited prince." Sugriv sends him back, saying that Ravan is his enemy as he is the enemy of Shri Ram. In the morning, Shri Ram begins to worship the Sea-God Varun, as suggested by Vibhishan.
#11 - Vibhishan meets Shri Ram
Season 1 - Episode 50 - Aired 1/10/1988
Vibhishan flies with his four ministers and arrives at the camp of Shri Ram. He says to the Vanar chiefs: "I'm Vibhishan, the brother of Ravan, I have come to take refuge at Shri Ram's feet." Sugriv reports this to Shri Ram and says that he suspects Vibhishan's intentions, Angad and others also support him. Only Hanuman says that he sees no cause for suspicion. Vibhishan has come as he knows that Ravan is fated to lose. Shri Ram says: "When one comes to me for refuge, I cannot reject him." He accepts Vibhishan as a friend and assures him the throne of Lanka.
#12 - Ravan summons his council
Season 1 - Episode 49 - Aired 1/3/1988
Ravan summons his council. The members of the assembly in one voice, praise the prowess of Ravan and declare that Shri Ram is no match for them. Only Vibhishan pleads with him to send Sita back to Shri Ram. He finally falls at the feet of Ravan and begs him to listen to his advice. Ravan kicks him and orders him to leave Lanka at once. Worried about the welfare of the people of Lanka, Vibhishan discusses the problem with his ministers. They advise him to take refuge at Shri Ram's feet. Vibhishan asks his mother for advice and she too approves of his plan. Vibhishan then goes to Ravan and pleads again, but all in vain.
#13 - Shri Ram meets Sugriv and his vanar Sena
Season 1 - Episode 48 - Aired 12/27/1987
Shri Ram meets Sugriv and his vanar Sena. Hanuman gives an account of Ravan's army and the security of Lanka. Shri Ram, with the permission of Sugriv, organizes the army. They march under the star of triumph 'Uttar Phalguni' towards the southern sea. They reach the seashore. Shri Ram says that the army should camp on the seashore and rest. Ravan's spies inform him that Shri Ram, along with Lakshman, Sugriv and a huge army has reached the seashore. Mandodari warns Ravan, but he does not pay any heed to her. Sita is happy as the news reaches her through Trijata.
#14 - Hanuman takes leave of Sita
Season 1 - Episode 47 - Aired 12/20/1987
In Lanka the courtiers discuss the situation in the court and Ravan tells Indrajit to order Vishwakarma to repair the damage done by Hanuman immediately. Hanuman takes leave of Sita and goes back with her blessings. He meets Shri Ram and others, shows Sita's 'churamani' as a token, narrates his experience in Lanka and says that if Shri Ram wants to find Sita alive, he should immediately attack Lanka and rescue her.
#15 - Hanuman is brought to Ravan's court
Season 1 - Episode 46 - Aired 12/13/1987
Hanuman is brought to Ravan's court in bondage, He tells Ravan that he is a messenger of Shri Ram and advises Ravan to seek refuge at Shri Ram's feet. Ravan, enraged by his words, orders that he should be killed forthwith. But since Vibhishan and others point out that it is unethical to kill a messenger, Ravan issues orders to set fire to Hanuman's tail. The guards wrap cloth on Hanuman's tail and set it on fire. Hanuman shrinks, breaks out of bondage and sets fire to Lanka.
#16 - Hanuman ravages Ashok Vatika
Season 1 - Episode 45 - Aired 12/6/1987
With Sita's permission, Hanuman eats the fruits of Ashok Vatika and ravages the garden. He fights the guards and kills Jambumati. Akshaykumar, one of Ravan's sons, is killed by Hanuman. The news reaches Ravan and he sends Indrajit. Indrajit hurls the'Brahmastra' and Hanuman showing respect to the weapon of Brahma receives it with folded hands and accepts the bondage. Indrajit orders his men to tie him up with strong ropes.
#17 - Ashok Vatika
Season 1 - Episode 44 - Aired 11/29/1987
In Ashok Vatika, Hanuman hides in the branches of the tree under which Sita is seated. Ravan arrives and tries his best to coax Sita to accept him. Insulted by her refusal, Ravan draws his sword 'Chandrika' when Queen Mandodari stops him. Ravan gives Sita two months to make up her mind. As ordered by Ravan, the guards try to persuade Sita and even threaten her. Trijata, a female demon, who treated Sita as her own daughter, saves her from the other guards. As Hanuman finds Sita alone, he sings 'Ram Katha' from his hiding place. Sita looks around and Hanuman drops Shri Ram's ring in front of her. Sita looks around and Hanuman drops Shri Ram. Hanuman comes down and assures Sita that since he has found out where she is, Shri Ram will come to her rescue without delay.
#18 - Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his dormant strength
Season 1 - Episode 43 - Aired 11/22/1987
Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his dormant strength. Hanuman's figure begins to enlarge. From Mahendra Parvat he leaps and flies over the sea. On the way, he politely refuses Mainak's offer to rest and outwits Surasa. Suddenly he feels a mighty force dragging him down. It is Singhika who opens her mouth, thereby, drawing him in. Hanuman kills her and reaches Lanka. At the main gate he confronts Lankini, the guardian Goddess of Lanka. He defeats her, enters the city and searches high and low. Finally he learns that Sita is in Ashok Vatika.
