Sri Rama searching for Devi Sita in the Panchavati forest

Panchavati: Sri Rama searching for Devi Sita in the Panchavati forest:

(Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 57 to 64)

• Meditation: I meditate on Sri Rama searching for Devi Sita in the Panchavati forest, after she was abducted by Ravana.

• Sri Rama returning about slaying Mareecha (golden deer): Sri Rama faced many ill-omens from jackals, deers and birds while hurriedly returning to his hermitage after killing Mareecha (in the form of the golden deer). He became apprehensive that Devi Sita must have been harmed by the demons. In his return path he met Lakshmana and his apprehension became almost a certainty. He chastised Lakshmana for leaving Devi Sita unguarded. Returning to his hermitage he found it empty and searched in various places where Devi Sita used to visit. Not finding Devi Sita he plunged in grief. Sri Rama reprimanded Lakshmana for the dereliction of the duty of guarding Devi Sita even though Lakshmana tried to explain his situation.

• Sri Rama searching for Devi Sita in the Panchavati forest: Sri Rama lamented and moved about in the forest from tree to tree asking about Devi Sita. He also asked the animals (deers and elephants) about Devi Sita. He asked the Sun and the Air who are the witnesses of all deeds. He asked the river Godavari. Lakshmana tried to console him and give hope, but not finding Devi Sita, Sri Rama plunged in despair. Sri Rama searched the banks of river Godavari but could not find Devi Sita. He asked the forest animals. The animals rose to their feet and showed the southward direction and the sky. Getting the hint Sri Rama went in the southward direction.

Panchavati, Nashik, Maharashtra

- Sri Rama searching for Devi Sita (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 57 to 64)
- Trees of Panchavati
- Nashik Panchavati (Godavari) (Nashik district, Maharashtra)
- Parnashala (near Bhadrachalam) (Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana)

Bharatavarsha - The Land of Gods and Sages:

1. Stotras

2. Scriptures

3. Pilgrimages

4. Festivals

5. Saints - Ramakrishna - Vivekananda - Ramana

6. Sadhana

7. Sanskrit

8. Nature