Ramayana became the 1st serial of the TeleVision world, which earned a place in the Limca Book of Records as the world’s most watched Television series.
For millions of Indians, life came to a standstill for 45 minutes every Sunday morning.
At 9.30 am, people settled down to watch this epic serial, the greatest hit in Indian TV history.
The budget for Ramayan was Rs.9 lakh per episode, making it the most expensive show produced at that time!
The shooting for Ramayan went on for over 550 days!
Arun Govil received such intense love and adoration for his portrayal of Ram that he had to give up smoking in public!
Ramanand Sagar’s serial Ramayana comes in the 1st category in the history of television. It was telecasted on Doordarshan, on 25 Jan 1987. When it first came on TV, no one imagined that it would get so much fame.
Ramayan, which was actually the second show that Ramanand Sagar created for TV (after Vikram Betaal), remains one of the most iconic shows to have been made on Indian Television.
The show became so popular that it was extended thrice, to a total of 78 episodes, instead of the original 52 episodes.
During that sacred three-quarters of an hour it is said that the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the largest Indian state, refused to take telephone calls.
When Ramayan was first telecasted, Doordarshan reportedly earned Rs.40 lakh per episode!
In Jammu and Kashmir, angry viewers attacked a power station when electricity cuts disrupted the telecast.
Shops throughout the nation kept their shutters down until the serial was over.
Officials of the Doordarshan estimated that out of 100 million of Indian’s 750 million people watch the show.
Special arguments for viewing the serial were made at street corners, community centers, shop fronts. Subsequently, with repeat telecast on 20 different times, it has been aired for over 2000 hours. As per BBC figures, the serial has been viewed by over 650 mn people worldwide.
Also Read: A Land Devoted to Light
Ramayana is an Indian historical-drama epic television series, which aired during 1987-1988, created, written, and directed by Ramanand Sagar. The series had a viewership of 82 percent, a record high for any Indian television serial till now.
Ramayana was not just a TV serial but a feeling that bound the whole family, village and society and our nation. It was a sentiment and created a silent uproar inside each Indian’s heart of that and every generation that came after that.
One of the most memorable moments of our childhood are associated with Ramayana.
I remember in the whole street of our colony, only we had got a television called Jolly TV which had a shutter, on sunday’s when Ramayana used to come, whole colony used to come to a stand still. Fortunately our TV was placed such that even anyone walking on the street could see it. That one sunny afternoon when i was running inside to outside, i saw a curd seller from a village come into our lawn, putting down his big earthen pot of sweet curd and offering to us at home and other people who sat with each other focused on watching, and unaware of the world around them.
That was a golden period, before any stock market, various channels or innumerable advertisements ate our time or that melancholia that came with that curd which everybody ate happily after Ramayana was over.
Today, i am bound to write, is probably the grandest day that has arrived in India in last 500 plus years. Today is when Lord Rama is getting his home back.
I, or we Indians cannot really express how deep or how big deal this has been. The sacrifices of the people, citizens of this nation for five centuries is coming to fruition and this can be truly felt in the celebrations that has united one and all of us here.
Lord Rama was, is and will always be the soul of India.
Thank You DoorDarshan for those memories, thank you Ramanand Sagar ji for doing it what you did, and how?
As I finish writing it, a 1000 kilometres from my home, in Ayodhya, on the banks of the legendary river Sarayu, today- the ritual of establishing the vital breath i.e. bringing life to it will happen. And with it the wait of half a thousand years, to give him home, will end.
Jai Shri Ram
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Thank you.
If today is the first time you have arrived on The Road to Nara, you are heartily welcome ~ Namaste
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I will take this opportunity to introduce you to About me and importantly,
As a co-traveller, share my Ten Lessons I learnt from several years on the road, before you coarse on your own Road to Nara.
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You might also like to know about My Little School Project.
If you wish to come over for a visit someday, that you must, you will be heartily welcome here
If you have anything to share, or feel like saying a hello, please feel free to write to me at lotusofnara@gmail.com
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Image Credit – Various Internet Sources
ROAD TO NARA 
I’m not proud of the Ramayana any more, Narayan. Though it is a great epic, it has turned us into a country of bigots.
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Dear Harini, i would not like to think that way, as it is a civilisational issue and not a religious one.
These epics may be great or interesting for you and I, who are into ‘in a way’ daily reading reviewing, critiquing stories, but for the people who grew seeing and praying wandering sadhus in their villages singing lores of Rama and Krishna, these are living beings into there lives, present even today.
The stories of these epics are relished beyond border states and in our region beyond countries. I think We still are a nation who move by emotion Harini, and i thank our Himalayas for that.
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I agree, Narayan, and it was a simple and good way to live. I was like that too, not so long ago. I used to enjoy the TV Ramayana too. But the world has changed, it’s more harsh and intolerant today and that has made me examine my beliefs closely. We all need to do that in order to find our way out of this mess.
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You are a peaceful person, Narayan, but so many ‘religious’ people are not. Then the question arises: which is more important – my idea of God, which is really only an idea among thousands of other competing ideas, or love for other living beings? I will choose there latter, every time!
