The Ramayana takes its name from the hero Rama, an exemplary prince and ideal man, admired for his honour, valour and compassion. Rama is an avatar of the great Hindu god Vishnu, preserver of peace, who takes an earthly form when he is needed to restore balance to the world.Good, handsome and extremely strong, Rama won the hand of the virtuous Sita, an incarnation of Vishnu’s consort Lakshmi, goddess of beauty and prosperity, in a contest of strength and skill. Rama easily lifted and shot an arrow from the bow of the god Shiva, accurately hitting a tiny, moving target.