Tamil speaking Rama bhaktas - a treat!

[Viraja]

Hajipur (Vishala Nagaram) - Ikshavagu vamsha's king Vishala had built this city. This town is located near Patna. When Sri Rama visited this city on his way to Mithila (Janakpuri) in Nepal, King Sumathi invited Rama (and Lakshmana) with great reverence for the lads. There exists a temple in this place that contains the footprint of Sri Rama. Rama and Lakshmana stayed here on the 13th night after they left Ayodhya. 'Ram Chowda' is the name of the temple that enshrines Sri Rama's footprints, Rama is said to have stood here on his visit to King Sumathi's Vishala Nagar. From this place, Sri Rama is
said to have left directly to Mithila.

Sri Velukkudi Krishnan visits the following places before going to Mithila which Sri Rama did not visit:

1. Sonepur - This is the place where Ganges and Kantaki rivers meet together. This place had been the site of the famous 'Gajendra Moksha' of olden times.

2. Saligramam - The place where we get the Sri Murthis for our daily aradhanas! Mukthinath - Shaligrama is located on the banks of Kantaki. Kantaki begins her journey at Nubine-Himal glacier. She is also known as 'Kala Kantaki' or 'Narayani' because she is black in color. At the bed of Kantaki, Shaligrama stones are found.

3. Sitamari - The birthplace of Sita, located in Dharbhanga district, Bihar (near the borders of Nepal), where Sita emerged from the ground. This place is the yagna-shala for king Janaka, where he performed yagnas. There are 2 temples dedicated to Sita at this place, one at either corner of the yagna-shala. The Hanuman at the Sita-Rama temple is decorated uniquely every single day. Sita and Rama did not visit here after marriage, as this is just the birthplace of Sita. there was a king called nimi. He requested Vashishta to perform a yagna for him for the birth of progeny. Vashishta told him to wait as he had other duties at the time. Nimi couldn't wait patiently, instead he started performing yagna with other rishis. Vashishta cursed him to go 'bodyless' or 'Videha'. Since this Sitamari is under the province of Videha king, Sita is known as 'Vaidehi'. Though he became bodyless, the other rishis had performed yagna for him to get progeny and this has to take effect. Therefore, the other rishis churned through the bodyless Videha (like devas did in Samudra manthana) and brought forth his child - Janaka. Since Sita is born to Janaka, she earned the name of Janaki.

Next destination is Janakpuri in Nepal, the site of Rama-Sita marriage.

[Viraja]

Janakpuri: Vaikasi (Tamil month) - Shukla navami - pushya nakshatra - Sita's birthday! Celebrated at both Sitamari and Mithila. Panguni (Tamil month) - Uttira nakshatra - Sri Rama and Sita got married. In Janakpuri they call in Vivaha panchami and they celebrate it as a grand ceremony on Margazhi -
Shukla panchami. 'Janaki mandir' has been built 500 yrs ago - an enormous temple - a new construction at an old temple site. At the back of the temple where there is a small sanctum sanctorum, it is said King Janaka's palace entrance had been there - 1000's of shaligrama stones are found at this sanctum sanctorum. At the main shrine, Sita, King Janaka, Dasharatha, everyone's Sri Murthi (vigraha) are found. At a place about 15 - 20 km away from this temple, is the site called 'Dhanusha Dham'. Rama is 12, Sita is 6 - that is when they got married. And Janaka presented Rama with a bow that has to be bowed down. It seems when Rama broke the bow, the middle portion fell down here - in Dhanusha Dham. An ancient tree is found here which contains very long roots, the broken piece of the bow has got a connection with this tree's roots. The story goes as such, "When Lord Shiva fought Tripurasura, he made the bones of a sage called Sage Dadeechi into a bow, using which he slayed down Tripurasura. Then Lord Shiva gave that bow to Parasurama. Parasurama vanquished the Kshatriyas using this bow. Then Lord Shiva asked Parasurama to give this bow to Mithila's king Janaka. Sage Valmeeki describes - Sita was born. When Sita was 7 yrs old, Sita's mother Sunayana told Sita to worship this bow that was kept at king Janaka's palace. Sita lifted the bow to worship it very easily with her left hand itself. Then she put it down and went away to play. King Janaka who was watching this was filled with amazement. He thought that when the child could lift the bow with so much ease, then surely someone who should marry her should be able to string that bow in order to show he is worthy of marrying her. Then Sri Rama came to marry her. When Rama strung the bow, it broke down into 3 pieces. The first piece flew through the air and fell in the place called modern-day Dhanushkoti in Rameswaram. The second piece fell down in underworld. The third piece fell down straight from Rama's hands to the floor. That place is this place (the Dhanusha Dham). A statue connected to the tree's root (looks like the root itself, having many small holes in it) is supposed to be the third piece of the broken bow. In that place in Dhanusha Dham, there is a fountain of waters, known as 'Patal Ganga' (Ganga of the underworld). The local people believe that when that fountain is full, that will bring prosperity.

