Journeying through The Ramayana Day 20 @ Srirangam

SRIRANGAM

The first of the 108 Vaishnava Divya desam, Srirangam is considered the bhuloka Vaikuntam. For the Rama Anu Yatra, this was the culmination point. After all the trials and tribulations, and a grand Pattabhishekam. he looked at Vibheeshana with tearful eyes remembering all the help he had rendered in gaining Sita back. Rama then decided that he had to give Vibheeshana something that was very precious to Him. However, when Vibheeshana tearfully pleading with Rama to stay with Him forever at Ayodhya, Rama  reminded Vibheeshana of his duties as the King of Lanka. In order to remember him by, Rama gave the Ashtanga Vimanam and Lord Ranganatha - their temple & family deity, to Vibheeshana. What can be a more valuable gift?! Imagine giving away your chosen deity (Aradhya devata) whom your entire dynasty and family has been praying to over many generations. Rama then gave Vibheeshana instructions on all the utsavams to be conducted. So Vibheeshana flew with his gift towards Lanka. But due to some unforeseen events, he was forced to leave the Lord reclining here amidst the Cauvery river. Even today, Lord Ranganatha is one of the few deities who lies facing the south looking towards his devotee in Lanka. 

Though we were to have a huge procession and festival at Srirangam, celebrating the Lord's arrival atSrirangam as a culmination of the Ramayana, due to political issues, it waas cancelled. However, the sense o fulfillment and joy was no less. 

A NEW AWAKENING

        

The journey of following Rama’s footsteps across the length and breadth of the country took us through 10,000 +kms  of rail & road travel, giving us an opportunity to have a holy dip in 6 tanks, 14 rivers that are the back bone of our spiritual heritage, ending with the final ceremonious bath in the ocean – the point where the Bay of Bengal meets the Indian Ocean. 

It also gave us an opportunity to explore many towns and villages and receive the warmth and hospitality of simple folk who treated us with reverence and awe because we were following their Rama in his journey.  In the course of our travel we visited scores of pilgrimage centres and innumerable kshetras and temples big and small. 

The one message that came through loud and clear for me, through this yatra was the love that the Lord has for us, his children. – Why else would the Sarvaloka Maheshwaran want to walk barefoot and struggle through a human life just to show us the righteous way of life? Why would he make so much effort to show us his myriad divine qualities?

The physical journey ended many months ago but the spiritual journey in quest of Rama continues for me…..

To view photos of Srirangam in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraSrirangam#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 19 @ Tirupullani

TIRUPPULLANI

As we left Tirukurungudi that night, I left the beautiful Nambi with a very heart. Yet I had a feeling that this would not be the last of our relationship - I would come back to experience him again. As the bus moved at some speed heading towards Tirupullani, it occurred to me that the next location of Tirupullani was witness to one of the most significant turning points and events in the Ramayana. 

This was the place the Lord did Saranagathi to Samudrarajan in order to seek a means to cross the ocean. How far would he go to show his willingness to show himself as one of us to make us his own!! He lay here for 3 days on a bed of darbha grass.  A prince who had the whole earth - nay the whole universe at his behest, chose to come down to such a level! The intensity of the Lord's longing to seek his bhaktha moved me as I stood at the edge of the ocean facing an unending blue sea. What may Rama's and his monkeys been thinking as they stood on this side of the ocean with Sita at the other end? 

It is considered very auspicious to do Samudra snanam since all rivers merge into the oceans.  We had a quick dip as the saltiness of the water made it not so conducive to stay in. In as much as we had enjoyed the baths at various refreshing rivers, the collective waters, as the ocean had no such quality. But it was awe-inspiring alright!!

At the sea-shore itself  is a beautiful Anjaneya temple with a large covered courtyard. He is called  Sethu bandhana Aanjaneya . Many perform obsequies here for the departed souls.

The main temple in this divyadesam is the  Adi Jagannatha Perrumal with his consorts Bhoodevi and Sreedevi and the  Panchaloha utsava perumal is  known as Kalyana Jagannathar. This idol is in the standing posture. However, the Ramar sannadhi has Drabhasayanam perumal seen lying down on the darbha grass facing the sea with bow and arrow on his chest, with Lakshmana as Aadisesha and Brahma in a lotus. It is a huge temple with large precincts all around. Perumal in this position looks very forlorn and lost. One can just imagine the scene of Rama lying like this with the crores of monkeys, Lakshmana, Sugriva, Hanuman, Jambavan etc all sitting around him. There is also a small idol of Krishna known as Santhana Gopalan. It is believed that king Dasratha prayed here for progeny and worshipped Santhana Gopala.

