Rama Bhakti:

Stotras of Sri Rama: (Stotras)

• Slokas:

• Lokabhi Ramam Ranarangadhiram
- लोकाभिरामं रणरङ्गधीरं राजीवनेत्रं रघुवंशनाथम्
• Mata Ramo Matpita Ramachandrah
- माता रामो मत्पिता रामचन्द्रः
• Rama Avatara (Srimad Bhagavatam - Skanda 1 - 3)
- राम अवतार
• Rama Rama Rameti
- राम राम रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे
• Ramo Rajamani Sada Vijayate
- रामो राजमणिः सदा विजयते

• Stotras:

• Nama Ramayanam
- नामरामायणम् - शुद्धब्रह्मपरात्पर राम् कालात्मकपरमेश्वर राम्

• Nama Japa & Others:

• Sri Ram Jaya Ram Japa
- श्री राम जय राम जय जय राम
• Jaya Sri Ram Japa
- जय श्री राम


Stotras of Devi Sita:

• Stotras:

• Janaki Stutih
- श्रीजानकीस्तुतिः - जानकि त्वां नमस्यामि सर्वपापप्रणाशिनीम्



Qualities of Sri Rama: (Qualities)

1. Virtuous: गुणवान् (Gunavan): Who is Virtuous
2. Valorous: वीर्यवान् (Viryavan): Who is Valorous
3. Knower of Dharma: धर्मज्ञ (Dharmagya): Who is the knower of Dharma
4. Doer of Good Deeds: कृतज्ञ (Krtagya): Who is the doer of Good Deeds (according to Dharma)
5. Truthful: सत्यवाक्य (Satyavakya): Who is the speaker of Truth
6. Firm in Vows: दृढव्रत (Dridhavrata): Who is firm in his Vows
7. Endowed with Character: चारित्रेण युक्त (Catritrena Yukta): Who by Character is united (with Dharma)
8. Disposed towards Welfare of all: सर्वभूतेषु हितः (Sarvabhuteshu Hitah): Who is disposed towards the Welfare of all beings
9. Learned: विद्वान् (Vidvan): Who is Learned
10. Capable of upholding Dharma: समर्थ (Samartha): Who is Capable (in upholding Dharma)
11. Graceful: प्रियदर्शन (Priyadarshana): Who has a Graceful and Pleasant appearance
12. Self-Composed: आत्मवान् (Aatmavan): Who is Self-Composed
13. Free of Anger: जितक्रोध (Jitakrodha): Who has conquered Anger
14. Effulgent: द्युतिमान् (Dyutiman): Who is Effulgent (filled with the Effulgence of Aatman)
15. Free of Envy: अनसूयक (Anasuyaka): Who is not Envious
16. Whom even Devas Fear: बिभ्यति देवाः (Bibhyati Devah): Whom even the Devas Fear

(Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 1)



Incarnation of Sri Rama: (Incarnation) (Lineage) (Deeds)

1. Purpose of Incarnation: (Incarnation)

• Atrocities of Ravana: The Devas complain to the creator Brahma (during the yagna of Dasharatha) about the atrocities of rakshasa Ravana. After getting boon from Brahma, Ravana started tormenting the Devas (who manages cosmic activities), Rishis, Yakshas, Gandharvas, Asuras and Brahmanas. There is great fear in the three Lokas (Worlds) due to the wicked activities of Ravana.

• Yagna of king Dasharatha: King Dasharatha brings sage Rishyashringa to Ayodhya to perform the Vedic ritual of getting a progeny. Dasharatha performs the Ashwamedha yagna before the Putrakameshti yagna (under the guidance of sage Vasistha and sage Rishyashringa). Then he starts the Putrakameshti yagna presided by sage Rishyashringa. Devas assemble in the firmament to receive their share of the yagna along with other celestial beings. They complain to creator Brahma about the atrocities of Ravana and prays to him to eliminate Ravana. Brahma thinks for sometime and gets the way to eliminate Ravana. While asking for boon, Ravana sought invincibility from Devas, Gandharvas, Yakshas and others. But underestimating human beings out of disrespect, he left them out. Hence Ravana needs to be eliminated by human being only. Then Lord Vishnu arrives there. Celestials eulogize Lord Vishnu (keeping Brahma in the helm) and prays to him to incarnate in the world and eliminate Ravana.

