Tracing The Sita-Rama Journey

CULTURE, INDIA Updated : Oct 23, 2020, 13:35 IST

Tracing the Sita-Rama Journey

Centuries back, an epic journey to the wilderness was undertaken by an extraordinarily virtuous prince, his devoted wife, and brother in order to uphold righteousness. They braved fiery demons, thorns, hunger, thirst, fatigue, and rigorous mental tests to set an example for posterity. During their journey, they met great hermits, gigantic birds, illusive dwellings, monkey tribe, and left a trail for the mankind to follow. Happytrips.com hits the trail of Sita-Rama's journey from Lanka to Ayodhya, hitting all the pit-stops.

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

If this epic journey had to be traced, Ayodhya is the go-to place. Believed to be Rama's birth place, it has numerous temples and sites linking it to the Ramayana.

Top attractions: Kanak Bhawan Temple, Hanuman Garhi Temple, Sarayu River ghat.

Prayag, Uttar Pradesh

Prayag, the modern-day Allahabad, is where Rama met Rishi Bhardwaja to receive his blessings and wisdom to survive the trials he was to face during the 14-year-long exile. On his return from Sri Lanka, Rama and his retinue landed at the ashram of Sage Bhardwaja once again before moving onward for Ayodhya.

Top attractions: Bhardwaj Ashram, Mankameshwar Temple, Shringverpur.

Chitrakoota, Madhya Pradesh

One of the most important stops in the journey, Chitrakoot is believed to have housed Rama, Sita and Laxmana for more than 11 years during their exile from Ayodhya. It was here Rama and Sita met one of the seven immortal sages, Atri and his chaste wife Anusuya Devi. During their historic meeting, Sati Anusuya glorified the importance of pativratya or one-pointed devotion to one’s husband, and blessed Sita.

Top attractions: Ramghat, Hanuman Dhara, Kamadgiri, Janki Kund, Sphatik Shila, Gupt Godavari, Sita ki Rasoi, Devi Anusuya Temple.

Panchavati, Nashik

A once-upon-the-time forest, Panchavati housed the trio for some time. It was here that Lakshmana cut off the nose of demoness Surpanakha, the sister of Ravana. It is one of the most revered religious sites in India for the followers of Hinduism.

Top attractions: Kala Ram temple, Sita Gufa, Tapovan, Ram Kund.

Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh

Lepakshi is believed to be the spot where Jatayu, the holy giant bird that tried to rescue Sita from Ravana's throes, fell lifeless after his fight with the demon king. Before dying, he narrated the incident to Rama and Laxmana and guided them towards Lanka.

Top attractions: Lepakshi Temple.

Kishkindha, Karnataka

Now known as Hampi, this highly popular place is supposedly the meeting point of Rama and Sugriv, the monkey king who helped Rama in his battle with Ravana.

Top attractions: Pampa Sarovara.

Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu

Perhaps the most famous of all the sites, Rameshwaram is the site where the fabled bridge between India and Sri Lanka was built by Rama's army. Before embarking on this mission to cross the sea for Lanka, Rama installed a Shivlingam and worshipped it with full devotion.

Top attractions: Ramanathaswamy Temple.

Ashoka Vatika, Sri Lanka

Ashoka Vatika, now famous as the site of the sacred Sita Amman Temple in Sri Lanka, is where Ravana kept Sita after abducting her. This place is located in the beautiful region named Nuwara Eliya. The gigantic footsteps of Hanuman, after he destroyed the Ashoka Vatika, are also found near the temple shrine. The colourful temple sees numerous of devotees coming in all around the year.

Top attractions: Sita Amman Temple, Divurumpola (Sita underwent the fire ordeal here).

Talaimannar, Sri Lanka

The battle site of Ramayana, this is where Rama slayed Ravana and rescued Sita. Thereafter, at Rama’s behest, Lakshmana installed Ravana’s brother Vibhishana as the King of Lanka. Soon after, Sita, Rama and Lakshmana started for Ayodhya to reunite with their family. Eventually, the reunion led to the celebrations we now know as Diwali.