The televised Ramayan (DD National, 1987–1988) reached an estimated 82% of Indian television viewers at its peak. However, analyzing its 78 episodes (each 25–30 minutes) requires more than plot summary. An index—a systematic reference to episodes, characters, themes, and events—allows scholars to trace narrative recurrences, pacing, and didactic emphases. Unlike a simple table of contents, a proper index of Ramayan (1987) is a navigational and analytical tool. This paper proposes a tripartite index: (1) Chronological Episode Index (with arc markers), (2) Character Appearance Index, and (3) Thematic/Moral Index. Drawing on narratology (Genette, 1980) and television studies (Newcomb & Hirsch, 1983), we demonstrate how the index reveals the serial’s deliberate construction as a modern paath (recitation).
For millions of Hindus across the globe, Sunday mornings in the late 1980s were a sacred ritual. The clatter of kitchen utensils stopped. Streets emptied. Even rickshaw pullers parked their vehicles to peer into electronics shop windows. The source of this mass hypnotism was a single television show: Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987).
Decades later, the search term "index of Ramayan 1987" has exploded across Google. Why? A new generation wants to experience the uncut, original magic, while older generations seek the nostalgia of the Doordarshan era. This article serves as your comprehensive guide to navigating the "index," understanding the show’s history, and finding the highest quality versions of this cultural cornerstone.
The index of Ramayan 1987 isn’t just a list of files or episode numbers. It is a roadmap to a cultural phenomenon. Whether you are revisiting it for the spiritual lessons, the moral dilemmas, or the sheer nostalgia of Doordarshan’s Sunday mornings, the story of Ram remains eternal.
Did we miss your favorite episode? Let us know in the comments which scene made you cry the most (for us, it’s Jatayu’s death).
Index of /ramayan_1987
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[VID] Episode_001_Ram_Janma.mp4 1987-01-25 20:00 245M
[VID] Episode_002_Guru_Viswamitra.mp4 1987-02-01 20:00 238M
[VID] Episode_003_Tadaka_Vadha.mp4 1987-02-08 20:00 251M
[VID] Episode_004_Sita_Swayamvar.mp4 1987-02-15 20:00 260M
[VID] Episode_005_Parashuram.mp4 1987-02-22 20:00 243M
[VID] Episode_006_Rama_Vanvas.mp4 1987-03-01 20:00 248M
[VID] Episode_007_Panchavati.mp4 1987-03-08 20:00 252M
[VID] Episode_008_Shurpanakha.mp4 1987-03-15 20:00 240M
[VID] Episode_009_Marich_Vadh.mp4 1987-03-22 20:00 247M
[VID] Episode_010_Sita_Haran.mp4 1987-03-29 20:00 255M
[VID] Episode_011_Jatayu_Moksha.mp4 1987-04-05 20:00 242M
[VID] Episode_012_Kabandha.mp4 1987-04-12 20:00 239M
[VID] Episode_013_Sugriva_Milap.mp4 1987-04-19 20:00 250M
[VID] Episode_014_Bali_Vadh.mp4 1987-04-26 20:00 253M
[VID] Episode_015_Hanuman_Lanka.mp4 1987-05-03 20:00 258M
[VID] Episode_016_Ravana_Sabha.mp4 1987-05-10 20:00 246M
[VID] Episode_017_Angad_Ravana.mp4 1987-05-17 20:00 244M
[VID] Episode_018_Ram_Setu.mp4 1987-05-24 20:00 249M
[VID] Episode_019_Yuddha_Kand.mp4 1987-05-31 20:00 256M
[VID] Episode_020_Kumbhakarna.mp4 1987-06-07 20:00 254M
[VID] Episode_021_Meghnath.mp4 1987-06-14 20:00 241M
[VID] Episode_022_Ravana_Vadh.mp4 1987-06-21 20:00 263M
[VID] Episode_023_Sita_Agni_Pariksha.mp4 1987-06-28 20:00 257M
[VID] Episode_024_Ram_Rajya.mp4 1987-07-05 20:00 248M
[TXT] Ramayan_1987_Subtitles_English.srt 2023-12-10 14:30 185K
[TXT] Ramayan_1987_Cast_and_Crew.txt 2023-12-10 14:32 12K
[JPG] Cover_Art.jpg 2023-12-10 14:35 456K
[---] README.txt 2023-12-10 14:40 2K
Note: This is a simulated directory listing for the classic 1987 TV series Ramayan (directed by Ramanand Sagar). Actual availability may vary. Always respect copyright laws and official distribution channels.