There are separate  shrines for Mahalakshmi (Padmasani thayyar), Rama (Darbhasayana Perumal), Santhana Gopala and Aandal . 

Sethukkarai-  5 Kms from this temple is Sethu where it is believed that Rama and his army built the famous Sethu (bridge) to reach Lanka. Just a kilometer into the sea one can view this famous bridge but we could not do so. 

The town itself is very small and we soon left town towards Srirangam after a quick but fulfilling darshan.

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 18 @ Tirukurungudi

THIRUKURUNGUDI

Apart from its significance in the Ramayana as the Mahendra Parvatham from where Hanuman jumped towards Lanka, Tirukurungudi has many important events linked to it.  It is one of the most important of 108 Vaishnava Divyadesams. Based in Tirunelveli district, the Lord here is in 4 forms - Nindra (standing), Amarndha (sitting), Nadandha (walking) and Kidandha (lying) positions. There is also a temple atop the Mahendra Parvatam where the Lord is known as Malaimel Nambi.The main deity is of course the Nindra nambi also called as  Paripoorna nambi or Vaishnava nambi. Ramanujar is supposed to have made the Lord his sishya and given him upadesam here, which is why he is called by this name. This place is also famous for the fact that it is with the blessings of the Lord here, that Udaya Nangai gave birth to Nammazhwar.  Also Thirumangai azhwar attained moksham at this place. This is also the Vamana avatar sthalam and hence one can see the head of Mahabali at the feet of the Nindra Nambi idol.

All through the yatra, Varad  & I had been looking forward with great excitement to being able to get the darshan of the Lord here. It is after all where Varad's family comes from. We reached the town of Tirukurungudi at around 2 pm very tired of the long bus ride and quite hungry. Our bus drove straight to the bottom of the hill on top of which was Malaimel Nambi. We were told that considering the dense forests and wild animals, nobody was allowed to travel up the hill after 5 pm during the winter months and probably a little later during the summer months. We got down quickly, grabbed a few quick bites and began our trudge up the hill. Many of the yatrikas took the special jeep that ferried people up and down the hill. We chose to climb up since the pathway had huge boulders on which the jeeps moved and tossed its passengers around! Our long climb up was guided beautifully by the sound of the gurgling brook called Nambi Aar.  It was small but forceful. The trees, small wooden bridges, birds twittering away made the walk less tiring than it would have been as the thought that the climb was a good 5 km long kept pushing into my thoughts.

As I climbed up the hill, I pondered on the fact that this was the haloed Mahendra Parvath. It is from this point on the hill that Hanuman stood, grew gigantic in size, and jumped up into the sky to fly and reach the other side of the ocean at Lanka. I imagined Hanuman on the top of the hill waiting for me to come up and visit the Lord! 

We reached the top of the hill tired slightly, but exhilarated. The temple steps invited us and we suddenly found that the steps broke off halfway up, on the side, to lead to the banks of the Nambi Aar.  I had a quick dip in the cold gushing waters of the shallow but wonderfully refreshing waters of Nambi Aar. Feeling greatly elevated by the waters of the brook, I rushed up to the temple as we found we had barely about an hour before the temple closed for the day. The temple atop the hill is quite small really and  Malaimel Nambi himself is not that very big. The sanctum is lit only by the natural light of an oil lamp and hence the form of the Lord is not very clear. But it moved me to think that the Lord here waited in isolation for his devotees to come up and seek  his darshan and blessings. If not for the care of the archaka, who came up to tend to him, who would look after him in this thick jungle? With a quick darshan done, we were asked to hurry back to the foot of the hills  as it was beginning to get dark and the way was infested with wild animals and was not safe for lone trekkers. Varad & I rushed down hill along with others. The beauty of the evening sky and the jungle sights and sounds overtook my good sense and I lagged behind and soon lost contact with my group. I found suddenly,  that I was all alone in a quickly darkening sky with very little light left. Luckily I had the torch with me and I quickened my pace.  A young man joined me from behind as a godsend, and refused to go ahead leaving me alone. He walked with me till  we reached my bus and then joined his group. His presence gave me a strange sense of strength and peace - quite possible it was my nambi himself who sent him. Who knows the way of God?

