A photo journey of the place where Lord Rama spent a few days
The temple premises of Ramtek, Nagpur.
Ramtek is 60 km off Nagpur city. There is a temple of Lord Rama, his wife Sita and brother Lakshamana on a hill. Legend has it that the place gets its name because Lord Rama, during his vanvas (exile from Ayodhya), halted here.
It is a perfect place for picnic, outings and pilgrimage. The best season to visit this temple is monsoon for the clouds that inspired the biggest name in Sanskrit poetry Kalidasa to write his magnus opus - Meghadootam.
I started from Nagpur in a car. The journey was beautiful. The weather was pleasant. Below photos speak more than words.
A scenic road leading to Ramtek hills (in the backdrop). The green board giving directions.
A morning scene of quiet villages. A fresh shower has turned the ground green.
Ramtek temple as seen from the base.
Steps I climbed to reach the temple.
One can take steps to climb up or take vehicle. The hill isn't steep. Since it was a pleasant monsoon morning, I preferred taking steps.
Shops of prasad, pooja material, snacks, souvenirs and toys at the entrance of the temple.
The ancient temple was patronized by various dynasties that ruled the region.
Since the place is dedicated to Lord Rama, the legend says that the temple is 'guarded' by monkeys. Here a visitor being 'frisked' a 'soldier'; I'm sure he is in a search of eatables :)
The main temple of Shri. Ram. Photography was not allowed inside. There are idols of the deities; bells hung on roof and priests perform rituals.
View from the back of the temple. The original temple must be from time immemorial, however, this standing structure suggest that it was constructed some 300 to 400 years back.
The temple made in sandstone has beautiful carvings on the walls.
The columns and arches suggest Mughal influence on architecture; something which is common to a lot of temples made between AD 1500 and 1800.
Monsoons make Mother Earth more beautiful.
A view down from the temple. The greenery and cover of mist exhilarated my mood.
Peeping down the ramparts of the temple. A vast landmass on left and carved walls on the right!
Ramtek town as seen from the temple. Mist has enveloped the landscape.
At some corners, the hill has a sudden drop. The temple is well fortified with strong walls and iron gates and railings.
Hinduism is full of nonuniform beliefs. Possibly, this must be the 'paduka' the foot impression of the presiding deity.
Varaha statue in the premises of Ramtek temple.
This gigantic structure of varaha (Lord Vishnu in the form of a boar) is a protected site by Archeological Survey of India. This must be dating back to more than a 1000 years. Varaha worship was at its peak then. 'Varaha' from Bundelkhand region made under the patronage of the Chandela Kings are worth watching.
A new-age temple and an unoccupied temporary snack shop on the way.
These shapes are perhaps waiting for flower plants to be planted by the temple authorities.
A scenic view of Ramtek from the top. Small ponds and a cover of mist is visible.
A hillock and the village on the foothills.
A zoomed view of Ramtek village. Can you spot a white car in this photo?
Farms and orchards as visible from the top. The layer of mist was in the air.
A Jain temple and monastery at the foothill is another sight to see during Ramtek visit.
A flight of freedom!
The true travelers. Birds inspire the wanderlust in me.
This monument is dedicated to the greatest Sanskrit poet Kalidas. Kalidasa chose this place to write his masterpiece Meghdootam.
Monkeys are in abundance at Ramtek. A tiny-tot showing his acrobatics skills.
Kid is learning on his own as his mother seems unimpressed!
In mother's lap!
Lunch time!
"Mom, look at her. She has come to see me." :)
Sssshhh....some serious planning going on!
The Ramtek town and the sentry of the Ramtek Temple.
Close to Ramtek, there are a few more spots which complete a day's circuit; they are - Ramtek lake for boating, Khindsi lake some 3 km from Ramtek famous for water sports; and Jain temples. On way back, there is an ancient Buddhist site of Mansar where ASI carried out excavation. A museum of artifacts is open to visitors at Mansar. Dragon Palace, a new age Buddhist temple and an architecture marvel in Kamptee, is enroute.
Bharati Nadkarni is a Pune-based software professional and travel writer. She can be contacted on Facebook.
