Ramayana is one of the most famous, and the most read, epics of all time. It was written by Valmiki, who is regarded as a Maharishi.
A long time ago in Ayodhya, there ruled a noble king named Dasharatha. He had three queens and was blessed with four sons by the Gods who were very happy after his long and dedicated Yagna. The eldest son was named Rama. He was well-known for his values and idealistic outlook and is worshipped as the seventh incarnation of the Lord Vishnu. As he was the rightful heir to the throne, the king decided to crown Rama.
The second queen, Kaikeyi, bore jealousy against Rama. She wanted the king to make her son the king of Ayodhya. The king had made a promise to her, fourteen years before, to fulfil her three wishes. She reminded the king of his promise and wanted Rama to be exiled for 14 years. Being an idealist and obedient son, Rama obeyed his father. He bid adieu to the riches and the kingdom and embraced the life of an aesthetic.