Ram is the 7th incarnation of Vishnu and main character of the Ramayana. The Ramayana is based on the life, times and values of Lord Ram. Ramlila is the play is staged annually often over ten or more successive nights, during the auspicious period of Sharad Navratras.
Main Characters of the Ramayana
- Dasaratha - King of Ayodhya (capital of Kosala), whose eldest son was Ram. Dasaratha had three wives and four sons - Ram, Bharata, and the twins Lakshmana and Satrughna.
- Hanuman - He is a vanara belonging to the kingdom of Kishkindha. He is born as the son of Kesari, a Vanara king, and Anjana. He plays an important part in locating Sita and in the ensuing battle.
- King Ravan - The 10 headed king of Lanka who abducted Devi Sita.
- Lakshman - Ram's younger brother by Dasaratha's third wife, Sumitra. When Ram and Sita were exiled to the forest, Lakshman followed in order to serve them. He was married to Sita's younger sister Urmila.
- Sita - Ram'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. Sita is the avatara of goddess Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu. She is imprisoned on the island of Lanka, until Ram rescues her by defeating the demon king Ravana. Later, she gives birth to Lava and Kusha, the heirs of Ram.
- Kumbhakarn - brother of Ravan, is famous for his eating and sleeping. His monstrous size and loyalty made him an important part of Ravan's army.
- Vibhishan -younger brother of Ravana. His intricate knowledge of Lanka was vital in the war, and he was crowned king after the fall of Ravan.
