“Prabhu Shri Ram gave Hanuman Ji a quizzical look and said, "What are you, a monkey or a man?" Hanuman Ji bowed his head reverently, folded his hands, and said, "When I do not know who I am, I serve you and when I do know who I am, you and I are one.”
― Ramcharitmanas.
― Ramcharitmanas.
Indian history is full of glorious and remarkable events and has a great impression on people globally. One of the epics, Ramayana is most famous across the world. The basic plot of the tale of which is well known. This plot includes the incarnation of Lord Vishnu on earth, his exile of 14 years during which he defeated many demons including the king of demons Ravana.
Along his path of travel from the city of Ayodhya to Sri Lanka, he visited many places that had a lot of events associated with them. Everything that happens, happens for a reason, the events that happened were also full of lessons. The following places visited by Prabhu Shri Ram has significant importance in the tale of Ramayana:
Tamsa River- This River travels a distance of 35 KMs from Ayodhya to the edge of the district Darabganj. It was on the Mahadeva Ghat of Faizabad (Now Ayodhya), 20 km away from Ayodhya that they were escorted by the Prime Minister, Sumantra in a chariot. The subjects of the kingdom followed their idol until a notable distance. The place where they stayed for the first night was named as Ramchaura.
Shringverpur- This place is now known as “Singror”, 45 KMs away from Prayagraj (Allahabad). It was here where Prabhu Shri Ram asked the boatmen to take them on the other side of River Gangs and crossed River Ganges on his way to exile with Mata Sita and Laxman.
Kurai- It is on the other side of the river Ganga where Prabhu Shri Ram rested after they crossed the river.
Prayagraj- Prabhu Shri Ram along with Mata Sita and Laxman reached this place where the confluence of Yamuna and Ganga takes place and went off to Chitrakoot by crossing River Yamuna. Prabhu Shri Ram spent eleven years and six months in Chitrakoot. It was here that Shri Ram’ younger Brother Bharat came to them, urging to get back to Aodhya, but, Prabhu Shri Ram said that would be disrespecting his father and, they went on.
Satna- Next they moved to Amravati, almost 7 KMs away from Atri Asharam in Chitrakoot. It was here Prabhu Shri Ram had killed the demon Viradh. Post this, he moved to Sharbhang Ashram in Satna (in Madhya Pradesh).
Dandkaranya- After Ram-van, he stayed in ashrams of the monks at Dandkaranya. This was inclusive of some areas of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh. It was here that the tale of Ramayana took a turn. This place being dingy of sheltering many deadly creatures and demons, the plan to uproot the Rakshasa was made here. While moving towards Nashik, he came to Ramtek and, there he killed several demons.
Panchvati, Nasik- Then they came to “Agastya muni’s ashram who gave Prabhu Shri Ram knowledge about several celestial weapons and guided him towards the Godavari asking him to make his ashram near it. Panch (Five) and vat (meaning trees), and so the name “Panchvati”, their next destination. Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Laxman planted these five trees themselves, also this is the same place where Shoorpankha’s nose was chopped by Laxman. Prabhu Shri Ram and Laxman fought and killed Khar, Dushan, and Marich.
”The place of Sitaharan-Sarvatirth"- Jatayu got killed here. It was here that Jatayu told Shri Ram about Sita Mata and Shri Ram uttered the words “Lepakshi” to Jatayu.
Parnashala- This place is located at the bank of River Godavari. It is believed that Ravana landed his plane, abducted Mata Sita and went in his plane "Pushpak Viman" with Mata Sita further. Sarvatirth was the place where Jatayu got killed and the first place where Shri Ram and Laxman searched for Mata Sita. They also went in the search near the areas of “Tungabhadra and Kaveri River”.
Shabri ka Ashram- They reached Hrishyamuk Parvat after meeting Jatayu and Kabandh. Shri Ram and Laxman visited Shabri near the pampa river which is now situated in Kerala, initially known as Tungabhadra. It was here that Shabri, a disciple of sage Matang tasted the berries and gave to Shri Ram ensuring he had sweet berries. She suggested him to approach King Sugreev to help find Mata Sita.
Hrishyamuk Parvat- Shri Ram met King Sugreev and Hanuman Ji here. It was Hanuman Ji who lifted the brothers on his shoulders and went to meet King Sugreev. Shri Ram saw the Jewellery of Mata Sita and this was the place where he killed the arrogant and unjust ruler Vali.
Kodikarai (Tamilnadu) - After meeting Sugreev and Hanuman Ji, Shri ram formed his army and marched towards Lanka. They passed many mountains, forests, rivers and left for Lanka. There they inspected and found that they cannot pass the sea as it was extended for about 1000 km so marched on foot towards Rameshwaram, where Shri Ram worshiped Lord Shiva seeking blessings and victory and penance for killing Khar and Dooshan.
Dhanushkodi (Tamilnadu)- According to Maharishi Valmiki, after searching for three consecutive days Shri ram found a place next to Rameshwaram from where they could easily reach Lanka. With the help of Nal and Neel, he decided to build a bridge.
”Nuvara Elia" Parvat- About 90 KMs from Nuvara hills there are caves and tunnels in the middle of central Lanka towards, Banderwela. According to Valmiki Ramayana, the palace of Ravana was in the middle of Lanka.
Ussangoda- The black soil of this region has generated much debate. Here Hanuman Ji had set Lanka on fire and some believe the soil is black due to the remains of the demons left behind, while pragmatics believe it was hit by a meteorite.
Talaimannar- Now a beach in Sri Lanka, this was the battleground where Prabhu Shri Ram fought, beheaded, and defeated Ravana with the help of Brahmastra.
Divurumpola- After Prabhu Shri Ram’ Victory, Shri Ram and Mata Site were reunited here before starting their journey back to their home in Ayodhya.
By- Shreya Panwar
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