Real Ramayana Places – Rama Vanvaas Sthalam (Part 1)

Shri Rama was accompanied by his wife Sita Devi, daughter of Maharaja Janaka of Janakapuri, Mithila, Nepal. This was the reason she was often called ‘Janaki’ or ‘Maithili’. He was also accompanied by his younger brother, Lakshmana who left behind all the luxuries of the kingdom for the respect and love towards his elder brother. They initiated their exile from Ayodhya situated on the southern banks of river Saryu where Shri Rama is worshipped as ‘Ramlala’, the reason being his childhood was spent over here. They first reached the Nishad Saamrajya on the banks of river Ganga (Maa Ganga), whose ruler was Nishadraj Guha. He was the childhood friend of Shri Rama during his Gurukul learning period at Mahrishi Vashisht’s Ashram. He ferried the three to the southern bank of Ganga, at Shri Rama’s request, in his boat.

On crossing the river Ganga, the three reached the Triveni Sangam at Prayag (present-day Prayagraj) where the three holy rivers Ganga, Yamuna and, Saraswati meets. Kumbh Mela is organised at this place after every 12 years. Bharadwaj Rishi met them at this place and advised them to go to Chitrakuta situated on the other side of the river Yamuna. They covered a distance of about 50kms on a raft and by walking to have a peaceful stay at Chitrakuta.