n. A Sanskrit epic, traditionally attributed to Valmiki, that concerns the banishment of Rama from his kingdom, the abduction of his wife Sita by a demon and her rescue, and Rama's eventual restoration to the throne. [Sanskrit Rāmāyaṇam, the going of Rama : Rāmaḥ, Rama + ayanam, a going, way (from eti, ay-, he goes; see ei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots).] |
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