Shringverpur or Shringaverapura

(A) Shringaverapura - Greatness (Page 1 - This Page)
(B) Shringaverapura - from Valmiki Ramayana (Page 2)
(C) Shringaverapura - Places to see (Page 3)

(A) Shringaverapura - Greatness:

• Meditation: I meditate on Shringaverpura where Sri Rama met Guha and camped on the bank of river Ganga for one night during his forest exile.

• Greatness of Shringverpur or Shringaverapura:

1. Sacred river Ganga flowing: The sacred river Ganga flows through Shringaverapura. The Valmiki Ramayana describes the glory and beauty of river Ganga when Sri Rama approaches Shringaverapura. The river was adorned with hermitages on its banks. The celestials like Devas, Gandharvas, Kinnaras, Apsaras constantly visit the banks of river Ganga. The river bank was also adorned with trees and lotus flowers. Cranes and swans made the place resonant with their sounds. The river water was spotlessly clear. Sri Rama was attracted by the beauty and auspiciousness of the place.

2. Sri Rama camping for one night: Sri Rama camped on the river bank under a beautiful Ingudi tree saying that he wanted to behold the auspicious river Ganga while he was staying there.
→ Sri Ram Sayan Ashram: The place where Sri Rama slept under the tree is known as Sri Ram Sayan Ashram. There is a temple of Sita-Rama-Lakshmana there and an old tree.

3. Guha serving Sri Rama: Guha, the king of Nishadas hearing about Sri Rama came there. Guha served Sri Rama for one night at Shringaverapura. Sri Rama did not accept hospitality at home since he was under the vow of asceticism during forest exile. On the request of Sri Rama, Guha arranged for the food for the horses. Sri Rama slept on the ground under an Ingudi tree on the bank of river Ganga. Guha guarded Sri Rama while he was asleep at night. In the morning, Guha arranged for a boat to cross the river. Guha was a true friend-devotee of Sri Rama. It did not matter to him whether Sri Rama was a crown-prince or a forest-wanderer. Guha said to Lakshmana that he wanted to acquire acclaim only through the grace of Sri Rama.

4. Sri Rama embracing vow of ascetic life: At Shringaverapura Sri Rama sent back Sumantra with his chariot to start his journey on foot. Then he made his hair matted with the latex of the banyan tree. Thus he embraced the vow of ascetic life in Shringaverapura. He removed his matted hairs only in Ayodhya during his coronation after fourteen years.

5. Kewat serving Sri Rama: Sri Rama crossed river Ganga at Shringaverapura on the boat arranged by Guha. Guha also arranged for the kewat or boatman. The kewat was also a devotee of Sri Rama. He knew the glory of the Lord and heard that the touch of his feet had revived Ahalya. So he worshipped the feet of Sri Rama and drank the charanamrita before crossing river Ganga. This love of the devotee and the Lord is a very touching incident.
→ Ram Chaura Ghat: The place from where Sri Rama crossed the river Ganga is known as Ram Chaura Ghat.

6. Devi Sita praying to river Ganga: While crossing river Ganga, Devi Sita prayed to river Ganga for protection so that they can safely return after forest exile. She vowed to worship her along with the gods dwelling on her banks.
→ Sita Kunda: This is the place where Devi Sita worshipped river Ganga.

7. Place of Shringi Rishi: Shringaverapura is the place of Shringi Rishi who performed the Putralamesthi yagna of king Dasharatha.
→ Shringi Rishi temple: There is a temple of Shringi Rishi which is one of the important places in Shringverpur. The temple has the images of Shringi Rishi, his wife Shanta Devi and Sitala Devi. Shanta Devi is believed to be the daughter of king Dasharatha.

(A) Shringaverapura - Greatness (Page 1 - This Page)
(B) Shringaverapura - from Valmiki Ramayana (Page 2)
(C) Shringaverapura - Places to see (Page 3)

Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

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3. Pilgrimages
4. Festivals
5. Saints: Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana
6. Sadhana
7. Sanskrit
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