, created by Ramanand Sagar, consists of 78 episodes originally aired on Doordarshan. It is broadly divided into several "Kands" (books or chapters) following the structure of the classical epic.
Below is a complete index and breakdown of the series for your post. Series Overview Director/Producer: Ramanand Sagar Original Run: July 31, 1988 Total Episodes: 78 (Main series) + 39 (Luv Kush/Uttara Ramayan) Lead Cast:
Arun Govil (Ram), Deepika Chikhalia (Sita), Sunil Lahri (Lakshman), Dara Singh (Hanuman), and Arvind Trivedi (Ravana). Detailed Episode Index (By Major Arc) 1. Bal Kand (Episodes 1–15) Birth of Rama and his brothers. Protection of Vishwamitra’s Yajna and slaying of Tadaka. The deliverance of Ahilya. Key Event: Sita Swayamvar and the breaking of the Shiva Dhanush. 2. Ayodhya Kand (Episodes 16–30) Preparations for Rama's coronation. Manthara’s manipulation of Queen Kaikeyi. The two boons and Rama’s 14-year exile (Vanvas). Death of King Dasharatha. Key Event:
Bharat’s refusal of the throne and the "Paduka" (sandals) ceremony at Chitrakoot. 3. Aranya Kand (Episodes 31–41) Life in the forest and the meeting with sages. The encounter with Shurpanakha. The slaying of Khar and Dushan. Key Event:
The Golden Deer (Maricha) and the abduction of Sita by Ravana. 4. Kishkindha Kand (Episodes 42–51) Rama meets Hanuman and Sugriva. The alliance between Rama and the Vanar Sena. The slaying of Vali and the coronation of Sugriva. Key Event: The search for Sita begins in all four directions. 5. Sundar Kand (Episodes 52–58) Hanuman’s leap across the ocean to Lanka. Meeting Sita in Ashoka Vatika. The burning of Lanka. Key Event:
Hanuman returns with Sita's "Chudamani" (jewel) as proof of her safety. 6. Yuddha Kand / Lanka Kand (Episodes 59–78) Construction of the Ram Setu bridge. Angad’s peace mission to Ravana’s court.
The Great War: The fall of Kumbhakarna, Indrajit, and Ravana. Sita’s Agni Pariksha. Key Event:
The return to Ayodhya and the coronation of Rama (Ram Rajya). Bonus: Luv Kush (Uttara Ramayan) Following the main 78 episodes, a follow-up series of 39 episodes was produced covering: Sita’s exile to Valmiki’s Ashram. The birth and upbringing of Luv and Kush. The Ashwamedha Yajna. The final departure of Rama and Sita. detailed summary of a specific episode or arc for your post?
