Imagine you are in ancient times, walking along with Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman as they wander through the forests of Chhattisgarh during their exile. You see the places where they faced challenges and triumphs, met friends and foes, and experienced love and devotion. You feel the magic and mystery of the land once part of Kaushal Raj, the kingdom of their forefathers.
Now, you don’t have to imagine anymore. You can actually live this adventure, thanks to the state government of Chhattisgarh. They have launched a project to promote tourism and culture by developing a circuit of nine destinations linked to the epic Ramayana. These destinations are not just historical and religious sites but also natural wonders that will take your breath away. Read on!
The Home of Ram’s Mother
The journey begins at Chandkhuri village, where Mata Kaushalya, Lord Ram’s mother, was born and raised. Here, you can visit the only temple in the world dedicated to her and pay your respects. The temple was renovated and inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel last year on Ram Navami, the birthday of Lord Ram.
The Trail of Ram’s Exile
From Chandkhuri, you can follow the trail of Lord Ram’s exile, which covers a distance of about 2,200 kilometres. Along the way, you can visit places where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman met sages and saints, encountered demons and deities, and performed rituals and prayers.
Some of the highlights of the trail are:
Sitamarhi-Harchoka: The place where Lord Ram, Sita and Lakshman entered Chhattisgarh and where Sita set up her kitchen.
Ramgarh: The place where Sita stayed in a cave with an amphitheatre and where Lord Ram killed the demon Marich.
Shivrinarayan: The place where Shabri, a devotee of Lord Ram, offered him sweet berries and where Lord Ram worshipped Lord Shiva.
Turturiya: The place where Valmiki, the author of Ramayana, had his ashram and where Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush.
Rajim: The place where the confluence of three rivers - Mahanadi, Sondur and
Sihawa: The place where the seven mountains that are said to be the abode of the Saptarishi or the seven sages are located and where Lord Ram met them.
Jagdalpur: The place where Lord Shiva and Parvati came to meet Lord Ram and Sita and where the majestic Chitrakoot waterfall is situated.
Ramaram: The place where Lord Ram taught the people to worship Mother Earth and where a temple dedicated to him is built.
Also read: Ayodhya Haat: A New Jewel In The Crown Of The Temple Town
Meet the Man Behind Chhattisgarh’s Ramayana Circuit
Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel is on a mission to turn Chhattisgarh into a religious tourism hotspot. He has unveiled several temples and statues of Lord Ram, who is not just a god but a beloved nephew (Bhanja) to the people of Chhattisgarh. He wants to share the state’s unique traditions and culture with the world.
The project was slowed down by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is expected to be finished by mid-2023. It will create jobs for the locals and draw tourists from all over India and beyond.
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