• Sri Rama incarnating: Lord Visnu becomes pleased and bestows fearlessness to the celestials. He said that he will eliminate Ravana along with all his relations and ministers. Then he will stay in the world and rule for eleven thousand years. Lord Vishnu then decides that he will have king Dasharatha as his father during his incarnation. Yagna Purusha emerges during the Putrakameshti yagna with a golden vessel with divine dessert. King Dasharatha divides the divine dessert among his four queens. Sri Rama incarnates as the son of Kaushalya on the Chaitra Shukla Navami.

• Purpose of Sri Rama's brothers: The brothers of Sri Rama were all parts of Lord Vishnu. Hence their purpose is the same as that of Sri Rama. When the devas were praying to Lord Vishnu to incarnate as the son of king Dasharatha, they told him to transform his Aatman fourfold (which were the four brothers - Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, Shatrughna). When Kaushalya gave birth to Sri Rama, Sri Rama was described as Vishnor-Ardha-Mahabhaga. When Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, Bharata was described as Vishnos-ca-Chaturbhaga. When Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Shatrughna, they were described as Vishnor-Ardha-Samanvita. Thus all the brothers were part of Lord Vishnu.

• Purpose of the Vanaras: Lord Brahma asks the Devas to procreate vanaras from their parts to help Lord Rama during his incarnation.
- Jambavanta was previously created by Lord Brahma
- Indra procreates Vali.
- Tapana (Surya) procreates Sugreeva.
- Brihaspati procreates Tara.
- Kubera procreates Gandhamadana.
- Vishvakarma procreates Nala.
- Pavaka (Agni) procreates Neela.
- Ashvins procreates Mainda-Dvivida.
- Varuna procreates Sushena.
- Parjanya procreates Sharabha.
- Maruta procreates Hanuman.

(Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 11 to 18)


2. Lineage of Sri Rama: (Lineage)

• Lineage of Sri Rama (Surya Vamsha)
• Lineage of king Janaka (Surya Vamsha)

(Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 70 & 71)

3. Deeds of Sri Rama: (Deeds)

• Deeds of Sri Rama

(Valmiki Ramayana)



Scriptures of Sri Rama: (Scriptures)

• Valmiki Ramayana (Sanskrit): Sanskrit Ramayana by sage Valmiki
• Ananda Ramayana (Sanskrit): Sanskrit Ramayana by sage Valmiki
• Adbhuta Ramayana (Sanskrit): Sanskrit Ramayana by sage Valmiki
• Adhyatma Ramayana (Sanskrit): From Brahmanda Purana
• Kamba Ramayana (Tamil): 12th century Tamil Ramayana by Kamban
• Ranganatha Ramayana (Telegu): 14th century Telegu Ramayana by Gona Budda Reddy a.k.a Ranganatha
• Krittivas Ramayana (Bengali): 15th century Bengali Ramayana by Krittivas Ojha
• Molla Ramayana (Telegu): 15th-16th century Telegu Ramayana by Atukuri Molla
• Ramcharitmanas (Avadhi): 16th century Awadhi Ramayana by Goswami Tulsidas
• Attiyatuma Ramayana (Malayalam): 16th century Malayalam Ramayana by Ezuttaccan
• Torave Ramayana (Kannada): 17th century Kannada Ramayana by Narahari
• Ramayana - Uttara Khanda (Sanskrit): Sanskrit text and attributed to sage Valmiki



Devotees of Sri Rama: (Devotees)

1. Vanara devotees of Sri Rama:

• Hanuman: Served Sri Rama by bringing him to Sugreeva at Rishyamukha Parvata, searching for Devi Sita and bringing her news to Sri Rama by crossing the ocean to Lanka, serving as an envoy of Sri Rama at Lanka and creating terror among the demons by setting Lanka on fire, carrying Sri Rama on his shoulders during the march to Lanka, slaying the key generals Jambumali, Dhumraksha, Akampana, Devantaka, Trishira and Nikumbha in the battle, bringing the mountain of herbs twice from the Himalayas, first when Indrajit discharged the Brahmastra and second when Ravana injured Lakshmana, giving the news of Sri Rama's return to Guha and Bharata and bringing sacred waters of rivers during the coronation of Sri Rama.

