SITA MARHI

THEN - Sita went into the earth, while she was living in Valmiki ashram in the forest of Sitamarhi. When Rama's Ashwamedha Yaga Horse went here, Ram's sons Lava & Kusha arrested it.  All the great warriors of Lord Rama Including Laxman, Bharat, Saturghna, were defeated in the fierce battle. At last Rama had to come himself to fight the two children. No one knew that both boys were the sons of Rama. It was then that Sita came to the battlefield, and asked Her mother, the mother earth, to take her into her lap.

NOW – This place is situated in the bank of River Ganga of National highway 2 between Prayagaraj and Varanasi. There is a big and beautiful Sita Samahit Temple and also 108ft. tall Hanuman Statue which is said to be the tallest in the world.

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SITA KUND

THEN - “Sita-Kund” is one Place, which puts Munger, a district in Bihar, as a most visited place. This place has always been the one, which creates a lot of inquisitiveness among the visitors. The place is situated 6 kms east of the Munger town. It contains hot springs known as Sita Kund, besides this, there is a Hindu temple and to the north is a reservoir of cold water, known as Ramkund, while to the west there were three more pools named after the three brothers of Rama, namely Lakshman Kund, Bharat Kund, and Shatrughan Kund.

NOW - Sita after being rescued form Lanka and returned to Ayodhya, Rama asked Sita to prove her chastity in public and she gladly agreed to the Agni Pareeksha (the fire ordeal). She came out of the fire test unscatched and imparted the heat of her body to the pool in which she bathed. The hot spring is now an enclosed and grilled reservoir and is visited by a large number of pilgrims on the full moon day of Magh Maasa. The water is beautifully clear and transparent and sends up numerous bubbles from its rocky bed

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VALMIKI TIRTH STHAL

Valmiki Tirth Sthal or Valmiki Mandir is temple panorama complex and an important historical monument of Valmiki located at Bhagwan Valmiki Tirth road of Amritsar city. Since 1 December 2016, it has an 8 foot tall 800 kg gold plated idol of Valmiki in main section.

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RAMA TEMPLE AT RATTATA

The Rama temple is the only one in this area. Rattota is located about 9.5 Km from Matale in the central province of Srilanka. The privately managed temple can be accesed on Matale-Rattota-Riverston-Pallegama route. This is one of the most scenic routes to travel from matale to Laggala (on the northern side of Knuckles).

Ravanagoda is where Sita stayed during her transit. This area is linked with tunnels & caves, which runs through to other parts of Ravana’s kingdom. Ravanagoda is situated in the Kotmala area opposite to Ramboda rock. The main cave entrance was closed by an earth-slip in 1947. Locals believe this part of the complex was used as a prison by Ravana. The cave complex has not been fully explored.

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KATARAGAMA TEMPLE

This is the temple of Lord Karthikeya Subramaniam at Kataragama, in southern Srilanka. Karthikeya was requested to go to the battlefield by Indra on the last day of war. This was done to protect Rama from the wrath of Brahmastra aimed by Ravana which otherwise would have weakened Rama. The benefit was one of the most powerful weapon brahma asthra aimed at Rama for the second time was rendered useless by the presence of Lord Karthikeya.

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KELANIYA TEMPLE

Among the most important and closest sites to Colombo, connected to Ramayana, is the Kelani Raja Maha Viharaya or the Kelaniya Temple. Kelaniya is believed to be the place where Vibheeshana was coronated as the king of Lanka by Lakshmana after the death of Ravana. There are also some beautiful murals depicting the crowning of Vibheeshana outside the Buddhist temple. Vibheeshana is venerated by Sinhalese Buddhists as a god as they believe him to be one of the main protectors of the island. The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is a sacred place of worship for Buddhists in Sri Lanka and it is one of the three places in the country where Buddha is supposed to have visited.

