Popular beliefs and what Vālmīki says

Things many people believe about the Rāmāyaṇa, set beside Vālmīki's text, each with its reference.

• Is the Lakṣmaṇa-rekhā in the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa?

  Popular belief: Lakṣmaṇa draws a line Sītā must not cross

  Araṇya Kāṇḍa sarga 45

• Did Śabarī taste the berries before giving them to Rāma?

  Popular belief: Śabarī tastes each berry before offering it to Rāma

  Araṇya Kāṇḍa sarga 74

• Was Ahalyā turned to stone in the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa?

  Popular belief: Ahalyā was turned to stone

  Bāla Kāṇḍa sarga 48

• Did a shadow Sītā go through the fire?

  Popular belief: A shadow Sītā went through the fire

  Yuddha Kāṇḍa sargas 115–116

• Did Ūrmilā sleep for fourteen years?

  Popular belief: Ūrmilā slept for fourteen years so Lakṣmaṇa could stay awake

  Bāla Kāṇḍa

• Is the boy Daśaratha killed named Śravaṇa in Vālmīki?

  Popular belief: Daśaratha killed Śravaṇa Kumāra

  Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa sargas 63–64