Ramcharitmanas is an epic composed by the famous Hindi poet, Goswami Tulsidas, about  400 years ago. The abysmal poverty which was his lot in the early  years of life and the traumatic experiences in the later years moulded the great poet's emotional life. He sublimated his emotions into a number of devotional works, the best known among them being Ramcharitmanas dealing with  the  story of Rama, the ideal king who once ruled Ayodhya. Rama is depicted in this book as a common man endowed with divine qualities. The book sets out in great detail the code of conduct for men in all walks of life and lays down ideals for the general good of the people, highlighting the ultimate triumph of Good over Evil.

Ramcharitmanas consists mostly of Dohas and Chaupayees (two lined and four lined poetic metres) and is divided into seven cantos. The author's devotion to Rama and his spirit of complete surrender to him runs through the entire work like a silken thread. The influence  this book has on the minds of the people is proof of the nobility of the ideals enshrined in it.

The Posts and Telegraphs Department considers it its privilege to issue a commemorative postage stamp on Ramcharitmanas thereby carrying the message of this great book to all corners of the world.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India