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LAGGALA

THEN - The cartels behind the Dunuvila lake are called Laggala (Also Known as Lakegala). Laggala is derived form the Sinhala term Elakke Gala, which when translated into English gives us the meaning’ Target Rock’. Laggala served as an sentry point for Ravana’s army. It was from this rock the first Glimpse of Rama’s army was sighted and information sent to Ravana.

NOW - This hill is geographically the highest part of the northern region of Ravana’s city. On a clear day the north-east side that is Thiru Koneshwaram and north west side that is Talai mannar could be seen even today. Ravana is believed to have meditated on this rock and prayed Shiva at Thiru Koneshwaram from this point. It is here that Ravana was killed by Rama’s Brahmaasthram. The top of Laggala is flat & is believed to have been hit by the Brahmaasthram.

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DUNUVILA

Dunuwilla is the place from where Rama fired the Brahmaastharam at Ravana, which eventually killed him. Dhunu means arrow and Vila Means Lake. This place got its name because Rama fired his arrow from this lake. Dunuvila is located in the Matale district on the out skirts of  Wasgamuwa National Park.

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WERAGANTOTA

Weragantota (also spelled Weraganthota), means ‘a place of aircraft landing’ in Sinhala. Weragantota is believed to have been be the capital of Ravana and the first place where Sita was brought into Lanka in Ravana’s Vimana. The present jungles are the place where the city of Lankapura once stood .The city had a beautiful palace for queen Mandodari surrounded by waterfalls, streams and varieties of flora and fauna.

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SITA KOTUWA

Sita Kotuwa (also known as Seetha Kotuwa) means ‘Sita’s Fort’ in Sinhala, and got its name because of Sita’s captivity at this place. Sita was initially kept in queen Mandodari’s palace until she was moved to Sita Kotuwa and then on to Ashoka Vatika. The remains that are found at Sita Kotuwa are the remnants of later civilizations.

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ISHTREEPURA

THEN - Ishtreepura (also spelled Ishtripura or istri pura) means an area of women in Sinhalese. This was one of the places to which King Ravana hid Sitadevi as a precautionary measure. He was forced to take this action due to Hanuman’s advent. There are lots of intruding tunnels and caves in this area.

NOW - Ishtreepura seems to be a part of a great ingenious network of paths, which is interconnected to all the major areas of King Ravana’s city. Most of the tunnels are yet to be fully explored.

Ravana Cave & tunnels prove beyond doubt the architectural brilliance of King Ravana. The tunnels served as a quick means of transport through the hills and also as secret passages.

It is believed that the tunnels networked all the important cities and dairy farms. A close look at the tunnels indicate that they are man-made and not natural formations. This Buddhist shrine at Kalutara was where once King Ravana’s palace and a tunnel existed. Existing tunnel mouths are situated at – Isthripur at Welimada, Ravana cave at Bandarawela, Senapitiya at Halagala, Ramboda, Labookelle, Wariyapola/ Matale, and Sitakotuwa / Hasalaka.

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MANI KATTUTHER

THEN - Hanuman met Sita and on his way to announce the  happy information to Rama, rested on this hill-top. The hilltop where Hanuman is believed to have rested after meeting Sita is known as Mani Kattuther.

NOW - This is a rock in the Labookelle estate. Today an open temple with statues of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman stands on top of it . Locals visit the temple often.

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SITA TEMPLE, SITA ELIYA

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THEN - The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sita devi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream.

NOW - About a century ago three idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is temple for Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Hanuman’s are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of Hanuman transforming himself into any size.

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DIVURUMPOLA

THEN - Divurumpola means a ‘place of oath’. This is the place where Sita underwent the “Agni pareeksha”. She came unscathed and proved her innocence and purity.

The message of Rama’s victory over Ravana was sent to Sita. After a bath and adorned with jewels, she was taken on a palanquin before Rama. Meeting her husband after such a long time she was overcome with emotion, but Rama seemed lost in thought.

