The formless Supreme Being (Brahman) has eternally manifested as a triad of three couples, of which Vishṇu represents the Divine role as the Lord, Preserver, Sustainer of the bounteous creation which is represented by His consort Lakshmī. Vishṇu takes on incarnations (Avatāra) frequently on the earth, often with Lakshmi, to destroy evil and re-establish Dharma.

One such prominent Avatāra is that of Shrī Rāma, and His spouse Sītā. Rāma took birth as the eldest of the four sons of King Dasharatha of Ayodhyā, (India) and married Sītā, the adopted daughter of King Janaka of Mithila in Nepal. Rāma’s younger brother Lakshmaṇa was the incarnation of Sheṣha (or also had a portion of Vishṇu) and the earthly exploits of the three were first recorded by the pre-Buddha saint Sage Vālmīki in the famous Hindu epic, the Rāmāyaṇa, composed in Sanskrit. After their worldly deeds were over, they returned to their earlier Divine abodes and states, but continue to manifest and bless their true devotees from time to time. In this way, although Rāma and Sītā appeared as Avatāras in ancient history, they are also eternal.

• In temples, Rāma Parivar (family) is seen with Rāma in the middle, Sītā to His left, and Lakshmaṇa to His right.
• At their feet is present Rāma’s devoted helper Hanumān, who is also worshiped as a Deity.
• He carries a bow and a quiver, because He was an extremely proficient warrior who killed numerous evil demons to fulfill the purpose of his Avatāra.

• Rāma is regarded by Hindus as an exemplary person whom we should imitate.
• He was an ideal, obedient son; a loving elder brother; a royal who showed grace and gratitude towards his subjects; and an ideal King who cared for his subjects as his own dear children, and whose reign saw extinction of poverty, famines, and disease.
• He was a brave warrior who defeated mighty evil enemies despite great odds stacked up against him due to his stratagem, bravery, fortitude and nobility.
• Sītā was an extremely devoted wife who lived her life with great dignity and chose to give up royal comforts to accompany her husband to the forest.
• Once their exile was over, she again bore the injustice of being banished so that citizens would continue to have faith in her husband, who was now King. She raised their two sons ably and single-handedly and proved to be an epitome of sacrifice and loyalty.
• Lakshmaṇa and other younger brothers (Bharata and Shatrughna) set the model for the extreme respect and reverence that Hindus show towards our older siblings.

• Several major Hindu festivals are associated with Rāma and Sītā
  • Diwali: Celebration of the day on which Rāmā returns to Ayodhyā after a 14 year exile and marked by lighting of lamps and bursting firecrackers
  • Rāmanavamī: Birthday of Rāma on which devotees fast and recite the Ramacharitmānas of Sant Tulsidās non-stop overnight
  • Vijayadashamī or Dussehra: Commemoration of the victory of Rāma over Rāvaṇa. In the nine days preceding this festival, the entire story of the Rāmāyaṇa is enacted across North India by local actors and lay Hindus in a theatrical format.