Reaching the foothills, we rushed into the bus to the lower temple of Tirukurungudi. As I entered the temple, I imagined my father-in-law roaming these streets as a young lad. The temple gopuram stood tall and brought in a strange sense of nostalgia over me as if I belonged here and had been here before. I entered the temple to find most of the yatrikas there already. I moved ahead to seek the darshan of Nindra nambi - As I stood in front of him, I was just blown away by his beauty!!! The green form, red lips with a light smile, dark coral eyes with kohl in them, the pink lotus hands seeking me to come closer and seek his blessings and then his beautiful feet! Oh what bliss, what beauty!! I could stand there all day and not have experienced this beauty enough! I thought of Nambaduvan who couldn't keep away from him even if his life was threatened! Such beauty could only bring madness in any bhaktha's mind! The perumals in other 4 sannidhis also were equally beautiful! But I kept coming back to the Nindra Nambi whom I fell in love with at first sight! Wish I could have stayed back with him!

Reluctantly, we moved on after a short upanyasam on the mahatyam of this holy town and its significance in the Ramayana. 

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 17 @ Swayamprabha

SWAYAMPRABHA

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:

 https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraSwayamprabha#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 17 @ Lakshmana Teertha (Irruppu Falls)

LAKSHMANA TEERTHA

On the way to Lanka, while Rama was moving with his monkey friend King Sugriva and his army of 52 crore monkeys, he gave very clear instructions to them. They were not to enter any habitation. There was 2 strategic reasons for this - Firstly, for fear of their causing a scare and creating problems for the people living there. Imagine 52 crore monkeys descending on any habitation! It would create havoc! Secondly, it was also possible that if the monkeys ate or drank from strangers they could be poisoned by the enemy. Having travelled a long distance at top speed, the monkeys were tired and thirsty. At Rama’s behest, Lakshmana hit an arrow into the earth to create the Lakshmana Teertha or Irruppu Falls as it is commonly known now.

This falls is in the middle of the Nagarhole forest area is right in the middle of the Rajiv Gandhi national forest reserve area in Kodagu district. This is quite close to Hasan and is on the Mysore Bangalore highway. The place is one of scenic beautyand lush greenery with nature's bounty at its best. To reach the falls we walked a long trek along a narrow jungle track while the small Lakshmana Teertha flowed gurgling on the side. At some point before the falls, we stopped to bathe in the cool refreshing waters. I could just imagine how these waters would have recharged the tired zealous monkeys who were eager to fight on Rama's behalf.

Swami Velukkudi Krishnan gave a short but scintillating upanyasam and we also recited the relevant chapters from the Valmiki Ramayanam

To view photos of Lakshmana Teertha in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraLakshmanaTeertha#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 16 & 17 @ Kishkinda (Hampi)

Kishkinda, the modern day Hampi, was the point where Rama broke ranks to show his magnanimity, stature and statesmanship in making friends with the monkey king Sugriva.  The action in the Ramayana that happened at Kishkinda increased manifold to a grand finish at Ayodhya. Our visit to all the important places in Kishkinda were done partly on the evening of our arrival and partly the next day

Bath at Tungabhadra: Hampi is close to the small town of Hospet which is situated on the banks of Tungabhadra- one of the mighty rivers of the South. We reached Hospet late night adn hence the first thing we did the next morning was to go for a bath in the Tungabhadra. However, at the time we went the river was in full flow and fast moving. The whole surroundings were green and lush with life. We were warned to bathe in groups only at the designated ghats. As we stepped into the cold waters, the power of the river was overwhelming. It was clear to me that nature was indeed all powerful.The waters swirled wildly around our bodies as we held on to each other to stay steady in neck deep waters! This power and energy was not felt even in the Ganges. It was an exhilirating experience. 

Anjanadri This is the mountain on the banks of the Tungabhadra, on which Hanuman was born. The mountain like most others here is sheer rock with some 1500 steps cut into the rock face that lead upto a small temple. Considering the age of most of the yatrikas, we couldn’t go up the hill. But even from the ground below the view was tremendous.