Sita turned to Lakshmana, “prepare for me a fire. Sita reverently went round her husband and approached the blazing fire. Joining her palms in salutation, she said, “if I am pure, O fire, protect me” and jumped into the flames. Then arose from out of the flames, Agni, the fire-god, whom she had invoked. He lifted Sita from the flames unharmed, and presented her to Rama. “Don’t I know that she is spotless and pure at heart?” cried Rama.  It’s for the sake of the world that I made her go through this ordeal of fire, so that the truth may be known to all.”

NOW - The spot was initially fenced and walled to protect it from surrounding wilderness. Then a sapling of the Anuradhapura bodhi tree (one of the 30 original saplings) was planted as a mark of respect of the place. A small dagoba was built subsequently under the Bodhi tree. The temple depicts paintings of the Ramayana epic.

Today the temple is revered for the oath taken by Sitadevi and even the legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple.

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DOLUKANDA

At different points of time during the war, both Rama and Lakshmana were hit by powerful arrows and fell unconscious. To bring them back to life, Hanuman was instructed to fetch the life saving herbs from Himalaya. Hanuman went to the hill, lifted the whole hill and brought it, as he was not able to identify the life saving herbs alone. Parts from the hill fell on five places in Sri Lanka, namely, Rumasala in Galle, Dolu Kanda in Hiripitiya , Ritigala on the Habarana Anuradhapura road, Thalladi in Mannar and Kachchativu in the north.

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ASHOK VATIKA

THEN - Ashok Vatika was a garden in Lanka, the Kingdom of demon king, Ravana. It was the location, where Sita was held captive after her abduction. It is speculated that she refused to stay in Ravana's palace, and preferred to stay under the Ashoka tree, hence the name Ashok Vatika.

NOW - Its present location is believed to be the Hakgala Botanical Garden, close to the resort city of Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka.

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MUNNESHWARAM

THEN - Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s vimanas, he felt he was being followed by Brahmahathya Dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. When the Vimana was passing over Munneshwaram, he felt the vimana vibrating, and realised the “Brahmahathya Dosham” was following him at this particular point.

So he ascended from vimana and prayed to Lord Shiva to get rid of this dosham. Rama was adviced to and has installed four lingams at Munneshwaram, Manavari, Trinco and Mannar.

NOW - It is believed that Munneshwaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is located here. Munneshwaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva Lingam was already here when Rama visited the place.

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TALAIMANNAR

THEN: This was Rama’s first stop in Sri Lanka from where the conflict with Ravana’s mighty army began. After a lengthy battle, Rama killed Ravana and then installed Vibheeshana on the throne of Lanka.

NOW: Talaimannar now is a settlement in Sri Lanka located on the northwestern coast of Mannar Island. You can reach here by road from Mannar which links the island to the rest of the country through a causeway.

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RAMESHWARAM

THEN – Rama, Lakshmana and the vaanara sainya (army of monkeys) reached Rameshwaram, in the southern tip of India, from where the land of Lanka could be seen across the ocean. The Ramsethu (Rama's bridge) was built by the army from rocks found near the shore, & Rama crossed on this bridge to reach Lanka.

NOW – The Ramanathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most visited temples in this area. It is said that Rama, after the war with Ravana, worshiped Lord Shiva at this temple to be cleared off the sin of killing Ravana. This temple is also remarkable because it has two lingams - one brought from the Himalayas by Hanuman upon Rama's request, and the other created out of sand by Sita when the arrival of that lingam was delayed. It has a magnificent hall of more than 1,200 carved sandstone pillars, which forms the outer corridor. The ceiling is covered in colorful lotus art.

Around the temple are 23 theerthams (holy water bodies), and devout worshippers bathe in all the theerthams before worshiping the deity, starting at Agnitheertham - believed to be the spot where Sita bathed in the sea before offering prayers to Lord Shiva. It is also here that Lord Agni appeared before Rama during Sita's agnipariksham and testified that Sita had been faithful to him while held captive by Ravana.

