The Hindu scriptures Part III. The Epics:-

The third sets of books are'Epics'(Ithihasas).Since the Ordinary people do not have the erudition to read and understand the first and second sets the third sets known as 'Epics' which serves the purpose. The profound philosophy of the Upanishads is presented in the form of parables and stories in the 'Epics' for the guidance and understanding of the common people.

The great and important epics of Hinduism are the Ramayana,the Mahabharata,, the Yogavasishta and the Harivamsa, they are also known as friendly compositions ( Suhrit Samhitas), as they teach the greatest of the truths in easy and friendly way without taxing the the mind.. The language is simple and the contents easily understood.

Ramayana and Mahabaratha are known even to the illiterate Hindus as they have come down thorough ages by word of mouth. They teach the ideals of Hinduism in an understandable manner and it is because of these books the most illiterate our peasants are not ignorant..They carry the wisdom of Upanishads within them which has been conveyed to to them by these two main epics in story,ballad or dance forms,and the Ramayana is the most popular known as Adi Kavya(the first poetic composition), composed by the great sage, Valmiki,explaining the story of Sri Rama, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu,born on the earth to show and guide the path of righteousness.

In Ramayana, you will find Lord Rama was banished to forest for 14 years at behest of his step mother Kaikeyi, and spent 14 years in the forest with his wife Seetha and brother Lakshmana. Seetha was abducted by the demon king Ravana and Rama with help of army of monkey and Hanauman fought and destroyed Raavana and brought back Seetha and later Rama was crowned as King of Ayodhya.Rama's period of ruling Ayodhya was a time of peace and joy and ideal era for all good people, teaching the people subtly and effectively, what ideal behaviour and conduct should be.