There is a controversy about the number of verses and cantos. If Uttar Raamaayan, otherwise called Abhudaya Kaand , is ascribed to Vaalmeeki, the cantos are seven and chapters are about 649 and verses are about 24,253. But some verses and chapters are deleted for standardization of Raamaayan as per this verse and they contain now 560 chapters and 24,000 verses only. Some argue that when it is said that 24, 000 verses are there, it does not actually a mathematical assertion, like the calculation of Mahaa Yug and Manvantar, and as one would give a reply to his age as 30 years, or 60 years, but not as 29 years, 6 months, seven days or so... In furthering that standardization affair, some said that even this canto, Baal Kaand is not authored by Vaalmeeki Jee. It is not clear as of now when the Pandit can decide as to which is standard and which is not.

The transcendental aspect of Raamaayan and its content is explained in 18 terms by ancient commentator Govindaraja.
(1) Raam's Absoluteness - Paramaatm Tattwa ;
(2) Ideation to know Him - Upaaya ;
(3) Dedication in Him - Kainkarya ;
(4) Human aspect - Purushaakaar ;
(5) Diviner - Adhikaar ;
(6) Resolve in God - Adhikaar Paaratantrya ;
(7) God's resolve in Dedicate - Bhaagvat Paaratantrya ;
(8) Knowledge of five Meanings - Arth Panchak Gyaan ;
(9) Self-denial - Akinchanatwam ;
(10) Teacher selecting - Aachaarya Varanam ;
(11) Climax - Autkanthat (Utkanthaa) ;
(12) Behavior - Pravartan ;
(13) Residence - Vaas Sthaan ;
(14) Two Naaraayan hymns - Naaraayan Mantra Dwaya ;
(15) Gaayatree - Gaayatree hymn;
(16) Negating negative-thinking - Dur-Vichaar Parihaar ;
(17) Negating love for living - Sansaar Jihaas ;
(18) 64 Divinely Arts - Chatushashti Kalaamayatwa.

Of them we take up only the 15th one - Gaayatree.