Rama sethu  can be seen as a path made of limestone shoals stretching between Pamban Island, which is on the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu and Mannar Island on the northwest coast of Sri Lanka.

The Kodandarama Swamy Temple is said to be the place where Ravana's brother Vibheeshana surrendered himself to Rama and also the place where Rama declared to make Vibheeshana the king of Lanka.

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LEPAKSHI

THEN - We have heard of the story of the vulture bird, Jatayu, who, in trying to rescue Sita from the clutches of Ravana, was defeated when his wings were clipped and he fell down to earth. Rama sees the dying Jatayu on the floor, and says 'Le Pakshi!' (Get up, bird!). However, Jatayu with his final breaths, tells Rama about his attempt to rescue Sita from Ravana and to go southward to tell Sugriva. In honor of this incident, the place where Jatayu fell is today known as Lepakshi.

NOW – Lepakshi is a village in Andhra Pradesh, approximately 100 km north of Bengaluru airport.

Jatayu park : The Veerabhadra Temple built in the Vijayanagar architectural style is the main tourist attraction here. A 4.5m high and 8.23m tall Nandi statue, the biggest in India is present here, decked with necklaces of beads, bells and traditional earrings.

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GOKARNA

THEN – Ravana, on his return path after having received Atmalinga from Lord Shiva lands at Gokarna to perform 'Sandhyavandanam.' Lord Ganesha was in disguise there as a Brahmin boy. Ravana gave Atmalinga to that boy and told not to keep it on the ground. The boy told Ravana to return before calling him thrice. Ravana fails to do so and saw Ganesha keeping Linga on the ground. Immediately, he got angry and hit him on his head. Ravana tried to lift the grounded Atmalinga but it got twisted and took the shape of 'Go (Cow)' 'Karna' (Ear) and hence the place is called Gokarna.

NOW – We can see a dent on the head of Lord Ganesha in Mahaganapathi Temple at Gokarna. A temple has been constructed for Atmalinga which is now called Mahabaleshwara Temple.

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MALYAVANTHA HILL

THEN - This is another place near Hampi related to Rama's journey. After obtaining Sugreeva's help and the monkey army, Rama journeyed southward to Lanka to rescue Sita. Beset by monsoons, they had to take shelter, and the Malyavanta hill was where they spent their time until the monsoon season was over.

NOW – This is one of the few hilltops in Hampi where you can reach by a vehicle. The highlight of this hill is the large temple campus at the top. The main temple, popularly known as Malayavanta Raghunatha Temple, is dedicated to Rama.

There is a gigantic boulder, over which a whitewashed shrine tower is located. The shrine beneath it houses a Shiva Linga. In front of the shrine, on the rocky floor, is an array of carved Nandi statues and Shiva Lingas. There is a cleft of the floor, which is believed to have been caused by Laxmana's arrow.

The view and ambiance here are remarkable, and tranquil. The west side opening of the temple leads to a cliff with a 360 degree panoramic view.

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RISHYAMUKA MOUNTAIN

THEN - While Rama and Lakshmana were on their path in search of Sita, they meet Hanuman for the first time on Rishyamuka mountain. Hanuman was a very brilliant minister in Kishkinda cabinet. He was very well known for his abilities in various skills including his mastery over grammar, behavior and grasping skills. Hanuman explains everything about Kishkinda, about Vali and Sugreeva, the capacity of their warriors and gave all assurance to Rama in finding out Sita.

NOW – Rishyamuka is now located near Anjaneya Hill around 5 km from Hampi where Hanuman's mother Anjali medidated to get boon from Lord Shiva for a son.

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KISHKINDHA

THEN - All of us know the beauty of Hampi in Karnataka, and the temple ruins that adorn the city. Did you know that the land around Hampi, in ancient times, was also the 'vaanara' kingdom (or the land of the monkeys of Ramayana)? Known as Kishkindha, this area was ruled by the king Vaali.