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Of course I see and understand your views Harini, I know it, but allow me to put my view here because first of all I must and secondly, you are my prized friend here whose views are dear to me. I would like this important interaction to only become a milestone and never a distraction.
When our idea gets in-tuned with us, there remains no comparison, right. And this happened with Swami Ji too, unless he met mother goddess with the help of Ramakrishna, he was like any other ordinary person, wandering, smoking, questioning life, fighting for employment, food to an extent recognition. It took time and effort of a few other people.
And For a moment Harini, if i only talk about the ongoing now- just imagine, a majority population in their own country, suppressed for hundreds of years over allegations of being unscientific, divisive, uneducated, poor; while other faiths, missionaries, media houses questioning their every simple belief — above that their 3 main lords bereft of home for centuries, fighting legal battles in courts in their own country, seeking permission to only pray to him, on his birthplace- its a big deal that it happened like this, without almost no violence. I see it as a win for everyone and a much needed release of that suppression, that yes, seems to be on face but its rather outpouring of emotions.
And be it Ramayana, Mahabharata- the greatest of them all epic- Rama, Buddha, 10 Sikh Gurus, to an extent even Goddess Durga became their name on a battlefield. They had to shake things up, even though all of them were peaceful people, just like you and me.
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Thank you for understanding, Narayan. I too understand your point of view, and I thought the same way a few years ago. Now, in my mid sixties, I feel agonized by the destruction of nature, the wars and hatred in the world. Thinking about it, reading, listening, feeling, I came to the conclusion that religion is a prime divisive element and is also used by wicked people to manipulate innocent ones; as well as to justify destruction of nature. The Char Dham highway is a case in point.
I don’t expect you to agree with me, but I just wanted to clarify that my comments were made out of my deep anguish about the state of the earth and humanity.
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I want to add a couple of points to our discussion:
1. Yes, we are an emotional people and that’s one of the things I love about us. But let us focus on the good emotions and not the bad ones.
2. You speak of centuries of oppression – I think that is a misrepresentation of history. The Mediaeval period was a time of conquest, cruelty and religious oppression all over the world. India was no exception to this, with foreign conquerors coming in and disturbing the peaceful life of the rural people. But let’s not forget that it was happening within the subcontinent too – for instance the Rajput and Maratha invasions of Bengal, carrying off idols of Durga, etc. Read too what the former mahant of the Kasi Viswanath temple has to say about the Mughal rulers: https://www.newsclick.in/babri-masjid-anniversary-you-wont-find-rama-modi-yogi
The point is that we are no longer in the dark ages. We know better now and should strive to evolve into a peaceful, inclusive society. This is enshrined in our wonderful constitution.
I’m sorry if I am bombarding you with unwanted comments, dear Narayan. I’m doing it because I feel an openness in you, which makes me want to talk, share and discuss ideas. I promise to stop with this! Love and all good wishes to you and your family.
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🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
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🙏🙏🙏 Was like Diwali yesterday here Richa.
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It definitely was Narayan, The best part being the young generation taking part whole heartedly with decorating society and lighting diya🙏
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Exactly, how the younger ones have come together is a sight to cherish.
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Thank you, Narayan, for the tribute to Ramayana, the great epic set at Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, and the riveting details of the TV film that re-created it, and also the impact it had on the whole nation.
Today, 22 January 2024, there was the restoration of the birthplace of Lord Ram celebrated at the new temple after 500 years of wait, and all over India, and in Hindu devotees’ homes worldwide, there are Ghee Diyas lights.
As a mark of respect for my Indian friends, I will today also light lamps.
It is a privilege to live in a democracy where we can have different opinions without fearing prosecution.
In today’s situation when armed conflicts escalate, your essay, Narayan, reminds us what matters to many people.
I leave you with apt words of Rumi
“If everything around seems dark, look again, you may be the light.”
Joanna
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Thank you dearest Joanna, for such a quote that lights hearts whosoever reads it. Yesterday felt like Diwali here. I will try sending you a few photographs.
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Thank you! Looking forward to see it, Dearest!
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Good memories, Narayan ji!There used to be curfew like situation on roads during Ramayan telecast.
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Yes, curfew like emptiness, on streets Kaushal, thank you for your words.
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Fascinating, Narayan! The series with English subtitles is available on YouTube. Would you recommend the movie “Sri Rama Rajyam,” a remake of the story? It’s available on Netflix.
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Thanks dear Rosa, i am not aware of any new series on Rama on netflix, Ram Rajyam as i looked up was made in 2011, if you are pointing to the same.
But if you can find Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan with english subtitles, there will be no better and well made series.
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Thanks for the feedback, Narayan.
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Those days can never be forgotten…..I watched rhe whole on black and white television
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Thank you Dr. Roy. You are right, unforgettable time for families sitting together for it.
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Good moment realise with ramanand sagar ramayan 💥
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Apologies for taking time to reply back Birender. Thank you.