Velukkudi Swami: Lord Shiva is also known as 'Pinakapani'. He procured Sage Dadeechi's bones and the bow made out of it for Tripura-samhara. He gave it to Janak's ancestor Devaradan, who was his profound sishya. The actual Janaka's name is Seeradwajan (Sita's father). Sita devi had been worshiping this bown since her very young age. That is why, King Janaka decided to have the condition set that only someone who can string this bow can marry Sita. Rama, after he broke down the bow, when approached by Sita with garland in her hands to marry him, refuses to marry immediately and asks that
his father's blessings be sought first. Panguni - Uttara nakshatra - Sita's marriage date. Dasharatha wise counselled Vasishta about the marriage and Vashishta spoke highly about the alliance. Next Dasharatha left Ayodhya and went to Janakpuri. At the marriage, Vashishta took the spot of the family priest as he was the kula guru for Rama. The marriage took place at a place called 'Sheesh Mahal'. The marriage took place not only to Rama and Sita, also to Lakshmana - Urmila, Bharata - Mandavi, Shatrughna - Sruta Keerthi.

Mangalam kosalendraya mahaneeya gunabhdhaye, Chakravarthi
thanujaaya sarva bhoumaya Mangalam.

Next destination back to Ayodhya.

[Viraja]

Back at Ayodhya with Rama and Sita after their marriage:

Samaa dwaadasa tathraaham raaghavasya nivachane || (Sundara Kanda, 33-17)

This is words spoken by Sita. After marriage, Rama and Sita spent 12 yrs in happy married life together. Rama was 12 and Sita was 6 at the time of marriage. Dasaratha had appointed only old people in guard of the private quarters of Rama and Sita. One can still visit today the place that Rama and Sita together set foot on after marriage - this is one of Dasaratha's palaces in Ayodhya - Rama and Sita vigrahas are there in this place.

Periyazhwar - the biggest one of all Azhwars - why did he earn this name? Because he sang 'Pallaandu' - he has seen Sri Kannan (Krishna) with his own eyes. Aani - Swathi - his avatara day. He sang the Pallaandu because he did not want Sri Rama and Sri Sita in all their beauty and glory incur the 'evil eye'. That is why he is the biggest of the Azhwars. In Srivilliputhur Andal Thiruvaadipuram, on the 5th day, 5 different Vishnu's Garuda seva will take place. To each of the perumal, Pallaandu will be sung. In Thiruvari - Thirunagari, in Thai - Amavasya, 11 different Vishnus will get together in 1 spot. There also Pallaandu will be sung to each of the swamis. In Azhwarthirunagari, Vaikasi Visaka urchava, on the 5th day, Nammazhwar welcomes the Vishnu vigrahas of 9 Thirupathi perumals and they sing Pallaandu and do mangalasaasanam. The concept is that 'evil eye' should not affect Sri Vishnu. (This is why a black spot is kept on the face of Sri Vishnu amidst all the wonderful decorations).

Dasaratha, after 12 yrs of marriage b/w Rama and Sita, decided to coronate Rama. After this, is the time when Rama along with Sita and Lakshmana, decide to leave Ayodhya for forest. At this juncture, Sri Velukkudi Swami decides to visit a spot that is met with later in actual Ramayana, however because another trip to Ayodhya just for this spot is not possible, decides to visit now. That spot is 'Nandi Grama' - the place where Bharatha ruled the kingdom. Bharatha did not rule the kingdom from Ayodhya - he ruled it in a place about 20 km out of Ayodhya - in this place called 'Nandi Grama'. This is the place after 14 yrs of exile being over and after vanquishing Ravana, Rama sets foot first after descending down from Pushpaka Vimana. This is where Bharatha stayed after coming out of Chitrakoota, this is where Hanuman met with Bharata after everyone returned from Lanka. There is a temple at this spot - it is a 2-story building and a small structure for a temple. There are 3 sanctum sanctorums - first one is of Bharatha in Sanyasa attire - made of White marble seated in Padmasana posture and in a gesture of offering prayer to Rama with hands clasped together. The pujari here worships Bharatha everyday. The next shrine is that of the padukas of Rama that was worshiped by Bharatha. Bharatha did 'Coronation ceremony' to Rama's padukas and then used them for ruling the kingdom. (Nammazhwar is supposed to be the avatara of these very same Padukas). When we visit Vaishnava temples, they place the 'Shatari' at the head - it is none other than the Lord's padukas (sandals). It seems Bharatha used to do Abhishekam of these padukas using waters of Sarayu. These waters mixes with Sarayu which mixes with the ocean in the East, and the same waters are there at Thiruppullani, Rameswaram. When Rama wished to killed the king of Oceans, Rama set out to dry up the entire ocean. But king of Oceans emerged and prayed to Rama to forgive him. The reason why Rama did not or could not dry up the ocean at this time is because his paduka-water is thus mixed with the waters of the ocean (So says Swami Krishnan). So Rama's padukas (sandals) are worth more than Rama!

Next shrine is that of a Red-coloured beautiful Yoga-Anjaneya (Hanuman). It is said he changes colour often. This temple is called 'Bharath Mandir' at 'Nandi Grama'. Next there is a beautiful idol of Hanuman embracing Bharatha. When Rama was returning from Lanka in pushpaka-vimana, he was delayed by a day. He told Hanuman to check with Bharatha first as Rama suspected Bharatha would fear the worst and might have already lit up his own funeral pyre! So Hanuman came first here (to Nandi Grama) where Bharatha was residing and indeed find him having lit up a funeral pyre for himself to jump-in and he hurriedly goes and embraces Bharatha and tells him that all is well! That is the incident depicted by this statue at Nandi Grama.

