What is the theme of the Ramayana and explain its significance?

The need to uphold one's duty is one of the most important themes in The Ramayana.

There are many different themes within The Ramayana.  However, the need for people to adhere to their duty resonates throughout the work.  It is the respect for one's duty that causes Lord Rama to accept his banishment because a child's must always honor parents.  Rama's father, Dasaratha, is bound by his promise to Kaikeyi.  In honoring his promise to her, she insists on Rama's exile. While it causes great pain to him, he knows that his responsibility as a King is to respect his word.  Breaking his word would be an abdication of duty and the source of great shame.

Devi Sita sees her duty as accompanying her husband, even if it comes at great cost to herself.  Lakshmana's duty is to follow his brother, assisting him as he can and leaving the life of a prince.  Another example of the theme of duty can be seen in Bharata, who pledges his dutiful respect to Lord Rama. Even when he is given the throne through his mother's actions, Bharata insists that Rama's slippers will rule in his absence.  Bharata's duty is even more evident when he says that should Rama fail to return, he will take his own life to show respect to his exiled brother. The way in which it drives the major characters reflects the significance of the duty theme.  It helps to define the purpose of  human beings.