The 1987 television series Ramayan, created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar, remains a cultural phenomenon and a milestone in Indian television history. First aired on DD National from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988, the 78-episode saga brought the ancient Hindu epic to life for millions. Key Series Overview Original Network: DD National Total Episodes: 78 Based On: Valmiki's Ramayana and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas Primary Cast: Arun Govil as Lord Rama Dipika Chikhlia as Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Arvind Trivedi as Ravana Dara Singh as Hanuman Music Composer: Ravindra Jain Comprehensive Episode Index
The series is structured chronologically, following the life of Shri Ram from his birth to his triumphant return to Ayodhya. Episode No. Title / Major Event Original Air Date 1–5 Birth of Lord Ram, Childhood, and killing Taraka Rakshasi Jan – Feb 1987 6–11 Ram meets Sita, Sita's Swayamvara, and Marriage Mar – Apr 1987 12–16 Exile of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman from Ayodhya Apr – May 1987 17–23
Forest Life: Meetings with Nishadraj Guha, Sage Bharadwaja, and Valmiki May – Jun 1987 24–26
Bharat Milap and installation of Ram's sandals on the throne 27–32 Encounter with Shurpanakha and Sita Haran (Kidnapping) Jul – Aug 1987 33–39 Meeting Hanuman and Sugriv; killing of Bali Sep – Oct 1987 40–48 Search for Sita; Hanuman's journey to Lanka and Lanka Dahan Oct – Dec 1987 49–53
Alliance with Vibhishana and construction of the Ram Setu bridge Dec 1987 – Jan 1988 54–58 Peace negotiations and preparations for the Great Battle Jan – Feb 1988 59–69 The Battle of Lanka: Deaths of Kumbhakaran and Indrajit Mar – May 1988 70–75 The Final Battle and the slaying of Ravana May – Jun 1988 76–78
Agni-pariksha, return to Ayodhya, and the Coronation (Rajyabhishek) [Source: Full episode data available on Wikipedia and IMDb] Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan was more than a TV show; it was a weekly ritual. During its original broadcast, streets were reportedly deserted as the nation tuned in every Sunday morning. index of ramayan 1987
Record-Breaking Viewership: At its peak, the show held an 82% viewership rating.
2020 Revival: During the COVID-19 lockdown, the series was re-aired and set a global record for the most-watched entertainment program, reaching 77 million viewers in a single day on April 16, 2020.
Spiritual Reach: The show is often credited with bringing the epic's values into everyday households and has been broadcast in over 17 countries.
The 1987 Ramayan television series, created and directed by Ramanand Sagar, is a seminal adaptation of the Hindu epic, primarily based on Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki's Ramayana. It consists of 78 episodes that originally aired on DD National every Sunday morning from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. Key Production Details Director/Creator: Ramanand Sagar Total Episodes: 78 Principal Cast: Lord Ram: Arun Govil Sita: Deepika Chikhlia Lakshman: Sunil Lahri Hanuman: Dara Singh Ravana: Arvind Trivedi Episode Index (Key Phases)
The series follows the chronological narrative of the epic, often categorized into these major arcs:
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan (1987) is an iconic Indian television series consisting of 78 episodes that originally aired on DD National . It is primarily based on Valmiki's and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas Series Overview Original Air Dates: July 31, 1988. Director/Writer: Ramanand Sagar. Main Cast: Arun Govil as Shri Ram. Dipika Chikhlia Sunil Lahri as Lakshman. Dara Singh as Hanuman. Arvind Trivedi as Ravana. Episode Index & Major Story Arcs
The series follows the chronological narrative of the epic, divided into several key "Kandas" (sections): The Movie Database
Episodes 16 – 32
This phase covers the fourteen years of exile (Vanvaas). It focuses on the trio's life in the forest, their encounters with sages and demons, and the eventual turning point of the epic.
Searching for the "index of Ramayan 1987" is more than an attempt to download files; it is an archaeological dig into India’s television history. It is the search for the exact moment Hanuman flies across the screen with the Sanjeevani hill, or the precise frame where Ram strings the Shiva Dhanush.
While official sources are improving, the raw, unfiltered indexes preserve the show exactly as it was broadcast. Whether you are a Gen Z viewer curious about the hype or a parent wanting to show your child the real Ram, the index is your time machine.
Pro Tip: Start your search with Archive.org and work your way out. Do not click on pop-ups. And when you find that perfect 1080p index—save it. It is the digital equivalent of a family heirloom.
