* The Ramayana: This epic tells the story of Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, and his wife Sita. It explores themes of dharma (duty), karma, love, loyalty, and the triumph of good over evil. The Ramayana is particularly important for understanding the concept of "maryada purushottam" (the ideal man), which Rama embodies.
* The Mahabharata: This epic is even larger in scope than the Ramayana. It narrates the story of a great war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, two branches of the same family. The Mahabharata explores a wide range of themes, including family relationships, political intrigue, warfare, and the nature of justice. It also contains the Bhagavad Gita, a philosophical dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, which provides insights into the nature of God, the soul, and the path to liberation.
These two epics are not just stories, but repositories of wisdom and moral guidance. They provide a framework for understanding Hindu beliefs and practices, as well as the social and cultural norms of Indian society.