#19 - Search for Sita
Season 1 - Episode 42 - Aired 11/15/1987
Passing through a desert, fainting with hunger and thirst, Angad and others notice a cave from which birds come out with their wings wet. They conclude that there is water inside the cave. They enter the dark cave and reach a lovely grove with water and trees laden with fruits. They find Tapasvani Swamprabha, who tells them to have their fill as they have come on a noble mission. She even transports them to the sea-side by her tapes. There they meet Sampati, the older brother of Jatayu. Sampati, though old and weak, can see things very far off and tells them that Sita is in Lanka, a hundred yojan away across the sea. "But how to cross the sea?" The vanaras are worried and then Jambavan reminds Hanuman of his forgotten strength.
#20 - Lakshman enters Kishikindha in a fury
Season 1 - Episode 41 - Aired 11/8/1987
Lakshman enters Kishikindha in a fury. Angad goes and informs Hanuman who requests Tara to go and allay Lakshman's wrath. Tara is able to take away the edge of Lakshman's anger and Hanuman tells Lakshman that Sugriv has already issued orders for mobilising the warriors. Sugriv apologizes and accompanies Lakshman to pay his respects to Shri Ram. Even as Shri Ram is talking to Sugriv, great multitudes of vanaras arrive. Sugriv issues orders to send divisions of the army to the four corners of the earth. He sends Hanuman under the leadership of Angad to the south. As Hanuman touches the feet of Shri Ram, he gives him his ring and says: "I am ful of hope that you will discover Sita. This ring will tell her that you are my messenger.
#21 - Sanjeevani
Season 1 - Episode 69 - Aired 5/22/1988
As Hanuman gets into the lake he is attacked by a crocodile. Hanuman drags the crocodile out of the water, which becomes a Devkanya. She had become a crocodile due to a curse. She thanks Hanuman and tells him that the Sanyasi is Kalnemi who is sent by Ravan to kill him. Hanuman kills Kalnemi, reaches Dronagiri, lifts the whole peak as he is unable to identify sanjeevani and flies back. Hit by Bharath's arrow, he falls down in Ayodhya. After knowing about Hanuman and of Sita's kidnapping by Ravan, Bharath apologises. Everone is surprised as Hanuman arrives with the peak of Dronagiri. Sushen Vaidya saves Lakshman with Sanjeevani herbs.
#22 - Shri Ram is crowned king of Ayodhya
Season 1 - Episode 78 - Aired 7/31/1988
Shri Ram reaches Ayodhya. People sing and dance in joy. He makes obeisance to Guru Vashisth, meets his mothers, and embraces Bharath. They proceed to the palace. On the way, Shri Ram expresses his desire to visit mother Kaikayee's apartment. As Bharath does not enter the room, Shri Ram tells him to apologize to his mother. Even their father has forgiven her. Bharath touches his mother's feet and Kaikayee embraces him. The coronation of Shri Ram begins. Guru Vashishth crowns Shri Ram and Sita. The people sing praises of Shri Ram.
#23 - Shri Ram heads for Ayodhya
Season 1 - Episode 77 - Aired 7/24/1988
Brahma comes and makes obeisance to Shri Ram. Shri Ram says that he is a mere man - Ram, son of Dashrath. Dashrath appears and blesses them. Shri Ram appeals to him to forgive Mother Kaikayee and Bharath, to which Dashrath readily agrees. Vibhishan offers his Pushpak Viman and they leave for Ayodhya. Shri Ram stops near the ashram of Rishi Bhardwaj and sends Hanuman to inform Bharath of his arrival. After paying homage to Bhardwaj, he goes to meet Guha, where Sita performs Ganga Puja. As the news of Shri Ram's arrival reaches Ayodhya, the people are overjoyed.
#24 - Agni-pariksha
Season 1 - Episode 76 - Aired 7/17/1988
After Ravan's last rites are performed, Vibishan is crowned as the king of Lanka in a magnificent ceremony. Shri Ram tells Hanuman to go to Lanka with the King's permission and tell Sita what has happened. Sita's joy is beyond words. She blesses Hanuman and tells him that she is eager to meet her Lord. Hanuman returns and delivers the message. Shri Ram requests Vibhishan to send Sita to the Camp. Sita arrives and undergoes agni-pariksha. She enters the fire, which assumes bodily form amd leads Sita to her husband. Shri Ram takes Sita in his arms and bow to Agnidev.
#25 - Ravan falls dead
Season 1 - Episode 75 - Aired 7/10/1988
The grim battle begins. Shri Ram's arrows severe Ravan's head. His severed head is soon replaced by another head and this goes on. Killing Ravan seems to be impossible. Vibhishan tells Shri Ram that in Ravan's naval is enshrined the secret of his invincibility. Reminded by Malati, Shri Ram picks up the Brahmastra. The weapon goes and pierces Ravan's naval. Ravan falls dead. Vibhishan mourns his brother's death. Queen Mandodari and the other queens come to the battlefield and lament. Malyavan surrenders Lanka to Shri Ram. Shri Ram tells him that he has already declared Vibhishan to be crowned as King of Lanka.