The story of this drama is mainly based on the adikanda of Valmiki`s Ratnayana. There were two rakshasas, Marica and Subahu who caused predations on Vishwamitra`s ashram. As a result the sage could not concentrate on his ritualistic practices in peace. Very disturbed, he approached the King of Ayodhya, Dasaratha to relieve him of his troubles. On being instructed by Dasaratha, Lord Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to Vishwamitra`s ashram. The demon was killed in the encounter. Being thankful sage Vishwamitra took Rama and Lakshmana to the court of King Janaka. There the swayamvara of the King`s daughter, Sita, was being held. Princes from different corners of the country had gathered for the occasion. At the wedding place, the huge was placed. It was the Bow of Lord Siva, ajagava or Hara-dhanu. A condition was kept that whosoever present there succeeded in bending the bow and fixing an arrow in it would be entitled to marry Sita. One by one, the princes present there tried their luck but failed. None of them could even lift the bow. Rama with much ease lifted the bow, fixed an arrow and while trying to bend it, broke it in the middle. Having being able to fulfill the condition, Sita came forward and garlanded her husband, Rama. Rama`s victory was the cause of humiliation for the princes there. They all united to attack Rama but were defeated at the battle. After the wedding ceremony was over, Rama and Sita set off with their entourage for Ayodhya. On the way Rama was attacked by the sage Parasurama who was infuriated with Rama as he had broken the ajagava, a bow that belonged to the sage`s master, Siva. The intensity of the conversation between the two is well reflected with incisive dialogues and narrations from the sutradhara. Rama proved his prowess in the battle with Parasurama. This victory is symbolic; it symbolizes the victory of Vaishnavism over Shaivism of which Parasurama was a fervent follower.
The drama Rama Vijaya centers on the act of heroism and fearlessness, of power and victory of good over evil. The central character of the drama Rama is an ideal character with stability of mind and physical prowess. The literary works of the Vaishnava saint-poets characterize the invoking of the soul rather than the senses. All references to the senses are only incidental; they are a device to prepare the mind for the reception of the spiritualized ideal. It is a drama which seeks to exhibit the theme of the play through songs and recitations, dialogues and action.