Rama, in search of Sita, arrives at Kishkindha. He meets Hanuman at the Rishyamukh Parvat (the ashram of Matanga Maharshi), and decides to help kill Vaali, after which Vaali's brother Sugreeva is throned as the king of the region. Sugreeva also decides to help Rama in his quest and gives Rama the army of monkeys for his upcoming battle against Ravana.

NOW – This kingdom is identified to be the regions around the Tungabhadra river (then known as Pampa Sarovar) near Hampi in present day Bellary district.

Anjandri hill, believed to be the birthplace of Hanuman, is located at a distance of about 5km from Hampi in Karnataka. At the top of the hill is a Hanuman temple where devotees gather for celebrating Hanuman Jayanti and other related celebrations, and this hill has become a well-known pilgrimage location. The entire white-washed structure of Hanuman temple has a roof with pyramid structure and a small red dome atop.

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PAMPA SAROVAR

THEN - The mention of Pampa Sarovar is found in the great Indian epic Ramayana. Shabari was a great devotee of Rama and lived in the ashram of her Guru, Matunga Rishi. The place where Matunga Rishi’s ashram was located is now known as the Matunga Parvat in Hampi. Matunga Rishi had given a blessing to Shabari that Rama would come to her during her lifetime. As time passed by, Matunga Rishi died. Shabari continued to live in his Ashram waiting for the arrival of Rama. She had so much faith in her Guru’s words that she kept waiting for Rama all her life till she became an old woman. When Rama was journeying towards Lanka in search of his wife sita whohad been abducted by Ravana, it was then that He stoped at Matunga Rishi's Ashram and Shabari family finally met Rama. She fed Rama with ber fruits (Jujube berry).  

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CHUNCHUNKATTE FALLS

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Rama during his tenure in the forests stayed in this place. It seems during that time there was not a drop of water here, and when Rama’s wife Sita wanted to have a bath, Rama instructed his brother Lakmana to facilitate Sita Devi’s wish. Lakmana shot an arrow on the rocks and water started gushing out in plenty and Sita Devi could take her bath.

Rama directed Lakshman to fire an arrow at a rock, once Lakshmana fired the arrow, water in 3 different shades started pouring out, one with turmeric, one with oil and one with shikakai (fruit for hair - natural shampoo).

Here, Sita is standing to the right side of Rama instead of the usual left.

Even though the falls beside the temple makes a deafening noise, inside the garbhagudi (Sanctum sanctorum) nothing of the roar can be heard

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MRUGAVADHE

Mrugavadhe, located at a distance of 26 Km south-east of Thirthahalli in Shimoga district, is a Place with Historic and mythological significance yet with limited awareness.

As per Ramayana, the incident where demon Mareecha disguises himself as a Golden Deer to Distract Rama from Sita so that Demon King Raavana can kidnap Sita. He gets killed in the hands of Rama and hence the Name Mrugavadhe (Mruga – Animal ; Vadhe : Kill). After the Kill, Rama established a Shiva linga here, worshipped here in an ancient and beautiful temple in the name of Mallikarjuna Swamy, facing the scenic beauty of  a tributary of Tunga River.

The place is a real treat for quick and brief water sports.

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PANCHAVATI

THEN - Panchavati was the place near the forest of Dandakaranya, where Rama built his home along with Sita and brother Lakshman during their period of exile in the wilderness. It is here that Shurpanakhi saw Rama and was smitten by him, and got her nose and ears cut by Lakshmana when she tried to attack Sita. Hence this place is called Nashik. She then had her brothers Khar and Dushan attack Rama, who killed them in the subsequent battle. Its an important spot according to Hindu mythology since it is considered as a place where one observes penance for his bad deeds.

NOW – Panchavati is located in modern day Nashik, about 180 kms north-east of Mumbai in Maharashtra. There are five (Panch) Banyan trees (Vat Vriksha) and hence the area is called Panchavati. It is also where the river Godavari comes down from the mountains, and on her banks are many temples.