With this we leave Ayodhya.

To be continued..

[Viraja]

Raamo raamo raama ithi prajaanaam abhavan gathaa:
raama bhootam jagathaboothraame raajyam prachaasathi ||
(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 128)

Ayodhya's citizens all loved so much and this sloka speaks of that, they never thought world was different, Rama was different, they went to all temples and worshiped so Rama would live well! King Dasartha called all his ministers, called 8 mahacharya/gurus including his kula-guru Vasistha and called peoples' representatives to counsel on coroning Rama as the King.

King Dasaratha told his citizens:

After 60,000 years even I need rest. I am planning to coronate Rama, I want you all to give me permission, and give me wise counsel on further proceedings, please give counter and approving opinions of yours.

When Dasaratha said this, all the people made such a loud noise and jumped up with joy and said in one voice their approval and great joy in having Rama for their king!

After this is the episode when Kaikeyi gets the boon from Dasaratha to send Rama to the forest.

Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana got ready to go South leaving Ayodhya. Kulasekara Azhwar in his Perumal Thirumozhi has recited in 10 slokas Dasaratha's helpless rant upon knowing Rama is to go to the forest. "O Rama, until yesterday, there was not a single comfort you missed. But today, it seems you are sleeping on a rock, with your hand for a pillow underneath a tree devoid of a single leaf! How are you able to do that?" says Dasaratha. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are leaving in a chariot driven by Sumanthira. The entire city of Ayodhya followed them! First night, Rama stayed near the river. To make everyone else leave, Rama told Sumanthira, "Let us leave at midnight. Let us fool the people by first driving the chariot towards the north. People will think we are going to Ayodhya. After a bit, return back and I will board and we will go further down South". The people thinking Rama came back to Ayodhya returned and they got fooled. Rama crossed Vedasruthi, Gomathi and Syandhika rivers. He reached Guha's place called Sringiberapuram.

Krishna in Geeta says what pleases him offered - bhakti, bhaavam, prema, love. Rama made friends with Guha in Sringiberapuram. Guha was simple, ignorant of elaborate rituals, however with splendid devotion for Rama and Sita. There is a temple here for Rishyasringa and Shanta devi. Everyone knows how Rishyasringa and his wife did Puthrakameshti yaga for King Dasaratha. Next Ganges flows by in this place, which is where Guha helped Rama cross the river. Rama's most important quality is Souseelyam - he doesn't see anyone is bigger or smaller (in status), he makes friends with everyone! He made great friends with Guha. There is a temple for Guha in Sringiberapuram. There is a big boat statue here. In the boat, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Guha are seated. Even Kevat, the boatman is there in the statue. Next there is another temple, where one has to climb a lot of stairs to reach the shrine room. This is the temple of Shanta devi and Rishyasringa rishi. Everyone knows the story
when king Romapada's kingdom was afflicted with severe drought and how Rishyasringa rishi was brought to the kingdom, after which the rain poured down in torrents. Then Romapada married off his daughter Shantadevi to Rishyasringa. It was after that, that Rishyasringa did puthrakameshti yagna for King Dasaratha, after which Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughna were born.

Guha prayed Rama to stay with him. He said there was honey, servants, flour/dough and Ganges, so Rama could stay there comfortably. However Rama refused to stay with Guha. He told Guha that only when there is suffering and separation, will there be joy in uniting back and that Rama will meet with Guha during returning back from the 14 yr exile. This promise is called 'Guha sathyam' - the promise made by Rama to Guha. It is only until this spot that Sumanthira came. Rama crossed the river, then went to Bharadwaja Ashrama, and as suggested by Bharadwaja, left to Chitrakoot mountains.

Rama never differentiated anyone based on status. In 3 places he revealed it - friendship with Guha, Sugreeva and later with Vibheeshana.

In Sringiberapuram, in 1 1/2 km from Ganges, there is a place called 'Rama Saiyya'. A beautiful shrine for Rama parivar is here. Rama and Sita slept here one night. The mattress they slept in is still here. The place name itself means "The place where Rama slept one night". Beautiful marble statues of Rama parivar is present at the shrine.

Next we will go to Allahabad. First Krishnan swami goes to Prayag - Triveni Sangamam - the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati rivers. When Vedavyasa started writing Mahabharata, it seems Saraswathi ran with great noise. Vedavyasa ordered her to run beneath the ground and that is the time when she went underground. After the confluence here, Ganga mixes with Bay of Bengal after crossing Calcutta in a place called 'Ganga Sagar'. This 'Prayag Raj' is the queen of all the 33 crore sacred rivers
running in India. This is the site of Kumbamela that happens once in 12 yrs. Akshaya vata, Veni-Madavar temple, place where Rama offered pinda pradhaan to his demised father and Bharadwaja Ashram are all still there to see in Allahabad, all places that Rama went to before going to Chitrakoot. We will visit all these places next.