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I was unaware of this. It must have been an extraordinary time. I have read the comments here and find the discussion very interesting. I believe we can only save ourselves by communicating and exchanging ideas with those who have different views. Somewhere in the middle is compromise that everyone can live with.. I pray that it can happen for the generations that follow.
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Yes caro, i realise that. And truly believe if one really wants to make something anything happen, it can be solved through communication.
And apologies for taking this much time to write back on this comment Caro, thank you.
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JAI SRI RAM ❣️
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JAI SIYA RAM Anita Ji. Apologies for taking this much time to say Ram Ram Ji 🙂
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As an isolated American, I was unaware of this momentous series until today. With the current variety of television and other media outlets, it seems that such a unifying program would be unlikely these days.
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Many producers-directors have tried to remake such a series but it was one of a kind just like the times may be.
Thank you for sharing your precious thought, and apologies for taking this much time to write.
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The anonymous is me at bluejayblog.
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Aaah Jay, I got it now. Thank you for writing, really.
Writing it here again, don’t think it would reach with anonymous account.
“
Many producers-directors have tried to remake such a series but it was one of a kind just like the times may be.
Thank you for sharing your precious thought, and apologies for taking this much time to write.”
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Mine is perhaps presently an unpopular point of view ~ but no monk is without his incense to breath, and we have inhaled the smoke of camp and hearth fires from the dawn of time. The advisability of smoking (never commercially rolled, chemical soaked “cigarettes” but the true leaves given by our mother Earth) is as individual as we are. I myself smoke meditatively and creatively, and both kinds of leaves are recognized as physically medicinal as well by my practitioners for years now ~ largely based on the spectacular health of my lungs.
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“As long as they are not cigarettes”, i completely agree with you Ana Sis. Also you know i have a feeling, if we are to ever meet, we will have good conversations going well into the evenings 🙂
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Also apologies for taking this much time to write back.
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What a lovely dream! Poets are unpaid here, and the unpaid can be very seriously harassed. Right now I literally can’t leave my van, much less get across the world. But that does not prevent our spirits from uniting and comingling here on this precious public platform…
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Thank you for sharing this event.
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Well, i had to Vanya. Meanwhile, apologies for taking this much time to write.
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Beautiful tribute to Ramayana, Nara and love all of the photos❣️
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Thank you dearest Cindy, also apologies for taking this much time to write.
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It’s a pleasure, Nara. No worries! 💕
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Yes, it was a spectacular show of that time. Numerous accolades and milestones greeted this show. No other show will ever achieve these kind of popularity. No words to define its grace. 💯🙏
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Apologies for taking this much time Neeraj Ji. This show still continues to be as gentle and filled with grace. Thank you for your comment.
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I remember in those days , even in wedding invitations it would be printed that there would be television in the hall 🙂
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Lakshmi ji, i did not know about it that even weddings started announcing that there’s television present. Wow, imagine how internet generation is going to react on it 🙂 thank you for your kindest comment.
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NICE 💚🧡💓
Blessed and Happy day 🌞
Greetings 🇪🇸
Pk 🌎 David López Moncada
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Thanks much David, and if you don’t mind please tell me which country that flag represents?
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Your journey is profoundly inspiring, Narayan. Your dedication to education, storytelling, and bridging rural and urban communities through your experiences is commendable. Your commitment to preserving memories and sharing experiences is a testament to the richness of human connection and the beauty of exploration. Keep inspiring others with your stories and adventures on the Road to Nara!👌
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Dear John, reading your comment swept me in a way I was without speech. Couldn’t write and a simple thank you would have been ungrateful. But still.i must thank you for the most beautiful words that you felt while going through these writings.
You yourself have created such a beautiful space for us and yourself dear John. Again. Thank you.
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Your heartfelt response truly moved me. I’m deeply touched by your kind words, and I’m glad that my comment resonated with you on such a profound level. Your appreciation means a lot to me, and I’m grateful to have created a space where we can share thoughts and emotions freely. Thank you for your genuine gratitude.🎉🙏
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My pleasure dear John.
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It depends on person to person
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Hi, Anuran and Sayoni, of course everything depends on an individual how he/she processes life, things, beings. Thank you.
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Absolutely thank you so much 🙏🏽🙏😊
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I too have fond memories of viewing the serial along with family on Sunday mornings. It was like a customary prayer time for the entire family. Till date any movie or TV serial that depicts anything to do with Ramayan brings back memories of Ramanand Sagar’s presentation and we can’t help but compare with the original.
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Absolutely, what a series, characters and what times 🙂 thank you for sharing your experience of the times
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Thanks for the rewind. The fact that it started in 1987 came as a bit of a shock. I always had the nostalgic feeling of being a child and watching it with the adults in the house. But I was already 20+ in 1987 and away from home. Maybe it created that kind of a feeling 🙂
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haha.. that made me smile a bit. So many times our perception of ourselves fail us, of time and space but more so i think it has to do with happiness, a state that we had long back and already attained during our childhood. Thank you dear Ankur, and apologies for taking this much time to write.
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Jay shree ram
https://www.bruhaspatinath.com/shri-ram-aarti-marathi-lyrics/
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Jai Siya Ram Priya.
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