Have you found a working index? Share the episode count in the comments below (but please, no direct pirate links). Jai Shri Ram.
Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987) is a landmark in Indian television history, originally consisting of 78 episodes that aired from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. The series is primarily based on Valmiki’s Ramayan and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, but also draws from various regional versions like the Tamil Kamba Ramayanam and Bengali Krutivas Ramayan. Episode Index & Major Milestones
The series can be categorized into several key phases of the epic:
Bal Kand (Episodes 1–11): Covers the birth of Shri Ram, his education in Gurukul, the killing of Taraka, and the iconic Sita Swayamvara followed by their marriage.
Ayodhya Kand (Episodes 12–26): Focuses on the preparation for Ram's coronation, Manthara's poisoning of Kaikeyi’s mind, and the subsequent 14-year exile (Vanvas). It concludes with Bharat installing Ram’s sandals (Paduka) on the throne.
Aranya Kand (Episodes 27–34): Details the life of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman in the forest, the encounter with Shurpanakha, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravan.
Kishkindha Kand (Episodes 35–42): Describes the meeting with Hanuman and the alliance with Sugriv, culminating in the killing of Bali.
Sundar Kand (Episodes 43–48): Highlights Hanuman’s journey to Lanka, his meeting with Sita in Ashok Vatika, and the burning of Lanka (Lanka Dahan).
Lanka Kand (Episodes 49–75): The largest segment covering the construction of Ram Setu, the massive battle between Ram’s army and Ravan’s forces (including the deaths of Kumbhakaran and Indrajit), and the final defeat of Ravan. The televised Ramayan (DD National, 1987–1988) reached an
Final Chapters (Episodes 76–78): Concludes with Sita’s Agni-pariksha, the return to Ayodhya, and the coronation of Shri Ram. Key Cast Members Arun Govil as Shri Ram Deepika Chikhalia as Sita Sunil Lahri as Lakshman Arvind Trivedi as Ravan Dara Singh as Hanuman Legacy and Impact
The 1987 television series Ramayan , directed by Ramanand Sagar, is a landmark production that adapted the ancient Hindu epic for Indian television. It first aired on Doordarshan from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988, comprising 78 original episodes. Production Overview Director/Producer: Ramanand Sagar.
Primary Source: The series is mainly based on Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas and Valmiki’s Ramayana. Iconic Cast: Arun Govil as Lord Ram. Deepika Chikhalia as Sita. Sunil Lahri as Lakshman. Dara Singh as Hanuman. Arvind Trivedi as Ravan. Index of Story Arcs (Kandas)
The series follows the traditional structure of the epic, divided into several major chapters or "Kandas":
(1987), created by Ramanand Sagar, is a landmark Indian television series that originally aired on DD National . The show consists of 78 episodes primarily based on Valmiki's and Tulsidas's Ramcharitmanas Episode Index & Major Story Arcs
The series follows the chronological life of Lord Rama, divided into several major chapters ( Bala Kanda (Early Life)
: Episodes 1–11 cover the birth of Rama, his education, the protection of sage Vishwamitra's sacrifice, the redemption of Ahilya, and the marriage to Sita in Mithila. Ayodhya Kanda (Exile)
: Episodes 12–25 detail the preparations for Rama's coronation, Kaikeyi's two boons, Rama’s 14-year exile, the crossing of the Ganga, and the stay at Chitrakoot. Aranya Kanda (Forest Life)
: Episodes 26–37 focus on the trio's life in the Dandaka forest, the encounter with Shurpanaka, and the abduction of Sita by Ravana. Kishkindha Kanda (The Alliance)
: Episodes 38–48 cover Rama’s meeting with Hanuman and Sugriva, the killing of Bali, and the search for Sita. Sundara Kanda (Hanuman's Journey)
: Episodes 49–55 follow Hanuman’s flight to Lanka, his meeting with Sita in Ashoka Vatika, and the burning of Lanka. Yuddha Kanda (The War)
