Hinduism in the light of Ramayana

In this study we tried to research the effects of Ramayana epic (itihasa), which is regarded as one of the sacred books of Hindu, on Hinduism. Epics which are known as İtihasas by Hindus shape both religious and sociological life of the Hindu world. In fact, while Rama-Sita characters in the epic present a model of ideal partner, the doctrine of Dharma, in terms of religion, is known in these stories. This study consists of an introduction, three chapters and a conclusion. In the introduction, Hindu holy books were introduced; the significance and aims of this study, the method we followed and some necessary details we mentioned in this thesis were presented. In the first chapter of the study, the summary of the epic, the analysis of characters in the epic, the information on the poet, who composed the epic, and on the date when it was put down on paper were given to provide convenience for the subjects on which we will touch in the next chapters, and the reflections of Ramayana epic on the other cultures and religions were dealt with. In the second chapter, the information on concept of God were given by touching on "Dharma", "Karma" and "Reincarnation", and the doctrine of "Avatara" were studied. In the third chapter of the study, religious ceremonies, festivals and rituals in the Ramayana epic were dealt with. The study ends with an overview. Keywords: Hinduism, Ramayana, Rama, Sita, Ravana, Dharma, Avatara, Tirtha, Divali, Ramanavami, Ashvamedha.