• Sugreeva: Served Sri Rama by sending the vanaras to search for Devi Sita in different directions, ordering the vanaras to march towards Lanka as per the instructions of Sri Rama, guarding the rear side of the army at Lanka and slaying the key generals Praghasa, Kumbha, Virupaksha and Mahodara in the battle.

• Vinata: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army searching for Devi Sita in the eastern direction

• Angada: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army searching for Devi Sita in the southern direction, carrying Lakshmana on his shoulders during the march to Lanka, guarding the center of the army (along with Nila) at Lanka, serving as an envoy of Sri Rama when the army reached Lanka and slaying the key generals Vajradamstra, Narantaka, Kampana, Prajangha and Mahaparshva in the battle.

• Sushena: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army searching for Devi Sita in the western direction, guarding the middle part of the vanara army (along with Jambavan and Vegadarshi) while marching towards the ocean, guarding the belly position of the army (along with Jambavan and Vegadarshi) at Lanka, slaying general Vidyunmali at Lanka and bringing waters from the eastern sea during the coronation of Sri Rama

• Shatabali: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army searching for Devi Sita in the northern direction

• Jambavan: Served Sri Rama by awakening Hanuman and motivating him to cross the ocean (during the search in the southern direction), guarding the middle part of the vanara army (along with Sushena and Vegadarshi) while marching towards the ocean, guarding the belly position of the army (along with Sushena and Vegadarshi) at Lanka, telling Hanuman to bring Sanjeevani herb from Himalayas when Indrajit felled the entire vanara army including Sri Rama and Lakshmana with Brahmastra, and bringing sacred waters of rivers during the coronation of Sri Rama

• Nila: Served Sri Rama by exploring the ways for the vanara army to march towards the ocean, guarding the center of the army (along with Angada) at Lanka, and slaying the key generals Nikumbha, Prahasta and Mahodara in the battle.

• Gaja: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army in the front (along with Gavaya and Gajaksha) while marching towards the ocean.

• Gavaya: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army in the front (along with Gaja and Gajaksha) while marching towards the ocean and bringing waters from the western sea during the coronation of Sri Rama.

• Gajaksha: Served Sri Rama by leading the vanara army in the front (along with Gaja and Gavaya) while marching towards the ocean.

• Rishabha: Served Sri Rama by guarding the right side of the vanara army while marching towards the ocean, guarding the right side of the army at Lanka, slaying general Mahaparshva in the battle, and bringing sacred waters of rivers and southern sea during the coronation of Sri Rama.

• Gandhamadana: Served Sri Rama by guarding the left side of the vanara army while marching towards the ocean and guarding the left side of the army at Lanka.

• Vegadarshi: Served Sri Rama by guarding the middle part of the vanara army (along with Jambavan and Sushena) while marching towards the ocean, guarding the belly position of the army (along with Jambavan and Sushena) at Lanka, and bringing sacred waters of rivers during the coronation of Sri Rama.

• Nala: Served Sri Rama by playing the key architect role in building the bridge to Lanka, slaying general Pratapana in the battle, and bringing waters from the northern sea during the coronation of Sri Rama.

• Mainda: Served Sri Rama by slaying generals Vajramushti and Yupaksha in the battle.

• Dwivida: Served Sri Rama by slaying generals Ashaniprabha and Shonitaksha in the battle.

• Sampati: Served Sri Rama by slaying general Prajangha in the battle.