[Viraja]

In 7th century, Yuan-Tsang came from China to India, he wrote about Prayag-Raj (Allahabad) a lot. When milky ocean was churned, amrit (nectar) came out. And it was kept here in this prayag. That is why this place became so sacred. This is the leading place for all confluences and kumbamelas that go on elsewhere. Kumbamelas occur in 4 different places, recently 3 crore people came here on the final day of Kumbamela. Godavari prayag happens in nasik. In Haridwar - Ganga Kumbamela. Kshipra - Ujjain. The Kumbamela that
happens here in Prayag is the most important of them all. Rama came here and stayed for a day and then went to Bharadwaja Ashram, the recount of which can be seen in Rama Charit Manas of Sri Tulsidas.

Bharadwaja Ashram is located in the busy area, in the central of Allahabad city. There is a central grand room where many rishis' statues are kept, one of them being Bharadwaja rishi. It is not a big temple. The division of rishis consists of Rishi, Rajarishi, BrahmaRishi and so forth. Bhara means to 'bear the weight of' or 'protect', Bharadwaja himself says he protects his children, his
wife, the Brahmanas, the Vedas and his own body. Since he protects everything, that is how he earned the name of Bharadwaja. There is
secret in his birth. To Brahma, Angiras was born. To Angiras, Brihaspathi was born. Brihaspathi married 'Mamata' to whom Bharadwaja was born. He was sishya to Sri Valmiki. When we went to Bittoor, there was 'Tamasa' river flowing by. This is where Sage Valmiki went to bathe, and encountered a hunter on his way who hunted down a bird for which enraged Valmiki cursed and this curse became the first sloka of Ramayana. Bharadwaja married an apsara named Kritachi to whom Dronacharya was born. Dronacharya was the
tutor of archery for both Pandavas and Kauravas. Bharadwaja advised Dronacharya during Mahabharata war to not engage in fight and to stop that and to join him in penance to which Dronacharya refused, finally after joining the adharmic Kauravas' side, he lost his life. Bharadwaja was so filled with quest for learning the vedas, he requested Lord Devendra to grant him long life 3 times to enable him master vedas.

Teertha yatra (visiting holy places), pinda pradhan (ritualistic rite to the deceased), nama sankeertanam (singing the name of god), engagement in Atma Gyana (acquiring knowledge about the 'self'), giving 'dhana' (charity), Tarpanam (ritualistic rites to the deceased), Upavasa (fasting) - all these activities are remedies for 'pitu shaapa'. Allahabad - Pataal Puri is a place where there is a temple, where a tree called 'Akshaya Vata' which does not die in 4 yugas. Sri Rama did Tarpanam (homage/ritualistic rites) to his father in this place, when he returned back from Lanka after slaying Ravana. Dasha Ashwamedha Ghat - the Akshaya vata is located near this place. In Dasha Ashwamedha Ghat, 10 Ashwamedha yagas seem to have been done. In this place, whatever donation has been offered, gives 'Akshaya' (bountiful) results.

Rama did pinda pradan here, then in Varanasi and in Gaya - thus in 3 places.
Now we go Veni-Madhavar temple. There are totally 7 Madhavar temples here right now, earlier there were 12 Madhawar temples used to be there. The most prominent of these 7 temples of today is Sri Veni-Madhavar temple. Veni means Mahalakshmi's braid (one of the 3 braids). Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswathi are the 3 venis. The deity who protects this Veni is called Veni-Madhavar. He is the most important guardian of this city. Dara-Ganga is a place located nearby. 'Ma' means education or upasanam. 'Dhava:' means
'Swami', thus 'madhava' means lord of education. It can also be interpreted as 'Lord of Sri Mahalakshmi'. When you hold on to Sri Mahalakshmi, it is easy to reach Sri Vishnu. It is said Sri Tulsidas wrote RamaCharitaManasa sitting in this temple. Sri Rama has worshiped the deity here before going to Chitrakoot.

'Ko kahi sakhe prayag prabhaava
kanush kunj kunj nigarao'

Who can say the might of this prayag? None can! Says Sri Tulsidas. Near this place, many Madhavas in 'Shila roopa' (Shaligrama) are found. Hansi madhava, Ananta madhav, Aadi madhav, Chakra madhav, Harida madhav, Manohara madhav, and the madhav we worshiped - 7 madhavas are found in this place.

After visiting this place, Rama took advice of Sri Bharadwaja to go to Chitrakoot, where many sages were doing penance and thus Rama can find 'Satsang'. Chitrakoot is also known as 'Kama giri' that which endows one with all he requests. Bharadwaja, upon Rama's return told Rama to stay here one night, though Rama had the compulsion to return exactly on the ending day of the 14 day exile, (otherwise Bharatha would jump into the funeral pyre),
still Rama stayed here 1 day. Before going to Chitrakoota, there is Tulsidas Ashrama, where his handwritten notes on leaflets are still preserved. It is said he was born in 1532 and lived till 1623. He was great Pandit, a great poet and a great devotee. He was born in Rajpur, UP to parents Athmaram Shukla Dubey - Hulsi Mata. His wife was Bhuddimathi. His son was Tharakan. Tulsidas, in 'Avadhi bhasha' (a dialect of Hindi) wrote RamaCharitaManas in
couplets. Hanuman Chalisa was also written by Sri Tulsidas. Sri Tulsi has written totally 22 books. After praying at Tulsidas Ashrama, next we visit Chitrakoot...

