The Valmiki Ramayana consists of seven kandas (books): Bala Kanda, Ayodhya Kanda, Aranya Kanda, Kishkindha Kanda, Sundara Kanda, Yuddha Kanda, and Uttara Kanda. The Uttara Kanda is considered a later addition by some scholars but is traditionally included. Options of 5, 4, or 8 kandas are incorrect for the complete traditional text.