The Ramayana, as a whole, a timeless epic that is deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology , tells the saga of Prince Rama , and his quest to retrieve his wife Sita from the malevolent king Ravana . His journey represents an unwavering commitment to righteousness, or moral duty . Set against the expansive landscapes of ancient kingdoms , lush jungles, and divine realms , the story teems with unforgettable characters, battles beyond the ordinary, and moral dilemmas that have struck a chord across countless generations.