: Episodes 56–78 depict the construction of the Ram Setu bridge, the epic battle between Rama's army and Ravana's forces (including the fall of Kumbhakarna and Indrajit), the death of Ravana, and Rama’s return to Ayodhya for his coronation. Key Cast & Production : Arun Govil : Deepika Chikhalia : Sunil Lahri : Dara Singh : Arvind Trivedi : Composed by Ravindra Jain : Ashok Kumar Where to Watch
You can currently stream the series on various digital platforms:
The 1987 television series , created by Ramanand Sagar, is a legendary adaptation of the Hindu epic that originally aired on DD National
from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. The series consists of 78 episodes
covering the journey of Lord Ram from his birth to his coronation. Series Overview Director/Creator : Ramanand Sagar. Primary Sources : Valmiki's and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas : Arun Govil : Dipika Chikhlia : Sunil Lahri : Dara Singh : Arvind Trivedi Episode Index (Condensed)
The 78 episodes are traditionally categorized into "Kandas" (Books). Below is a highlighted index of the series' major milestones: 1. Bal Kanda (Childhood & Youth) : Birth and childhood of Lord Ram. Episode 2–3 : Education at Gurukul. : Arrival of Vishwamitra and killing of Taraka. Episode 6–8
: Ram meets Sita and the Swayamvara (lifting the Shiva Dhanush). Episode 10 : Marriage of Ram and Sita. 2. Ayodhya Kanda (The Exile) Episode 13–14 : Manthara poisons Kaikeyi’s mind; Kaikeyi demands boons. Episode 15–16 : Ram, Sita, and Lakshman depart for the forest. Episode 20 : Death of King Dasharatha. Episode 24–26
: Meeting with Bharat at Chitrakoot; installation of Ram’s sandals on the throne. 3. Aranya & Kishkindha Kanda (The Search) Episode 30 : Encounter with Shurpanakha. Episode 32 : Sita Haran (Abduction) and the death of Jatayu. Episode 35–36 : Meeting with Hanuman and friendship with Sugriva. Episode 38 : Killing of Bali. 4. Sundara & Yuddha Kanda (The War) Episode 43–44 : Hanuman reaches Lanka and meets Sita in Ashok Vatika. Episode 46 : Lanka Dahan (Burning of Lanka). Episode 52–53 : Construction of the Ram Setu (Bridge). Episode 62 : Kumbhakaran Vadh (Killing of Kumbhakaran). Episode 71 : Indrajit Vadh (Killing of Meghnad). Episode 75 : Ravan Vadh (Killing of Ravana) and the end of the battle. 5. Final Episodes Episode 76 : Sita’s Agni-pariksha (Trial by fire). Episode 78 : Return to Ayodhya and the Coronation of Shri Ram (Ram Rajya). of a specific section, or perhaps information on the 2020 record-breaking re-broadcast
Title: Navigating the Epic: A Guide to the Index of Ramayan (1987)
Introduction
Few television series in history have had the societal impact of Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan (1987). For millions of viewers, it was not merely a weekly broadcast but a spiritual event that brought India to a standstill every Sunday morning. Decades later, the show enjoys a timeless legacy, often re-telecast to record-breaking viewership. However, for modern viewers attempting to navigate the series—whether through DVDs, streaming platforms like YouTube, or digital archives—understanding the "index" of the series is essential. Unlike modern shows with arbitrary season breaks, the index of Ramayan (1987) is structured as a linear, chronological journey through the life of Lord Rama.
This essay serves as a helpful guide to understanding the structure, segmentation, and narrative index of this monumental series.
The Structural Overview: Seasons and Volume
To understand the index of Ramayan, one must first recognize its broadcast history. The series originally aired on Doordarshan starting January 25, 1987.
For indexing purposes, the show is generally divided into two distinct parts:
In total, a complete index of the 1987 series usually comprises 106 episodes (sometimes cited as 78 original + 28 sequel, though numbering varies by distributor).
