Rama, the charming, the embodiment of Righteousness is the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. he is said to be the incarnation of the solar aspect of Vishnu. The story of Rama is told in the Puranas, the Mahabharata, and several other works. The most ancient and most striking of the tales of Rama is the Ramayana, written by the sage Valmiki, who is said to have been the creator of epic poetry.
Rama was king of Ayodhya. In the second age of mankind (Treta yuga), he re-established a golden age of justice and happiness. The expression "Rama-rajya" (the kingdom of Rama) is still synonymous with peace and prosperity. As a prince Rama was exiled in the forest and led an expedition to Ceylon to rescue his wife Sita, who had been captured by the demon-king Ravana. We are told that the merciful killing of Ravana was the main purpose of this incarnation.
In his traditional iconography, as shown here, he is shown two-armed, one holding a bow and the other an arrow.
Below the main image can be seen the yantra of Rama.
References:
Danielou, Alain. The Myths and Gods of India: Vermont, Inner Traditions International, 1991.
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