The Kala Ram Mandir is built right where Rama is believed to have set up his hut with Sita and Lakshmana, and from where Ravana abducted Sita. This 70 feet high temple, with a gold plated copper dome and many other sculptures relating to Rama, happens to be the busiest temples in the locality.

The Sita Guha has the idol of Lord Rama, Laxmana and Sita. It is said that Sita was a Shiva devotee and used to pray to him inside this cave.

The Ram Kund is popularly believed to have been one of the bathing places of Rama. Devotees frequent here to have a holy dip, which is considered very pious.

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DANDAKAARANYA

THEN - The forests of Dandakaaranya are where Rama spent in the latter half of his exile period.

NOW – Dandakaranya is a territory roughly equivalent to the Bastar division in Chhattisgarh, located at a distance of about 264 km from Raipur.

The Bastar palace located in Jagdalpur is a historical monument which has an impressive art and architectural work with exquisite carvings and engravings on walls and ceilings. The temples of Bhoromdeo and Danteshwari are very popular for tourists.

The Chitrakoot and the Tirathgarh falls are the most famous of the many waterfalls which are present in this region. The horse-shoe shaped Chitrakoot falls is the widest waterfalls in India.

Bastar has natural caves in galore. The second longest natural cave in the world, Kutumsar caves is located in the Kanger Forest near Jagdalpur, and is famous for the natural carvings of Lord Shiva and Shiv Linga in them.

Bastar also has many other tourist attractions like the huge Bhainsa Darha Lake, which inhabits crocodiles and tortoises, Dalpat Sagar, the largest artificial lake of Chhattisgarh, an Anthropological Museum, the flora-fauna rich Kanger Valley National Park, and the striking Bairamgarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

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CHITRAKOOT

THEN - Rama, Sita and Lakshman spent the intial 11 years of their exile in the forests of Chitrakoot. When King Dasharatha passed away in Ayodhya, Bharata comes in search of Rama and met him in these forests, where he requests Rama to come back to rule Ayodhya. Rama, however, refuses, and Bharata instead, takes the 'paaduka' of Rama with him and places them on the throne, before assuming the position as the king of Ayodhya.

NOW – The Chitrakoot region falls in the northern Vindhya range spread over the states of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh and is a place rich with verdant cliffs, tranquil glades, gurgling waterfalls and the murmuring Mandakini river. It has several places of tourist importance connected to the Ramayana. The Ramghat lines the Mandakini river, where Rama, Lakshman and Sita are believed to have taken bath.

The Bharat Milap temple marks the spot where Bharat met Rama, informed him of Dashrath’s demise and persuaded him to return to Ayodhya and claim his rightful throne. But when Rama refused, Bharat took his Paduka (slippers) with him to Ayodhya to place it on the throne until Rama's return to the kingdom.

It is said that the meeting of four brothers was so emotional that even the rocks and mountains of Chitrakoot melted.

Sati Anusuya ashrama is located about 16 km from the town, set amidst thick forests. It is said that Rama, along with Sita, had visited this place to meet Maharishi Atri and Sati Anasuya, and where Sati Anasuya explained to Sita the grandeur and importance of Satitva (chastity).

The Sphatic Shila is another densely forested area on the banks of the Mandakini. According to Ramacharit Manas, it is said that Rama with Lakshmana was sitting on this rock when Hanuman returned from Lanka and confirmed the news to Lord Rama that Sita has been imprisoned in Ashoka Vatika at Lanka. There is also a boulder here which bears Rama's  footprints.

Hanuman Dhara is a spring said to have been created by Rama to assuage Hanuman when the latter returned after setting Lanka afire. A couple of temples commemorate this spot, which offers a panoramic view of Chitrakoot.

The Rama Shaiya is the place where Rama, Sita and Lakshmana used to sleep and rest in the evenings after wandering around the forest of Chitrakoot. It is located between mountains with no town nearby. It has a large flat-bed rock which bears foot inprints popularly believed to be those of  Rama, Sita and Lakshman.