Chintamani  This is the name of one of the tall stone hills, on which Vali and Sugriva fought their battle and where Vali was killed by Rama’s arrow shot from the Rishyamukha mountain across the river.  We reached this hill in the early evening after sunset. In the dark night of the hills, we passed a small village or settlement to climb up this hill which is just sheer stone. At the top, one saw a mark that was made by Rama’s arrow and also marks of Vali’s fall and blood. The locals say that there also used to be 7 Sal trees here that Rama hit with a single arrow. It was amazing to think of the epic battle that was fought here to forge the friendship between Rama and the monkey king. It was also here that Rama adviced Vali on dharma. 

Matanga muni – Sabari ashram  Sabari was a sishya of Sage Matanga, who knew through his yogic powers that Rama would pass through here  and it would be necessary for someone from his ashram to be there to offer hospitality. Hence he asked his sishya Sabari, a very learned woman with great penance, to stay back and welcome the princes on his behalf. Sabari is said to have waited many years clearing the path to her ashram every single day and setting up a meal of the choicest berries every day, in the hope that Rama would come that day. When the princes finally arrived, Sabari, in her devotion to her Guru, did his bidding - she offered the princes a meal of berries carefully chosen by her and some much needed rest. After serving them, at Rama's command and by the grace of her Guru she left for the highest heavens. 

We visited this  ashram late night. Nevertheless, the visit itself was elevating - to think that such a great devotee waited at this place for years for her Lord with love and devotion. The ashram is not currently inhabited by anyone in particular though some people do come regularly to offer prayers here. It’s on the same side as the Chintamani mountain and is really just a cave, that has a narrow entrance. This leads further on to a small clearing where there is a sacrificial altar and Rama’s feet etched on the floor. The cave itself is supposed to be very dark and about 3 kms long. Most people don’t venture beyond the entrance of the cave.

Rishyamukha mountain

This is the mountain on which Sugriva hid from his brother Vali, along with his ministers. Its the mountain where he met Rama and Lakshmana first with the help of Hanuman. We saw this hill from the other bank of Tungabhadra.

Sugreeva gufa

This cave is where Sugriva lived for many years on the Rishyamukha mountain.It was the only safe haven he had from Vali. His abode is a long walk on various natural stone structures and is quite strenuous. However, when we reach the cave, we find that there is a beautiful Ranganatha swamy figure etched on the entrance rock of the cave. Inside are feet marks of Rama, the idols of Rama Lakshmana & Sita; strangely  Sita stands between the two brothers rather than on the side as always.

KondaraRama  temple

This is one of the ancient temples in the region which have a beautiful images of Rama Sita and Lakshmana. and a very sweet image of Hanuman standing outside.

Chakra Teertham

This is a very peculiar phenomenon in the waters of the Tungabhadra that happens only when it is overflowing and full. As the river swells and moves around, it makes a circumambulation, goes around and comes back on itself. If seen from an aerial view, it looks like the Lord’s Sudarshana Chakram. Nobody knows why this happens that too only when the water crosses the danger mark. It’s quite a sight!! We were lucky to witness this phenomenon.

Yoga Narsimha temple

There are many ancient temples with beautiful architecture and sculptures. Of these the Yoga Narasimha temple is painfully beautiful. The Lord in a sitting position, is about 50 feet tall. But with all the plundering that was done by the Mohameddan rulers, the idol itself has been badly mutilated. The Lord also is completely exposed to the elements with no roof or walls to house this idol.

Vittala temple

This temple is one of the most magnificent and probably the most ravaged too. Even the idol of the deity is missing. The locals say that it was taken away to Pandharpur to save it from the looters. The temple has a long row of pillars that lead up to it. This was supposed to have been a market place in those days where gold, precious stone etc were sold. 

Malyavantha Ranganatha Rama temple

This is again a very ancient temple atop a small hill that requires  a steep climb from its base. It has Ranganatha swamy as its main deity. There is also a beautiful large heavily decorated architectural marvel - an old mandapam which could probably take about 800 people quite comfortably apart from having a huge stage. The temple gopuram itself strangely comes through a rock!