2. Sages associated with Sri Rama:

• Sage Vasishtha: Kula-guru of Sri Rama. Performed the Ashwamedha Yagna of king Dasharatha before the Putrakameshti Yagna. (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 13)

• Sage Rishyashringa: Performed the Putrakameshti Yagna of king Dasharatha. (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 15)

• Sage Vibhandaka: Father of sage Rishyashringa. (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 9)

• Sage Vishwamitra: Took Sri Rama and Lakshmana during their boyhood to protect his yagna at Siddhashrama. During their long journey together, sage Vishwamitra familiarized Sri Rama with many tales related to Bharatavarsha. During this journey sage Vishwamitra told Sri Rama to slay demoness Tataka and redeem Devi Ahalya. The sage also gave divine weapons to Sri Rama. The journey finally ended with the marriage of Sri Rama with Devi Sita. (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 22 to 50)

• Sage Gautama & Devi Ahalya: Sri Rama visited the erstwhile hermitage of sage Gautama and Devi Ahalya at the outskirts of Mithila. (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 49)

• Sage Bharadwaja: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja at Prayaga at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna. (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 54 to 55)

• Sage Valmiki: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Valmiki at Chitrakoota. (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 56)
- Composed the Valmiki Ramayana giving the detailed account of the life of Sri Rama.
- Got the darshan of Sri Rama in the Thoyadri Kshetram (Thiruneermalai Divya Desam).

• Sage Atri & Devi Anusuya: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Atri and Devi Anusuya at Chitrakoota. (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 116)

• Sage Sharabhanga: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Sharabhanga inside the Dandakaranya forest. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 5)

• Sage Suteekshna: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Suteekshna inside the Dandakaranya forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 7 to 8)
- Sri Rama revisited the hermitage of sage Suteekshna inside the Dandakaranya forest after 10 years. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 11)

• Sage Agastya's brother: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of the brother of sage Agastya near the Panchavati forest. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 11)

• Sage Agastya: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Agastya near the Panchavati forest. Sage Agastya gave divine weapons to Sri Rama. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 12 to 13)

• Sage Matanga & Shabari: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Matanga and Shabari near the Pampa Sarovar. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 74)

• Swayamprabha: A lady ascetic whom the vanaras (led by Angada) met in the Riksha cavity while searching for Devi Sita. Swayamprabha extended her hospitality to the vanaras and through her ascetic power, transported the vanaras to the southern shore near mount Prasavana (Vindhya mountain range) (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 50 to 52)


3. Kings associated with Sri Rama:

• King Dasharatha: Father of Sri Rama.

• King Janaka: Foster-father of Devi Sita and father of Urmila (wife of Lakshmana).

• King Kushadhvaja: Brother of king Janaka and father of Mandavi and Shrutakirti (wives of Bharata and Shatrughna).

• Guha: King of the Nishadas. Served Sri Rama by extending his hospitality to Sri Rama at Shringaverapura during his forest exile.

• King Ravana: King Ravana was actually a Dwarapala (gatekeeper) of Vaikuntha who was cursed by the Kumaras to be born on earth (and later get redeemed by an incarnation of Lord Vishnu).

• King Vibhisana: Served Sri Rama by sending spies to Lanka during the battle with Ravana and telling about the secret of Indrajit's worshipping at Nikumbhila sanctuary, thus leading to the slaying of Indrajit by Lakshmana.


4. Other devotees of Sri Rama:

• Sabari: Served Sri Rama by extending her hospitality to Sri Rama at Matanga Ashrama near Pampa Sarovar. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 74)

• Jatayu: Served Sri Rama by fighting with Ravana and giving up his life when Devi Sita was being abducted by him. Sri Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu. (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 67 to 68)
- Pilgrimages (Thirupullam Bhutangudi Divya Desam) (Thiruputkuzhi Divya Desam)

• Sampati: Brother of Jatayu. Served Sri Rama by giving information about Devi Sita (staying at Lanka) to the vanaras. (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 56 to 63)


5. Saint devotees of Sri Rama:



• Ramananda (14th - 15th Century CE): Spread Rama Bhakti.
• Tulsidas (1496 - 1622 CE): Composed the famous Ramcharitmanas in Avadhi. The Ramcharitmanas describes the life of Sri Rama.
• Samartha Ramdas (1608 - 1681 CE): Composed Dasabodha, a text dealing with various aspects of spiritual life.
• Bhadrachalam Ramadasa (1630 - 1687 CE): Composed many devotional songs of Sri Rama in Telegu known as Ramadasu Keertanalu.
• Thyagaraja (1767 - 1848 CE): A great carnatic musician. Composed many devotional songs of Sri Rama in Telegu.



