Ramayana Trails
Ramayana is not just a tale with religious significance. The great Indian epic is so much more than just a story. For it’s a way of life! There are people who religiously follow the principles and ethics shared in the book. Today, we are going to chronologically take you down the lanes and places as mentioned in the Ramayana. These places today stand as the reminder of a golden era when the earth was believed to be inhabited by celestial beings like Rama, Hanuman and Sita, among others.
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
The birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya on the banks of the Sarayu River is believed to be the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom ruled by King Dasharatha. It used to be a happy and prosperous city with a huge population. Some of the prominent places to see here are Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Ramkot, Hanuman Garhi, Dashrath Mahal and Sarayu River Ghat.
Prayag,
Uttar Pradesh
Prayag or Triveni Sangam refers to the place where three divine rivers Saraswati, Ganga, and Yamuna meet. As per the epic, this is the place where Rama, Sita and Lakshman lived for some time before heading towards Chitrakoot to serve their 14-year-long exile. Prayag is present-day Prayagraj city which is noted for its many big and small temples. Bharadwaj Park and Mankameshwar Temple are some of the prominent attractions here.
Chitrakoot,
Madhya Pradesh
Chitrakoot (meaning beautiful mountain) is the place where Rama, Sita and Lakshman spent most of their exile years. Als, this is the same place where the famous scene from the epic Bharat Milap happened. This is the place where Bharat, the younger brother of Rama, came to meet him and convince him to come back to Ayodhya. But after Rama refused to do so, Bharat asked for his slippers to place it on the throne until Rama came back to Ayodhya. The city of Chitrakoot is set near the border of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and is only 132 km from Prayagraj. Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Janki Kund and Sita ki Rasoi are some of the prime attractions here.
Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh
Dandaka meaning punishment and Aranya meaning the forest of punishment. It is said
that Rama travelled through the thick forests of Dandakaranya which was home of
the demon named Dandak who was associated with
Ravana. Today the whole region is a combination of natural beauty and legendary
tales. The Kala Ram Temple, Sita Gufa and Tapovan are must visit here.
Nashik, Maharashtra
Panchavati,
or modern-day Nashik, is a city steeped in legend and sits 2,300 feet above sea
level. It is significant in the Ramayana because it is where Sita was taken by
the demon king Ravana.This is where Ravan’s sister ‘Shurpankha’ appeared and
proposed marriage to Ram. It is stated that the town was named ‘Nashik’, which
means ‘nose’, when Lakshman sliced off her nose, which landed nearby.
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh is the same place where Jatayu tries to save Sita from Ravana but gets killed in the process. But before he left for heaven, Jatayu narrated the whole incident of Sita being abducted by Ravana to Rama and Laxman and asked them to save her. Lepakshi Temple, Monolithic Nandi and Seven-hooded coiled serpent are the prime attractions of the place.
Kishkinda, Karnataka
As per the epic Ramayana, Kishkindha was
the monkey kingdom of the Vanara King Sugriva, Vali’s younger brother. This is
the same spot where Rama met Hanuman and Sugriva for the first time. Here
you’ll see a Sugriva Cave where it is believed that Sugriva hid the jewellery
that Sita dropped for Rama as a track. Situated near Hampi in Karnataka,
Kishkindha is known for Pampa Sarovara, Hazara Rama Temple and Virupaksa
Temple, among others.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu is the place where the monkey army created the Ram Setu (fabled bridge) in the sea to reach Lanka and get Sita back. Today the place is known as Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Rama also installed a Shiva Lingam here and worshipped Shiva to get rid of all his sins after coming back from the war in Lanka. The town of Rameswaram on Pamban Island is famous for its Ramanathaswamy Temple, Rameswaram Temple and Pamban Bridge.
Ashok
Vatika, Sri Lanka
As per Ramayana, Ashok Vatika is the garden where Sita was held captive by Ravana. The garden is also known as Ashokavanam. Amman Temple and Divurumpola are the prime attractions of the place.
Talaimannar, Sri Lanka
Talaimannar in
Sri Lanka is the place that links Ram Setu in Tamil Nadu. It was Rama’s first
stop in Sri Lanka before the battle of Lanka. Ravana was killed by Rama in the
war and Vibhishana, younger brother of Ravana, was made the king of Lanka.
Talaimannar, a beautiful beach town today, is known for Mannar Island, Mannar
Fort and Adam’s Bridge.