Veni-Madhav, Allahabad (From google search):

[Viraja]

Sri Rama rama ramethi rame raame manorame
sahasranaama thatthulyam raama naama varaanane ||

One Shri Rama nama is equal to 1000 names of the Lord (Sri Vishnu). Visiting the places traversed by Sri Rama and taking bath in sacred rivers is a general prayaschittha (parihara) for various sins. In Mahabharata, 'Shanti parva', 'Raja dharma' - a section lists upavasa (fasting), nama sankeertanam (reciting names of the lord), puja to god, theertha yatra (going on pilgrimages), performing yagna (fire rituals), giving charity, atma vicharana (inquiring about the self), are all general prayaschitta (remedies) for various sins.

Rama has crossed river Yamuna in an effort to go to Chitrakoot. There is a shrine for Tulsidas here. Ramayana carries the name of 'Sita Charithra' and 'Poulasthya vadam'. Many people have translated Ramayana to different languages. Sri Tulsidas translated Ramayana into Hindi language - called 'Rama charita Manas'. This place is called 'Prabhu Ghaat' - the banks of Yamuna.
The vigraha of Tulsidas found in this place is what has been placed in Sri Tulsidas shrine. In Kasi, Asee Ghat, is the place where he left earth. His sishya named Ganpath Ram brought Rama charit manas handwritten work, his padaraksha and his Narasimha Shaligrama from Asee Ghat to this place where Tulsidas's family lived. In Sri Tulsidas's household, it was his wife Srimati
Buddhimathi devi who stimulated him to take up Sannyas ashrama. Sri Tulsidas manifested himself in their dream (after his demise) and told them that his vigraha is there in Prabhu Ghat which can be found and installed in this shrine. It was found as such and the shrine established where Sri Rama crossed the Yamuna river. There is a statue of Sri Tulsidas here, and there is Rama parivar
there. This shrine is the actual house where all these sanctums are now established. Sri Radha-krishna, Narasimha Saligrama, and his padukas are all found in this shrine. This is called 'Tulsidas Ghar'. This is an olden day palace.

Yaavath sthaasyanthi grihaya sarithaccha mahithale
thaavath ramayana katha lokeshu pracharishyathi (Valmiki Ramayana

- Bala Kanda - 2-36)

Brahma told Narada the story of Ramayana which Narada blessed Sri Valmiki to have a vision of. Until Sun and Moon are present, till then Ramayana will be recited, is the blessing given by Brahma deva to Sri Valmiki. In Sri Tulsidas's house, about 439 yr old Rama Charit Manas copy, handwritten on leaflets is found. IN this handwritten copy, Ayodhya kanda alone is found. This bundle is
packed in numerous shawls, which was each given by some great saint who visited this place. Each leaflet is wrapped in tissue paper and preserved here. Sri Tulsidas was born in Shravana Sukla paksha Sapthami thithi and left earth to Sri Rama's feet on Shravana Krishna Triteeya, Saturday. Here, everyday of the year, Ramayana discourses take place. Akbar did 'sasana' (handwritten
donation) of this place to the government.

Next, Sri Rama goes to Valmiki Ashram, asks for the route to Chitrakoot and goes there, let us follow.

Rama reaches Chitrakoota. If you look at the mountain, the greenery and the place where Rama lived there, it looks just like Kubera lived in his place. Bharatha came to Chitrakoota and received Rama's padukas. Soon thereafter, since people will know his whereabouts, Rama left to Dandakaranyam. Sri Lakshmana prepared a small boat made of Bamboo sticks, with which Rama and his parivar crossed Yamuna river, from Prabhu Ghat to reach this
place. Before Rama went to Chitrakoot, rama came to see Valmiki at
this place. The Valmiki Ashram at this place is still preserved. There is a small river called 'Valmiki river' that runs before the Ashram. There is a small hill after the river which we climb up. First comes the place where Valmiki first encountered the hunter who killed the 2 Krauncha birds, statues of Valmiki and of the Krauncha birds is found here. Sage Valmiki has lived in several
places. Here, near Kanpur - bittoor and also in Naimisaranya.

After paying obeisance to Sage Valmiki here, Rama takes leave to go to Chitrakoota. Chitrakoot is a lovely place. Circumambulating this mountain will
reap great spiritual rewards. The Mandakini river flows by that Sita and Rama would have spent so much of their time here! Kamadagiri mountain (the mountain that can give all that we want) is found here. In one place, 'Bharatha mila' where Rama and bharatha met is there where statues of Rama and Bharatha's meeting is found. You can see Rama's feet imprints here still. 'Ram Ghat' - a place in Mandakini river, where Rama and Sita did pinda
pradhan for Rama's father. 'Janaki Kund' - Sita used to bathe here
alone. 'Hanuman Ghara' - a place where a Hanuman shrine is found.
Water from unknown source flows on Hanuman's head. Sita Rasoi -
Sita's kitchen is found next (another site to see on Mandakini's banks). 'Spatika Sheela' - here on Sita's laps when Rama lay rest his head, Kakasura assaulted Sita and Rama finally taught him a lesson. 'Gupta Godavari' - here Godavari flows under earth where Godavari is said to have come hiding to pray to Rama.