Penances on Sri Rama: (Penances)

• Penance of Madhuman (Thiruvallikkeni Divya Desam): Madhuman performed penance in the Vrindaranyam Kshetram and got the darshan of Sri Rama with his entire family.



Pilgrimages of Sri Rama: (Pilgrimages)

1. Life of Sri Rama - Journey with Vishwamitra:

1. अयोध्या (Ayodhya): Sri Rama incarnated in Ayodhya and ruled his kingdom from Ayodhya (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 18).
→ Ayodhya (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh)

2. अङ्ग (Anga): Sri Rama visited Anga province with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 23 to 24).
→ Kameshwar Dham (Ballia district, Uttar Pradesh)

3. ताटक (Tataka Forest): Sri Rama visited Tataka Forest with sage Vishwamitra, slayed the terrible demoness Tataka, and also received divine weapons from sage Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 24 to 27).
→ Tataka Vanam (Buxar district, Bihar)

4. सिद्धाश्रम (Siddhashrama): Sri Rama visited Siddhashrama with sage Vishwamitra, heard the story of the Vamana Avatara of Sri Vishnu, and protected the Yagna of sage Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 28 to 30).
→ Vamaneshwar Dham (Buxar district, Bihar)

5. गिरिव्रज (Girivraja): Sri Rama camped on the bank of river Shona at Girivraja and heard the story of the lineage of sage Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 31 to 34).
→ Rajgir (Nalanda district, Bihar)

6. गङ्गा (Ganga): Sri Rama camped on the bank of river Ganga and heard the story of the descent of river Ganga (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 35 to 44).

7. विशाल (Vishala): Sri Rama crossed river Ganga and arrived at Vishala, heard the story of the churning of the Milky Ocean, penance of Diti and the lineage of kings of Vishala (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 45 to 48).

8. मिथिला (Mithila outskirts): Sri Rama visited the erstwhile hermitage of sage Gautama and redeemed Devi Ahalya from her curse (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 48 to 49).
→ Ahalya Asthan (Darbhanga district, Bihar)

9. मिथिला (Mithila): Sri Rama broke the bow of Lord Shiva and married Devi Sita (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 66 to 77).
→ Baliraajgadh (Baliraajgadh in Madhubani district, Bihar)
→ Sitamarhi (Sitamarhi in Sitamarhi district, Bihar)
→ Janakpur (Janakpur in Dhanusha district, Nepal)

10. अयोध्या (Ayodhya): Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after marriage (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 77).
→ Ayodhya (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh)


2. Life of Sri Rama - Journey during Forest Exile:

1. अयोध्या (Ayodhya): Sri Rama started from Ayodhya during the forest exile (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 45).
→ Ayodhya (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh)

2. शृङ्गवेरपुर (Shringaverapura): Sri Rama visited Shringaverapura during forest exile, met Guha and camped for one night on the bank of river Ganga (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 50 to 51).
→ Shringverpur (Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh)

3. वत्स (Vatsa): Sri Rama crossed river Ganga at Shringaverapura and reached Vatsa, where he rested under a tree for a night and tried to send back Lakshmana (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 52 to 54).

4. प्रयाग (Prayaga): Sri Rama visited the Bharadwaja Ashrama at Prayaga during forest exile (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 54).
→ Prayaga (Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh)

5. चित्रकूट (Chitrakoota): Sri Rama stayed in Chitrakoota during forest exile and also met Bharata there (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 94 to 113).
→ Chitrakoot (Chitrakoot district, Uttar Pradesh and Satna district, Madhya Pradesh)

6. दण्डकारण्य (Dandakaranya): Sri Rama stayed in Dandakaranya during forest exile and eliminated many demons (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 1 to 14).
→ Bastar (Bastar division, Chhattisgarh)

7. पञ्चवटी (Panchavati): Sri Rama stayed in Panchavati during forest exile from where Devi Sita was abducted by Ravana (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 14 to 16, 45 to 60).
→ Nashik Panchavati (Nashik district, Maharashtra)
→ Parnashala (Near Bhadrachalam) (Bhadradri Kothagudem district, Telangana)

8. जनस्थान (Janasthana): Sri Rama searched for Devi Sita at Janasthana and met the dying Jatayu here. Sri Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu like his own relative. Jatayu goes to the higher heavenly realm (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 67 to 68).
→ Thirupullam Bhutangudi Divya Desam (Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu): Divya Desam associated with the legend of Sri Rama performing the last rites of Jatayu.
→ Thiruputkuzhi Divya Desam (Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu): Divya Desam associated with the legend of Sri Rama performing the last rites of Jatayu.

