Appendix A. People and deities in the Ramayana

Many of the names in the Ramayana are written variously in different versions and translations of the epic. Names listed here are of people and deities appearing in this version of the Ramayana, with aliases listed for reference.

Ayudhya: Rama’s kingdom.; Also known as: Ayuthaya, Ayodya, Ayutthaya, Ayudhaya
Bharata: Brother of Rama whose mother plots to make him king during Rama’s exile.
Bhibek: Ravana’s younger brother and royal astrologer. Exiled by Ravana, he joins Rama’s side.
Garuda: A winged deity who is the mount of Vishnu.
Hanuman: God who takes the form of a monkey; an avatar of Shiva. Worshipped as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance and devotion. In the Ramayana, Hanuman’s service is central to Rama’s victory over Ravana. Also appears in the Mahabharata.
Laksman: Brother of Rama who accompanies him on his exile.; Also known as: Laksaman, Lakshamana, Lakshman
Rama: Prince of Ayudhya kingdom; an incarnation of the god Vishnu; hero of the Ramayana.
Ravana: Demon king and ruler of the island of Lanka who kidnaps Sita. After performing a penance to the god Brahma that lasted several thousand years, Ravana was granted invulnerability from gods and celestials, other demons, serpents, and wild beasts. In his contempt for humans (mortals), he did not ask for protection from them.; Also known as: Ravanna, Tosakan, Totsakan, Tosakanth
Sadayu: The eagle king; son of Garuda.; Also known as: Jatayu
Sita: Princess who marries Rama and is kidnapped by Ravana.
Sugriva: The “red monkey king”; Hanuman’s uncle.