http://chitrakootdham.com/tourist-places/janaki-kund/

http://satnahelp.in/sphatikshila.html

[Viraja]

We have reached Chitrakoot now. Sri Rama, Sita and Lakshmana came here to spend the 14 yrs of the exile happily. This place is situated in Madhya Pradesh/Uttar Pradesh border. All places for staying will be on one side and places for visit are on the other side (of the 2 states). Best idea is to park your long vehicles somewhere and take omni-buses for tourism. There are 4 dhams, Badri, Dwarka, Puri Jagannath and Rameswaram. Chitrakoot is the
parama-dham, central to the 4 dhams. There is a Chitrakoot is South India too - which is Chidambaram. There is Sri govindaraja Swami in reclining posture, next to the dancing Nataraja. Sri Kulasekarazhwar sang 10 verses in praises of this Govindaraja swami, in 'Perumal Thirumozhi' last verse he has dedicated to Sri Govindaraja swami. But in all the verses, he sang in praise of Sri Rama, that he is able to see Rama in Ayodhya being very much down South in the shrine of Sri Govindaraja! So if anyone wants to worship Sri Rama in Chitrakoota, they can pay a visit to this Sri Govindaraja swami in Thillai Chitrakoota!

The first place to see here is the river Mandakini and 'Ram Ghat' in it. When Rama heard of his father's demise, Rama cried, and took them to Ram Ghat (the place he used to bathe everyday) and paid last rites to his father here. There are various shrines surrounding Ram Ghat. First is Vanavas mandir - where Rama and Lakshmana are in the attire due to their stay in forest. Except Sita devi here is in the attire of a queen. There is a tree here for blessing people with childbirth. Next here are the places Parnakuti, and Brahma Theertha - located next to each other. Brahma himself stayed here in Krita yuga and performed yagna (fire rituals) here, he chose a place in Chitrakoota and sanctified it, he created 108 homa kunda and offered fire rituals here, he wanted Rama and Sita to come here and set foot here. Thus this place is called 'Parnakuti'. Idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana are found
here.

When Rama left to vanavas, Bharatha was in his uncle 'Yudhajit's' palace. When he returned after his father's demise, he was saddened to hear from his mother that she had secured the kingdom for him.

Epiccha achivai: saarttham sirasaa yaachido mayaa || (Valmiki
Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda)

Even if Rama would not feel merciful for me, he would definitely feel merciful towards all his people, so thinking Bharatha, brought the entire troops and citizens of Ayodhya to invite Rama back to Ayodhya. There is a 'Bharat mandir', situated on the banks of Mandakini. There is one mahanth (pujari) in each of these temples. Each temple in the North typically has only one sanctum sanctorums. Bharatha's troops from Ayodhya stayed in this place where Bharath Mandir is located for 5 days. After searching for Rama, they eventually found him here from the smoke emerging from homa done by Rama here. Next place is 'Janaki Kund' - where Sita used to bathe alone. Her footprints are located here.

Chitrakoot's important hill is 'Kamadagiri' - the mountain that grants all our desires, it seems Rama circumambulated this mountain everyday. In all places in North, parikrama (circumambulating) is very important. Lot of Rikshas are found here that can be used for circumambulating. The parikrama can be
started in any direction, in every direction there is a temple marking the place so people can identify when their circumambulation is over. There are plentiful of shops inbetween. There is a place with a Tulsidas vigraha next to a mountain on the way.

In the Kamadhagiri mountain, there is a small shrine/sanctum for the mountain containing Rama's face, Bharata's face, a big face of the mountain and a smaller face of the mountain. Here Rama's face and Bharata's face are made out of the stone in the face of the mountain. In the mountain's face, in place of teeth, Shaligramas are found. In 'Nandi Grama' we already visited the place where Bharata did paduka worship to Rama's padukas. Next we visit 'Bharata Milap'. Here, there is a huge tree here under which Rama is said to have sat down. Then there is a little hill where footprints of Rama and Sita are found. This is the place where Rama offered his padukas/sandals to Bharatha and blessed him. When Rama stayed here, the mountain offered Sri Rama a darshan, and Rama fondly started worshiping it.

They say Rama is found in 3 forms - seated posture, standing posture and lying down posture. In Chitrakoota, he is in seated posture. In Kishkinda, he is in standing posture. In Thirupullani, Rameswaram, he is doing Saranaagathi to Samudra raja to give way, that is lying down posture, on the banks of Sethu. Next there is a place in Chitrakoot called 'Spatika Sheela' there place where Rama tried to kill 'Kakasura' (Indra's son Jayantha) whom Sita saved
and Sri Rama finally forgives. Imprints from Rama and Sita sitting there are found here.

Next there are 4 to 5 important places in Chitrakoot located outside the city which we shall visit.

Rama giving his padukas to Bharata at Bharata Milap:

[Viraja]

Chitrakoot is a small village located in the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. Next we will go to Gupta Godavari - the Godavari that is hidden, a secret! Why did Godavari come here? She wanted to invite Rama to her town, she starts her flow near Maharashtra/Nasik - Panchavati. She wanted to invite Rama to her place and to admire Rama's valourous countenance while in Chitrakoot.

