Ramachandra

Ramachandra, also transliterated as Rama Chandra, is a central figure in the Indian epic Ramayana. In mainstream Hinduism, he is regarded as an avatar of the god Vishnu and is celebrated as the ideal king and ideal person. The name Ramachandra combines Rama, meaning "pleasing" or "delight," with Chandra, meaning "moon," and is commonly used as a respectful epithet for Rama.

In the Ramayana, Ramachandra is the eldest prince of Ayodhya, the son of King Dasharatha and Queen Kaushalya, and the elder brother of Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna. His wife is Sita. After a palace intrigue, Dasharatha vows to exile Rama for fourteen years; Rama accepts, and Sita and Lakshmana accompany him into exile. During their forest years, Rama defeats demons, forms an alliance with the monkey king Sugriva, and is aided by Hanuman. Sita is abducted by the demon king Ravana, leading to a war in which Rama, with his allies, defeats Ravana and rescues Sita. Rama returns to Ayodhya and is crowned king, an era often idealized as Rama Rajya.

Rama’s story has had a wide cultural impact across South Asia and beyond. It is told in numerous languages and forms, including dramatic performances known as Ram Lila or Ramlila, and literary works such as regional Ramayanas. Rama Navami is celebrated as his birth festival, and the return to Ayodhya is linked to the festival of Diwali in many traditions. The character embodies dharma, virtue, courage, and steadfastness, and Ramachandra remains a major figure in devotional practices and art.

The name Ramachandra is also a common given name in India and Nepal, used by devotees, rulers, poets, and scholars. It appears in various regional retellings and devotional literature across Asia.