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India · Ramayana, Book VI (Yuddha Kanda)

Pushpaka, the flying car

EvidenceDocumentedThe text exists and is quoted from a published translation. What it describes is a separate question.What this means
ReferenceRamayana, Book VI (Yuddha Kanda)
Writtenc. 500 BCE–300 CE, core older
SetTreta Yuga, the second age
Ravana stole the Pushpaka, a flying car built by the divine architect Vishvakarma for Kubera. After winning the war, Rama flies home to Ayodhya in it with his army, and it moves by his wish.

Summary by the editors. Translation: Summary (Griffith 1870–74 is the public-domain translation) · About the translator

Read it literally

A stolen vehicle that responds to its rider's thoughts and carries a whole army. It has an original owner who wants it back.

What scholars say

Valmiki's epic grew over centuries.

Looks like technology From the sky
People and places hereAyodhyaRamaRavanaValmiki

Quick answers about Ramayana, Book VI

Where is Ramayana, Book VI found?

Ramayana, Book VI (Yuddha Kanda) (India). Translation quoted: Ralph T. H. Griffith, The Rámáyan of Válmíki (1870–74).

When was Ramayana, Book VI written?

c. 500 BCE–300 CE, core older.

What do scholars say about Ramayana, Book VI?

Valmiki's epic grew over centuries.

Rabbit holes in this passage

ObjectPushpaka VimanaOn the flight home, Rama gives Sita an aerial tour of their own adventure, naming each place they fly over. The Ramayana's Pushpaka is a flying palace-car built by the gods' architect, stolen from the god of wealth by Ravana, and able to go wherever its owner wishes. Who steers it, and where does it land?

Sources

  1. Ralph T. H. Griffith, The Rámáyan of Válmíki (1870–74)Primary text
  2. The Ramayan of Valmiki, trans. Ralph T. H. Griffith (1870–1874)Primary text

Scholarly dates are rounded. The wording follows the named public-domain translation.

Updated