To view photos of Kishkinda (Hampi) in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraKishkindaHampi#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 15 travelling to Hospet

ON THE WAY TO HOSPET NEAR HAMPI

Leaving Igatpuri, we began the last leg of our journey towards southern India. The first stop was to be Kishkinda - today known as Hampi. The long journey was broken for a much needed early morning break at a small town of Hemke Hubli in Dharwar district, on the banks of Mallaprabha  river. 

The buses stopped at the road and we walked with a change of clothes for about 2 kms along a small village mud track that wound through green foliage all around and wet fields. The track we found led us to a beautiful small Narasimha temple maintained by Madhavas,  on the banks of the river Mallaprabha.  A small temple with huge courtyard - that was the first impression. It is beautifully maintained and absolutely clean. The large courtyard with shady trees that made the place a haven for us wearied travelers. The temple though small had an idol that was very appealing and beautiful.

There were many rest room around the courtyard that made it easy for us to change. The river itself was slow moving and had lot of grass growing in it. A quick refreshing bath and we were ready to begin our prayers at the temple. Thats when I noticed an elderly local wiping each stone of the huge courtyard with a wet cloth, one at a time. The hurried tired city bred creatures that we all were, the temple was just a stop over for us. But for him, it was his life's penance and shraddha - he was aghast to find many of my co-yatrikas walking across the haloed courtyard with footwear on. His pleas and ours fell on deaf ears! To my utter amazement he gave a loud cry pleading in Kannada with all to not wear footwear and did shashtanga namskaram - he fell flat on the floor and refused to get upbefore all footwear was off the courtyard. His devotion and anger that stemmed from it, moved me and yet made me feel ashamed at what our 'civilised' urban socialising  had done to all of us. How had we managed to make a routine of an act that was in essence one that should have purified our thoughts and heart. How cut off we had all become from everything that did not require us to move from our comfort zone! Anyhow, after making due apologies to the holy man, we went to the temple for darshan.

The image of the Lord was small and yet beautiful. Lakshmi Narasimhar in all his splendour and beauty sat there to bless our day as we moved towards Hampi after a simple breakfast.  

   

To view photos of  Hemke Hubli in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraHemkeHubli#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 14 - On the way to Igatpuri

IGATPURI – SARVA TIRTH - JATAYU MOKSHA STHAL

Igatpuri in Daudhra village, Maharashtra, is about 45 kms from Nashik on the Mumbai-Nashik highway. It is a place of great significance to the Ramayana.  It was amazing to think that we would be soon praying at one of the first locations where Rama actually showed himself as Paramatama. 

The buses could go only so far and hence we got down and walked through the lush green meadows and woods. As we approached the location, the utter peace and quiet of the place stole into our hearts and I could just imagine what it must have been like in the times when Jatayu actually breathed his last in the lap of Rama. The pain and suffering of Rama as he saw Jatayu breathe his last was palpable in the air. 

Though there are many tourist locations of scenic beauty here, Sarva tirth is the most important. It is the place where Rama got information on Ravana’s abduction of Sita from Jatayu and finally did last rites for this great bird, as he would have done for his father, giving him moksham. It is said that he hit the arrow into the ground for water and the kund here is therefore called  Sarva tirtha kund. Many people come here and do last rites for their loved ones.

There is a beautiful temple with Rama & Lakshman & Sita and of course for Jatayu, just in front of the kund. It is a place of great peace and quiet.  We sat under the shade of a large tree, listening to Valmiki describing Jatayu Moksham and Rama's agony. As I sat, i found tiny round smooth pebbles under my feet. As I look at them, it seemed as if Rama's tears had solidified to form the earth here with the pebbles.

We left Igatpuri, Sarva Tirth with a heart that strained to leave Rama and Jatayu behind.

To view photos of Igatpuri in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraIgatpuri#

Journeying through The Ramayana Day 13 & 14 @ Nashik

NASHIK

Nashik is one of the larger cities in Maharashatra which is the point of crucial action in the Ramayana. The turning point in Ramayana created by the abduction of Sita happened at Panchavati which is today in Nashik. It has a lot of important locales therefore, which have great significance for the Ramayana.