Chitrakoot is a very pretty village (Swami shows the natural beauty of Chitrakoot). Sri Rama asked Bharadwaja of the way to go to the forest, and Bharadwaja sent him to Chitrakoot. Rama bowed and prayed to Valmiki maharishi upon coming to this place, as suggested by Sage Valmiki, Rama stayed here for an year to an year-and-a-half. There are many places of site seeing in Chitrakoot, best remedy to visit here for those fed-up of living
in a 'concrete jungle'.

Chitrakoot is the site of river Mandakini. That is why, Godavari hid herself behind a cave here and which is why she is known as 'Gupta Godavari'.

There is a long line to enter the caves.. thought the cave is spacious, the way to enter the cave is very narrow. Inside the cave, the place is known as 'Sita Kund'. It seems Sita used to wash her clothes and bathe here. This story is based on Ramcharitmanas - it seems a rakshasa named Mayank once took Sita's clothes and ran away... Lakshmana beat him up and cursed him to be
a stone here... saying that all those who came here - the devotees - that Mayank in his stone form shall consume their sins for his food. There are wondeerful statues of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana here. Another name of this place is 'Dhanush Kund', because it is said Rama shot with his arrow for water, and Godavari emerged from ground here. The water from the cave flows out of the cave and form a nice little tank outside. There is also an idol of mother a statue of mother Godavari inside the cave.

Next we will visit 'Hanuman Dhara'. One has to walk a long distance (about 2 km) and then climb up a hill to visit this place. Hanuman burnt down entire Lanka. His tail was burning, and he thought of Rama, then immediately water fountain sprang out and put out the fire. That is why in Chitrakoot near Hanuman's head in his statue, a water fountain of mysterious origin emerges and wets the entire body of Shri Hanuman and flows down. Here Shri Anjaneya is in 'Virat swaroopa' having 5 faces - Varaha, Garuda, Narasimha,
Hayagriva and Mahavir Anjaneya faces. Another story - when Hanuman finished Ayimayi Ravana in patala, that he came here from Naimisharanya to cool down. 5 products are offered here to Shri Hanuman - oil, sindoor, janda (flags) as he is 'Veera and Vijaya anjaneya' are some of those. There is still another Anjaneya swami shrine located on top of the hill. Hanuman Dhara Maharaj ki Jai!

Let us next visit 'Sita Rasoi' - the place where Sita used to cook. Sita charitra is another name for Ramayana. There is a sloka - 'Kaavyam Ramayanam krisnam, Sitaaya charitam mahathu, poulasthya vadamittheva'. All alwars and acharyas have given importance to Sita devi. 'Naareena Uttama Vathu:' is the praise given to the leader of all females - Sita. Sita rasoi is located up hill above Hanuman Dhara, the steps are steep but manageable. Here for Rama,
Lakshman used to bring roots, tubers, fruits, grains, etc. But on days rishis used to visit - Asti, Agasthyar, Sudeekshana, Sarabhanga, Valmiki, Sita used to cook the food - for 'Athithi Satkara'. There are murthis of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana here - Sita is sitting, Rama and Lakshmana are standing here. (Also there are murthis of the 5 rishis). Next we will go to Anusuya Ashrama - she is a queen among women.

Rama did not like staying in Chitrakoot for too long because people knew his whereabouts. He is now bound towards the south of Chitrakoot. Before the Anusuya ashrama, there is a beautiful temple for Hanuman called 'Das Hanuman' temple. There are paintings of all Tamil Azhwars there! Anusuya is Atri maharishis dharma-patni (loyal wife). Anusuya presented Sita with a sari that would not have bad breath inspite of wearing a very long time without washing, and nice ornaments made of natural wood, shrubs, etc. Sita thought what benefit is going to bring to her, afterall even though she is in forest, she is not lacking in anything! Finally when she was captured by Ravana, while she was in Lanka, only these ornaments benefitted her!

Atri maharishi was the foremost among the 'Dasa-prajapathis' created first and one of Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulasthyar, Pulahar, Grathu, Vasistar - the saptarishis. Atri used to drink Ganga water in one mouthful, hence the name. Anusuya means one without jealousy. There are lot of vigrahas in this ashraam.

Silavathi's husband was about to lose his life, out of Mandavya's curse, she stopped Sun from emerging. All devas came to Anusuya and asked her to help Sun continue his path, but Anusuya wanted a child in return as she did not have one. The trimurthis blessed her to have a child and said they themselves will be born to her as a child, then Anusuya consoled Silavathi and let Sun proceed in his course. This story being set aside, Atri was penancing for a very long time to get a child. This is when the story Anusuya
turned the trimurthis to children and served them food without clothes in her body. The trimurthis had tested her chastity before conferring blessings to Atri maharishi for having a child and they had appeared before Anusuya asking her for food to be served naked, that is why she had turned them to babies! In this, the child born of Vishnu's amsa is Dattatreya, of Shiva's amsa is Durvasa, of Brahma's amsa is Moon. All the trimurthis' wives
begged of Anusuya for forgiveness and rescued their husbands. Anusuya is born of Devahuti and Kardhama prajapathi. The Anusuya Ashram is huge with a river flowing nearby. There is a big murthi for Anusuya and the episode where the trimurthis were turned to children being depicted. With this Chitrakoot visit gets over. Next we will visit dense forests.

