This is a grey area. Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan is copyrighted by Sagar Arts. However, the show has been aired on public broadcaster Doordarshan (DD National), which is government-owned. Many argue that because DD National initially commissioned the show, it falls under public domain in spirit, if not in law.
Legally: Downloading from random indexes is piracy. Practically: Since the show is freely available on YouTube (with ads) and DD National’s app (DD Retro), Sagar Arts generally does not pursue individuals downloading old indexes. However, supporting the official release by watching via Sagar World YouTube ensures the creators’ families benefit.
The 1987 television series Ramayan, directed by Ramanand Sagar, remains a landmark in Indian broadcasting history. While much scholarship focuses on its cultural and political impact, a systematic structural index of the series offers a unique lens into its narrative mechanics. This paper constructs and analyzes a functional index of the 78 episodes, categorizing entries by episode number, major narrative arcs (Bal Kand to Uttara Kand), key characters, iconic scenes (e.g., the Panchavati exile, Sita’s agni pariksha), and moral/philosophical leitmotifs. The index reveals a deliberate pacing strategy: the first 30 episodes establish cosmic order and exile, the middle 30 focus on the Kishkindha and Sundar Kands (featuring Hanuman), and the final 18 compress the war and post-war resolutions. Furthermore, the index exposes narrative symmetries—such as the parallel abductions of Sita and the illusionary Sita—that are central to the serial’s theological argument. We conclude that a properly constructed index transforms Ramayan (1987) from a simple retelling into a complex ritualistic text, where repetition and episodic structuring serve pedagogical and devotional ends.
Keywords: Ramayan (1987), Ramanand Sagar, television index, epic narrative, serial structure, Ramayana reception.
1987 TV series , created and directed by Ramanand Sagar , is a landmark Indian television adaptation of the ancient Sanskrit epic. Originally aired on Doordarshan
between January 1987 and July 1988, it remains the most-watched mythological show in the world. Its cultural footprint was so deep that it reached a "fever" pitch, where streets across India would become deserted every Sunday morning as millions gathered to watch. Quick Facts : 78 (originally planned for 52) : ~30-45 minutes per episode Original Network DD National (Doordarshan) Global Record
: Re-telecast during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown broke viewership records with 77 million viewers for a single episode. ROAD TO NARA Key Characters & Cast
The series made its lead actors into iconic figures who were often revered as gods in real life.
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
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.
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. index of ramayan 1987
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).
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":
The 1987 television series, created by Ramanand Sagar, consists of 78 episodes that originally aired on DD National from January 25, 1987, to July 31, 1988. The series is primarily based on Valmiki's Ramayan and Tulsidas' Ramcharitmanas. Episode Index (Episodes 1–78) Title / Major Event Original Air Date 1-5 Birth of Ram, childhood, and killing of Taraka Jan – Feb 1987 6-10 Meeting Sita, Sita's Swayamvara, and Marriage 11-15 Arrival at Ayodhya and Kaikeyi's demand for boons Apr – May 1987 16-20 Exile begins, meeting Nishadraj, and Dasharatha's death May – Jun 1987 21-26 Bharat's return and installing Ram's sandals on the throne Jun – Jul 1987 27-32 Forest life, Shurpanaka encounter, and Sita Haran 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 Vibhishana joins Ram, and construction of the Ram Setu Dec 1987 – Jan 1988 54-62 Peace mission, start of battle, and Kumbhakaran Vadh Jan – Mar 1988 63-71
Deaths of major warriors, Lakshman's injury, and Indrajit Vadh Apr – May 1988 72-75 Final battle between Ram and Ravana; Ravana Vadh 76-78 Sita's Agni-pariksha, return to Ayodhya, and Coronation Key Series Information
Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan (1987) is the most iconic television adaptation of the ancient Indian epic, originally airing on DD National. It remains a cultural phenomenon, famously holding a world record for viewership with 77 million viewers for a single episode during its 2020 re-telecast. Series Overview & Index
The series consists of 78 episodes that faithfully follow the Ramcharitmanas by Tulsidas and the Ramayana by Valmiki. The narrative is traditionally divided into several Kands (Books):
Bala Kand: The birth of Rama, his childhood, and his marriage to Sita.
Ayodhya Kand: Preparations for Rama's coronation and his subsequent 14-year exile.
Aranya Kand: The forest life, encounters with sages and demons, and the abduction of Sita by Ravana.
Kishkindha Kand: Rama’s alliance with Hanuman and the Vanara King Sugriva.
Sundar Kand: Hanuman's journey to Lanka and his meeting with Sita.
Yuddha Kand (Lanka Kand): The epic battle between Rama and Ravana, and Rama's return to Ayodhya. This is a grey area
Uttara Kand: (Often aired as Luv Kush) Rama’s reign and the story of his sons. Cast and Creative Team Director/Writer: Ramanand Sagar. Lord Rama: Arun Govil. Sita: Dipika Chikhlia. Lakshman: Sunil Lahri. Hanuman: Dara Singh. Ravana: Arvind Trivedi. Narrators: Ashok Kumar and Ramanand Sagar. Why It remains the Definitive Version
While modern adaptations offer superior CGI, the 1987 version is praised for its soulful storytelling, Ravindra Jain’s legendary music, and the "divine" aura the actors brought to their roles—so much so that Govil and Chikhlia were often treated as deities by the public. Where to Watch
The full series is available for streaming on platforms such as: Disney+ Hotstar. Airtel Xstream Play (via ShemarooMe).
(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 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 1987 TV series , created and directed by
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.
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.
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.
Episodes 47 – 61
This is the climax of the primary narrative. The building of the Ram Setu (bridge) and the great war between Rama and Ravana.
Episodes 33 – 46
This phase shifts focus to the monkey kingdom (Vanara) and the introduction of Hanuman, arguably the most popular character in the series.
For those looking for an informational index, here is the breakdown of how the 78 episodes (plus the Uttar Ramayan) are structured.