 

Godavari Bath at Ram ghat                                                                                      

The Godavari, as we saw, begins underground at Chitrakoot and flows for a long distance before coming out in the Dandakaranya forest nearby. The exact point, being deep in the jungle is not very accessible. We however see it flowing through the city of Nashik. 


At Nashik, the Ram Ghat is one of the major ghats on the Godavari, for bathing at Nashik.. Locals say that this is the place where Rama used to do tarpanam every amavasya.


Panchavati

It is said in the Ramayana that this place was so bountifully provided by nature that both Rama and Sita were enchanted by it and asked to live there as per Sage Agastya's instructions. Hence, Lakshmana built the parnashalai or living quarters for the divine couple. This is the place where there are 5 banyan trees even today, in the middle of which Lakshmana the quarters was built. We visited this place early morning. The morning fog and the sun beams trying desperately to cleave through it, made for some beautiful scenes. 

This is also the place from where Ravana abducted Sita to Lanka in his chariot. The current day Panchavati has a beautiful small hut with frescoes and idols depicting the entire scene of the abduction. The 5 trees are also numbered and marked.

Sita Gufa.  

While living at Panchavati, Rama single handedly fought and killed 11000 asuras including Khar & Dhushana who came to avenge the insult to their sister Shoorpanakha. Since it would be too much for Sita, He asked Lakshamana to take Sita to a nearby cave and keep her there safely. Acharyas mention that it is because the Devi was not there by Rama's side, that He gave the capital punishment to the Asuras. If she had been there, then he would have forgiven them.

This cave is almost opposite to the Panchavati hermitage. It is a small cave with idol of Rama, Lakshmana & Sita. It also has  a shivaling.

Kale Ram mandir  

This is one of the most prominent temples in the city, though it has no direct bearing on the Ramayana. It is a beautiful temple made of black stone in Hoysala style. The Lord along with Sita and Lakshmana, is swayambhu,  made of black stone and of amazing beauty. The hanuman in front of the Lord’s sannidhi is really stunningly beautiful with a studded stone kireetam. His face is the very epitome of devotion and love and service.

Gore Ram mandir

This famous temple is just next to the Kale Ram mandir. The Lord here is as white as the Kale Ram Lord is black. It is a smaller temple with beautiful small white marble idols of Rama Lakshmana & Sita. There is a also a hanuman sannidhi.

Tapovanam  

Though there is no forest here right now and urban development is seen everywhere, the locals say that this is where Agastya Ashram was. However, this place is important in the Ramayana as this is where Lakshmana cut off Shoorpanaka’s nose and ears. There is a small temple for Lakshmana and idols depicting this important event in the Ramayana. A small  Hanuman also adds to the aura of the place. It’s a very scenic place on the banks of the sangam of rivers Godavari & Kapila. Despite all round development, there are many modern ashrams here, even now. The government has allotted close to 200 acres here to be used by sadhus during the Kumbh Mela held every 12 yrs at Nashik.

Just outside the Tapovanam is a small rivulet Kapila joining the Godavari,  running in front. On the banks of this, is a large open rocky place which is a beautiful location to perch on and take in the scenic beauty of the place. This is a place which is at its most beautiful at sunrise, with the mist and gentle opening rays of the sun. Along the edge of the river, are small idols showing Rama and Sita and that of Lakshmana chopping off Shoorpanakha’s nose and ears.

The morning mist covered everything. As we peered to look around, we saw a set of 3 dark figures atop a hill. As the sun drove the mist away, the beauty of this sight emerged. What we saw was a stunning sight - Exactly on the opposite bank of the Kapila on a small hilltop are 3 really large metal idols of Rama, Sita and Lakshmana in motion. There is a raw power in the figures of Rama and Lakshmana that makes you feel like they are just going to take out their arrow and shoot. Sita seems demure yet firm in resolve. It’s a moment that all of us would wish would stand still in time. 

Lamba Hanuman  

This is a 5100 years old temple which is a must see for most tourists. The deity is swayambhu and is gigantic. He measures about 7 ft in girth, and is 15 ft tall. Just seeing him is awe-inspiring. The temple also has a Ram Sita Lakshman mandir just opposite it in the same large hall.

To view photos of Nashik in Rama Anu Yatra click on:

https://picasaweb.google.com/devikavarad/RamaAnuYatraNashik#