SWAYAMPRABHA
This place is quite close to Tirukurungudi or Mahendra Parvat from where Hanuman jumped to fly to Lanka. It is quite famous locally for the small temple for Hanuman. There is huge tank like enclosure in front of the temple at the beginning of which in open air is the image of Swayamprabha. The steps in the tank lead to a small cave like depression that has Rama’s footprints. This is supposed to have been the location of the Swayamprabha cave in the days of Ramayana.
When the monkeys lead by Angada & Hanuman reached the end of the Vindhyan ranges, they searched every nook and corner of every hill. They had been guided by Sugreeva - he told them possible locations where Sita maybe hidden , since he had roamed all these places while trying to escape Vali.
Despite their best efforts, the monkeys were completely dejected & tired from searching the forests and caves thoroughly and not finding Sita. As they sat tired and thirsty, they sighted a cave called Rukshabilam. They sighted birds with wet wings coming out of this cave, indicating that there was water inside. In the dark cave, they found an ascetic woman sitting, surrounded by trees of gold with fruits of jewels and precious stones. They waited for her to come out of her meditation. She soon sensed the presence of visitors and welcomed them. The monkeys asked her to clarify who she was and about the splendid cave,
The ascetic lady introduced herself as Swayamprabha. She told the monkeys that this cave belonged to the Chief architect of the Asuras, Maya, who was killed by Indra since he had secretly loved the apsara Hema. Their daughter Mandodari, was now the queen of Ravana. These riches were given to Hema by Brahma and Swayamprabha as Hema’s friend was guarding all of this. All the talk made the monkeys hungrier and thirstier. With great hospitality, Swayamprabha invited the tired monkeys to refresh themselves. Completely recharged with food, water and rest offered by Swayamprabha, the monkeys thanked her before they proceeded to continue their search for Sita.
This place is quite close to Tirukurungudi or Mahendra Parvat from where Hanuman jumped to fly to Lanka. It is quite famous locally for the small temple for Hanuman. There is huge tank like enclosure in front of the temple at the beginning of which in open air is the image of Swayamprabha. The steps in the tank lead to a small cave like depression that has Rama’s footprints. This is supposed to have been the location of the Swayamprabha cave in the days of Ramayana.To view photos of Swayamprabha in Rama Anu Yatra click on:
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