We all know that Lord Rama’s journey had begun in Ayodhya, but many other places in India have been traced by Lord Rama. From his birth to his return from Lanka with Sita, Lord Rama travelled across the subcontinent leaving imprints in stones and myths. The legends of Lord Ram still live in many places across India. Here are but a few places you can visit and live the journey of Ramayana in real life.
1. Chandkhuri, Chhattisgarh – Lord Rama’s Maternal Home
Lord Rama’s maternal home is in Chandkuri, which is believed to be the birthplace of his maternal grandparents and his mother Kaushalya. This place has a temple named after Kaushalya, and the government has already finalised plans to make it a religious tourism spot.
2. Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – The Birth Place Of Lord Rama
Located on the banks of River Saryu, Ayodhya has been grabbing eyeballs from bhakts all over the world. It is Lord Rama’s birthplace, and it is, therefore, not surprising to see scores of temples dedicated to him there. Along with the upcoming Ram Mandir there are other landmark temples to visit here like the Hanumangarhi temple and the Shri Nageshwarnath Temple. There is also a 251-metre high statue of Ram on the anvil.
3. Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – The Spot Where Lord Rama Crossed The River
When Lord Ram left Ayodhya on King Dasharath’s orders, he crossed the Ganga with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman at Prayagraj. Very interestingly, Prayagraj is also the site of the Triveni Sangam of the Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati. The confluence of the three rivers is extremely sacred to the Hindus.
4. Chitrakoot, Uttar Pradesh – The Place Where Lord Rama Spent His Exile
Lord Ram, along with his Sita and brother Lakshman, is believed to have spent their years of exile at Chitrakoot. Situated on the banks of River Mandakini, the town several temples and ghats dots the town. It is believed that Lord Rama performed the Pitra Puja at the Ram Ghat to get blessings from his ancestors. Devotees now flock the ghat to perform the puja. Chitrakoot is also the birthplace of Tulsidas, the author of epic Ramcharitmanas and the Hanuman Chalisa.
5. Panchvati, Nashik – The Place Where Lord Rama Built A Home
Lord Rama is believed to have built his home Sita and Lakshman at Panchvati during their exile in the forest. Situated on the left bank of Godavari in Nashik, Panchvati has the Kalaram Mandir. The region attracts several devotees visiting the Kalaram Mandir and the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple.
6. Banganga Tank, Mumbai – The Place Where Lord Rama Quenched Thirst
South Mumbai has a large, rectangular water tank called the Banganga Tank. Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman is believed to have arrived at this spot while they were on their quest to find Sita. Thirsty, Lord Rama shot an arrow into the earth, water came out gushing from the Bhogwati or underground Ganga.
7. Hampi, Karnataka – The Place Of Lord Rama’s Army
India’s most famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Hampi is the site of Kishkindha. It is the place where the monkeys joined Lord Rama on his journey to Lanka. The rocky landscape of Hampi with massive boulders is considered the link to the Ramayan-era kingdom of Vanara king Sugriv.
8. Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu – The Place Of Ram Setu
Lord Ram’s army of monkeys created the Ram Setu to reach Ravana’s Lanka at Rameshwaram. Sita is also believed to have built a Shiva lingam here on her return from Lanka. Lord Rama also prayed to Lord Shiva here after slaying Ravana. This is the reason why the 22 wells at the Sri Ramanathaswamy Temple in Rameswaram holds huge significance to the Hindus.
Source: Curly Tales