The narrow entrance way to the spacious cave inside of 'Gupta Godavari':



Hanuman Dhara:



Anusuya Ashram:

http://www.ghoom.co.in/index.php/chi...anusuya-ashram

[Viraja]

Next we will visit 3 important ashrams. Viratha Kunda, Sarabanga Ashrama, Sudeekshanashrama and finally Agasthya Ashrama. From Chitrakoota, let us all take leave. We circumambulate the entire town once and then take a leave. Next we will go to Sarabanga Ashrama located in about 16 - 17 km distance from Chitrakoot. When first Rama and Sita and Lakshmana took leave of Atri and Anusuya and entered Dandakaranya, first they encountered Virata, who
carried Sita and started to run away. Rama and Lakshmana first fought with him and rescued Sita. Rama dug and big burrow in the ground, and after killing Virata, did final rites for him there. Virata asks "Oh Rama! How do you manage between Lakshmi and Bhooma devi?" (he describes the various forms of the Lord where he has shown so much love to Bhooma devi, and wonders if mother Lakshmi will not get angry at him for that). We wanted to worship his
place (Virata's). Upon asking the guide, he said, it is such a dense forest where you have to walk 5 miles and it is also so difficult to do that, having so many wild animals that it is not advisable to go there... so Swami and his people skipped Virata ashrama. They recited prayers to Virata on the entrance way to his place. First we visit Sarabhanga Ashrama. Sarabhanga river flows here. When Ram visited here, he worshiped Sarabhaga and asked him if he can stay there for the rest of his exile. Sarabhanga was so happy, he said Ram could stay here, but he was planning to attain Mukti as soon as he saw Rama that it is impossible for Rama to stay in that Ashrama, but he could stay in Sudheeshna's ashrama, he advice Rama to go on the banks of Mandakini (a branch of Mandakini is Sarabhanga river) and thus go to Sudheekshna Ashrama.

In Sarabhanga Ashrama, we find the murthi of Vishnu being called as Sarabhanga. Swami and his people sat down there and recited the slokas that address Rama meeting with Sarabhanga rishi and then the rishi (Sarabhanga) attaining mukti. When we see the slokas recited by Swami, we can see that Sri Sarabhanga Rishis attained mukti taking the divine form of Sriman Narayana. (As everyone is but Swami's amsa). So Rama left Sarabhanga Ashrama and came to Sudheekshnashrama. Sudheekshnashrama is located amidst great natural beauty and a very tranquil atmosphere. Sudheekshanar said Rama could stay there, but warned Rama that, that place is infested by the frequent visit from wild animals. Rama told him that he wanted to visit many rishis and stay with them. Sri Sudheekshna showed Rama the way to go to all the rishi's ashramas.

Next we go to Agashyashrama. It is located in 3 places - near the place Saathana in Madhya Pradesh and near Manmaad, Maharashtra and in Nasik Panchavati. He must have lived in 3 different places. He is worshiped as a Tamil rishi (Agastya). 'Tholkappiyam' has been written by Agasthyar's sishya in Tamil language. The path to go to Agasthyashrama is quite difficult. There is a shallow river infested with snakes, and one needs to get hold of tractor or
truck to go through this water and rugged terrain. (The villagers had made these arrangements for swami and his people, including building a new bridge for the tractors to go through). Agastya rishi lived in the Pothigai moutains. He was penancing in this place, when Rama visited he presented Rama with a bow. Saathna is an important place in Madhya Pradesh. From Saathna, we go to Saleha, and from there in 5km we go to Patna-Thamoli, from here no
buses go to Agasthya ashrama, but one can go in jeep or tractor, and in 5km of travelling, one sees a beautiful river, where it rains heavily pretty frequently, it can be traversed by walking.

After crossing the river, one has to climb a small hill and finally one can visit Sri Agasthyashrama. It is advised nobody stays here after 6 pm for fear of attack by wild animals and of small bugs harming around. Agasthyaashrama has vigrahas of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita and of sage Agasthya. Rama's vigraha here is carrying the bow presented to him by Agasthya, which cannot be
found anywhere else. Also this is the only place where he has tied all his hair up in a big gathering, also Rama is in the form of taking the arrow in order to shoot it through his bow. Sita is not standing near him. The bow is broken in half due to aging. Next is the Anjaneya's idol - which is Red hued. Sita is not nearby. Agashtya is in a praying yogic posture. Rama wanted to worship
Agasthya so much. Sudheekshna first told Rama to visit Agasthya's younger brother and then to go to Agasthya, which Rama did.

Agasthya is the rishi who made Vindhya (the mountain) to bow down to him and made Vindhya forever remain in that posture!

Sarabhanga Ashram:

https://plus.google.com/photos/10772...47730197066821

Virat Kund, Agastya Ashram (Satna):

http://haricharanam.blogspot.com/201...na-day-12.html

[Servant_Of_Datta]

Greetings,

How nice! I wish I knew enough Tamil to understand, but alas! I've been a devotee of Rama since my earliest childhood, all my family are. My grandmother even finished a 1001 rama Nama books and offered them to The Lord at Bhadrachalam at the time of my brother's Upanayana. I couldn't go as I had fallen off a tree and sprained my leg.. Still have not been able to go to Bhdrachalam..

Jaya guru Datta!