Answer

In Jain tradition, Ramayan belongs to the very ancient past and is associated with the life of Shri Ramchandraji, who is accepted in Jain Dharma as one of the 63 Shalaka Purushas.

However, Jain tradition does not give a universally agreed modern calendar date such as “exactly X years ago” for when Ramayan happened.

Explanation

According to Jain Dharma:

• Shri Ramchandraji is known as the 8th Baldev / Balabhadra.
• Lakshmanji is known as the 8th Vasudev.
• Ravan is known as the 8th Prativasudev.
• The Jain version of Ramayan is especially found in texts such as Paumachariya and later Jain Ramayan traditions.

In Jain cosmology, such events are placed within vast cycles of time, not usually dated in the modern historical way.

Spiritual Understanding

For Jain Dharma, the main importance of Ramayan is not only “when it happened,” but what it teaches:

• Non-violence and restraint
• Karma and its consequences
• Renunciation
• The difference between worldly victory and spiritual liberation

In Jain tradition, Shri Ramchandraji ultimately renounces worldly life and attains spiritual progress.

Takeaway

So, from a Jain perspective, Ramayan happened in the ancient past, but giving an exact number of years ago is not clearly established within Jain tradition.