The Narrative Index: A Chapter-by-Chapter Breakdown
For a viewer looking to find specific events, the series can be indexed by major narrative arcs. This acts as a thematic table of contents for the episodes.
1. The Bal Kand (The Childhood Chapters) – Episodes 1–14 The index begins in Ayodhya with King Dasharatha and his three wives. This section covers the birth of the four brothers, Rama’s education under Guru Vashistha, his journey to Mithila, the breaking of Shiva’s bow, and his marriage to Sita. These episodes establish the ideal family dynamic and the virtues of the protagonists.
2. Ayodhya Kand (The Court of Ayodhya) – Episodes 15–24 This is arguably the emotional pivot point of the series. It covers the court politics, Kaikeyi’s demand for Rama’s exile, Dasharatha’s death, and Bharat’s rejection of the throne. It is indexed as the section where the transition from palace to forest occurs.
3. Aranya Kand (The Forest Exile) – Episodes 25–33 This section chronicles the 14 years of exile. It introduces key characters like Surpanakha and the vulture king Jatayu. The arc culminates in the abduction of Sita by Ravana, setting the stage for the war.
4. Kishkindha Kand and Sundar Kand (Alliances and Hope) – Episodes 34–46 This portion of the index tracks Rama’s meeting with Hanuman and Sugriva, the killing of Vali, and the search for Sita. Sundar Kand (The Beautiful Chapter) specifically focuses on Hanuman’s leap to Lanka, his meeting with Sita, and the burning of the city. This is often watched as a standalone segment for devotional purposes.
5. Lanka Kand (The War) – Episodes 47–62 This is the action-heavy segment of the index. It details the construction of the Ram Setu (bridge), the entry into Lanka, the fierce battles between the Vanara army and the Rakshasas, the death of Ravana, and the rescue of Sita.
6. Uttara Kand (The Coronation and Aftermath) – Episodes 63–78 (Original Run) The initial run of the series concludes with Rama’s return to Ayodhya and his coronation. It establishes the concept of "Ram Rajya" (an ideal state of governance).
7. Luv Kush Kand (The Sequel) – Episodes 79–106 For those indexing the full saga, the sequel picks up years later. It covers Sita’s banishment, her life in Sage Valmiki’s ashram, the birth of the twins Luv and Kush, their recitation of the Ramayan to Rama himself, and the eventual departure of the avatars.
The Significance of the Index for Modern Viewers
Understanding the index of Ramayan (1987) is vital for cultural literacy. In the age of OTT platforms, viewers often binge-watch series. However, Ramayan was designed for episodic viewing. Each episode ends with a "cliffhanger" or a moral summary delivered by the narrator, often ending with the signature song "Sampurna Ramayan."
Furthermore, the index serves as a reference tool for students of literature and theology. Because the series adhered closely to Valmiki’s Ramayan and Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, the episode numbering often corresponds with the Kands (chapters) of the original texts. This makes the TV series a visual companion to reading the scriptures.
Conclusion
The index of Ramayan (1987) is more than a list of episode numbers; it is a roadmap to a cultural phenomenon. Whether one is revisiting the childhood of Rama in the early episodes or the tragic yet spiritually uplifting conclusion in the Luv Kush sequel, the structure of the series remains a masterclass in storytelling. By understanding how the series is segmented, viewers can better appreciate the pacing, the character development, and the moral philosophy that has captivated audiences for over three decades. In a fast-paced digital world, the index invites us to slow down and revisit the roots of one of the world's greatest epics.
This text is structured to provide a comprehensive guide to the episode list, the narrative arcs, and the structural breakdown of the historic television series. Index of /ramayan_1987 [ICO] Name Last modified Size
Before diving into where to find the index, one must understand the weight of this production.
For those looking for an informational index, here is the breakdown of how the 78 episodes (plus the Uttar Ramayan) are structured.