Shri Valmiki Ramayana is an epic philosophy and itihasa[history] that narrates the story of the 7th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Shri Rama. Written by Maharishi Valmiki, this epic has 7 chapters that chronicle the journey of Shri Rama from his birth till his journey back to Vaikuntha.

The 7 Chapters describe in detail the childhood of Shri Rama, his marriage to Maa Sita, his banishment from kingdom of Ayodhya by his Father Dashratha upon being forced by his stepmother Queen Kaikeyi, his life in Forest as a hermit, the abduction of Maa Sita by Demon Ravana, his search for Maa Sita which eventually leads to war with Ravana, killing Ravana, and then later his coronation as King of Ayodhya. The 7 Chapters given below in total have 606 Sargas and over 24000 Shlokas written in the Anustup Chandas or Poetic Metre.

The first book is called Bala-Kanda [Book of Rama as a Child] which describes in detail all the events which lead to the holy birth of Shri Rama to King Dashratha and Queen Kaushalya. It has around 76 Sargas or Chapters and around 1941 Shlokas.

The Second book is called Ayodhya-Kanda [Book of Rama as Prince of Ayodhya] which describes in detail the marriage of Shri Rama to Maa Sita, events that lead to his banishment, and Shri Rama calmly accepting his fate. It has around 119 Sarga and around 3160 Shlokas.

The Third book is called Aranya-Kanda [Book of Rama's Life as a Hermit] which describes in detail all events which took place when Shri Rama lives with Maa Sita and King Laxmana as a hermit in Forest. It has around 71 Sargas and 2061 Shlokas.

The Fourth Book is called Kishkinda-kanda [Book of Rama's journey to Kishkinda] which describes in detail all events which took place after Demon Ravana abducted Maa Sita and Shri Rama and Laxmana went in search of her and they met Sugreev and Hanuman. It has around 66 Sargas and 1987 Shlokas.

The Fifth Book is called Sundara-Kanda [Book of Hanuman's adventures] which describes in detail all adventures Lord Hanuman experienced in search of Maa Sita while going to the Kingdom of Ravana, Lanka. It has around 66 Sargas and 2488 Shlokas.

The Sixth Book is called Yuddha-Kanda [Book of War in Lanka] which describes in detail all events which took place when Lord Hanuman found Maa SIta in Ravana's Lanka and Shri Rama decided to wage war with him to get her back. It has around 116 Sargas and 4436 Shlokas.

The Seventh and Final book is called Uttara-Kanda [Book of Rama's Rule of Ayodhya] which describes in detail all events which took place when after Shri Rama killed Demon, Ravana and returned to Ayodhya with Maa Sita to rule the Kingdom for 11,000 Years. It has around 100 Sargas and 2689 Shlokas.

In total, Valmiki Ramayana has 7 Kandas, 644 Sargas and 24000 Shlokas. Valmiki Ramayana has a deep symbolism hidden in it which indicates the material creation. It is hidden in the first letter of every 1000 Shlokas. The 24 letters make up the entire Gayatri Mantra which reflects the deep philosophy hidden behind this auspicious and holy Kavya. It is Known as Gayatri Ramayana.

With this, Sage Valmiki wrote that whosoever read even a single shloka of Ramayana with devotion and surrender to the holy feets of Shri Rama will be bestowed with sons, daughters, all kinds of wealth, and comforts in his life. Their sins for the past lives will be washed away and they will receive salvation as a blessing from Shri Rama himself.