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PRAYAGRAJ

THEN – After Rama's exile, he entered Prayagraj and had to cross the Ganga river. The king of Nishadraj, Guha, took Rama across the river in his boat, and then Rama entered Rishi Bharadwaj's ashram to spend his first night of exile.

NOW – Shringwarepur, the capital of Nishadraj, is a place 45 km from Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. The place where Nishadhraj Guha washed Rama's feet has been

named 'Ramchura', and has been marked by a platform.

The Bharadwaj ashram is in the present city of Allahabad (now, called Prayagraj, after 2018). The Ashram spot is converted into a temple for the saints of the ashram. Inside, there are idols of principal Deities like Shiva, Durga, Hanuman and alongside these are idols and individual temples devoted to the saints too.

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JANAKPUR

 

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THEN - The city of Janakpur or Mithila, was named after its King Janaka of the Mithila kingdom. When King Janaka was ploughing a field to perform a yajna at Sitamarhi, he came upon a baby girl in the field, whom he adopted and named Sita.

Sita grew up and when she became of a marriageable age, her swayamvar took place in the palace at Janakpur. King Janaka, who was in possession of the bow of Lord Shiva, decided that whoever could wield the bow and string it would be wed to Sita. Rama was successful not only in stringing the bow, but also ended up breaking it when he used it, and thus took place the marriage of Rama and Sita.

NOW – Janakpur is a city in Nepal, approximately 390 km from Kathmandu. It is a famous tourist spot in Nepal. The grand Ram Janaki Temple in the center of the city was the Rajmahal of King Janaka and contains the vivah mantap, where Rama & Sita were married. It is one of the holy sites on the route of Parikrama (holy circle) which is carried out by Hindus. Dhanush-dham is believed to be the place where the broken remains of Lord Shiva's bow fell after Rama broke it, and a fossilized fragment of the broken bow is believed to be preserved here. Sitamarhi is in Bihar, about 58 kms to the south of Janakpur.

 

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AYODHYA

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THEN – Ayodhya, the mythical city on the banks of the Sarayu river, was the capital of the Koshala Kingdom ruled by the Suryavamsha or the Ikshvaaku dynasty, and vedic texts have described Ayodhya as a 'city built by Gods and being prosperous like paradise itself'.

Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Kausalya in Ayodhya. Rama also returned to Ayodhya after the incidents of the Ramayana (after killing Ravana and rescuing Sita), and ruled the kingdom. It is in Ayodhya that he tutored his sons Lava and Kusha in the matters of administration, and finally entered the Sarayu river to end his mortal existence.

NOW – Ayodhya is in Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh, on the banks of the Ghaghra river (which was called Sarayu in the Ramayana). There are several places connected to the Ramayana standing here. The Ram Janma Bhoomi, the birthplace of Rama, in Ayodhya, has been regarded as one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (Saptapuri) for Hindus. It is believed that the birth spot of Rama was marked by a temple, which is said to have been demolished by the orders of the Mughal emperor Babur and a  mosque erected in its place by 1528 A.D, which was destroyed in 1992. The Ayodhya dispute to rebuild a grand Rama temple at the site of Janmabhoomi, was cleared by the Supreme Court bench in 2019. A Rama temple is presently under construction at this place.

Hanuman Garhi, a massive four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner and a temple of Hanuman inside, is situated in the center of town, & is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Its legend is that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi. 

Ramkot, is the main place of worship in Ayodhya, and the site of the ancient citadel of its namesake, standing on elevated ground in the western city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, it attracts devotees from all over the world on Rama Navami day. Swarg Dwar is believed to be the site of final cremation of Rama. Treta ke Thakur is a temple standing at the site of the Ashvamedha Yajnya of Rama. 

Kanak Bhavan is a temple dedicated to Rama and Sita, and is believed to have been the palace gifted to Sita and Rama by Kaikeyi for their wedding. 

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