The chapters of the Ramayana are typically divided into various books or "Kandas." Here is a list of the main Kandas (books) in the Valmiki Ramayana:
- Balakanda : Describes the birth of Lord Rama, his early life, and his marriage to Sita.
- Ayodhyakanda : Focuses on the events in Ayodhya, including Dasharatha's decision to crown Rama, Kaikeyi's demands, and Rama's exile.
- Aranyakanda : Narrates Rama's life in the forest, his encounters with various sages, and the kidnapping of Sita by Ravana.
- Kishkindhakanda : Details the search for Sita, Rama's alliance with Hanuman and the vanaras, and the killing of Vali.
- Sundarakanda : Focuses on Hanuman's journey to Lanka in search of Sita and his encounters with various characters.
- Yuddhakanda : Describes the preparations for war, the battles between Rama and Ravana, and the ultimate victory of good over evil.
- Uttarakanda : Addresses the return of Rama to Ayodhya, the rumors questioning Sita's chastity, and Sita's test of fire leading to her return to Mother Earth.
It's important to note that different versions of the Ramayana may have variations in the number and names of chapters. The above list is based on the Valmiki Ramayana, which is one of the most widely known versions.