Book excerpt: Countless ages ago, when men and animals could speak together and powerful brahmanas could effect miracles, the uncontrollable King Ravana was terrorizing the universe. This edition records the adventure of Rama, the Lord of righteousness, as He struggles to overcome the forces of Ravana. The absorbing narration has delighted and enlightened countless generations in India, and its timeless spiritual insights are compellingly relevant in today's confused world.