The Ramayana is one of the world's greatest epics, inspiring millions for thousands of years. Yet many stories we hear today come from television shows, folk traditions, and later retellings rather than the oldest available text, the Valmiki Ramayana. As these stories passed from one generation to another, some details changed while others were added over time. Does Hanuman always carry a gada? Did Lakshmana really draw the famous Lakshman Rekha? The answers may surprise you. Let's explore eight popular Ramayana beliefs and what the Valmiki Ramayana actually describes.