9. किष्किन्धा (Kishkindha): Sri Rama visited Pampa Sarovar and Kishkindha during forest exile where he met Sabari, Hanuman and made friendship with Sugreeva (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 75 to Kishkindha Kanda - 22).
→ Hampi (Vijayanagara district, Karnataka)
→ Anegundi (Koppal district, Karnataka)

10. सह्य (Sahya): Sri Rama passed through Sahya mountains while marching towards the ocean with the army of Vanaras (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 4).
→ Western Ghats (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu)

11. सागर (Southern Sea): Sri Rama camped on the Southern Sea along with the army of Vanaras and built a bridge to Lanka (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 4, 19, 21 to 22).
→ Rameshwaram (Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu)

12. लङ्का (Lanka): Sri Rama crossed the Southern see and camped on the Suvela mountain in Lanka where he fought the battle with Ravana (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 23, 31,59, 93, 108).
→ Sri Lanka

13. प्रयाग (Prayaga): Sri Rama visited the Bharadwaja Ashrama at Prayaga while returning from Lanka (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 124).
→ Prayaga (Prayagraj district, Uttar Pradesh)

14. नन्दिग्राम (Nandigrama): Sri Rama visited Nandigrama and met Bharata while returning from Lanka (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 127).
→ Nandigrama (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh)

15. अयोध्या (Ayodhya): Sri Rama returned to Ayodhya after forest exile and got coronated (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 128).
→ Ayodhya (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh)


3. Hermitages associated with Sri Rama: (Hermitages)

• Anga Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the Anga province at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Sarayu which had the hermitages of the disciples of Lord Shiva (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 23 to 24)
• Siddhashrama: Sri Rama visited Siddhashrama which had the hermitage of the Vamana Avatara of Sri Vishnu and later of sage Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 28 to 30)
• Gautama Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the erstwhile hermitage of sage Gautama and Devi Ahalya at the outskirts of Mithila (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 49)
• Bharadwaja Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja at Prayaga at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 54 to 55)
• Valmiki Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Valmiki at Chitrakoota (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 56)
• Chitrakoota: Sri Rama's own place of stay in the Chitrakoota mountain-forest on the bank of river Mandakini (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 56, 94 to 95, 113 to 119)
• Atri Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Atri and Devi Anusuya at Chitrakoota (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 116)
• Sharabhanga Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Sharabhanga inside the Dandakaranya forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 5)
• Suteekshna Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Suteekshna inside the Dandakaranya forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 7 to 8)
• Sri Rama visited various hermitages in the Dandakaranya forest where he stayed for nearly 10 years (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 11)
• Revisiting Suteekshna Ashrama: Sri Rama revisited the hermitage of sage Suteekshna inside the Dandakaranya forest after 10 years (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 11)
• Ashrama of Agastya's brother: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of the brother of sage Agastya near the Panchavati forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 11)
• Agastya Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Agastya near the Panchavati forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 12 to 13)
• Panchavati: Sri Rama's own place of stay in the Panchavati forest on the bank of river Godavari (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 14 to 16)
• Matanga Ashrama: Sri Rama visited the hermitage of sage Matanga and Shabari near the Pampa Sarovar (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 74)
• Saptajana Ashrama: Sri Rama saw the hermitage of Saptajana (Seven sages) at Kishkindha (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 13)



4. Divya Desams of Sri Rama:

• DD-10. Thirupullam Bhutangudi - Valvil Raman (Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu): A Divya Desam [Thirupullam Bhutangudi Divya Desam].
- Sri Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu.
• DD-22. Thiruvelliyankudi - Kolavilli Raman (Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu): A Divya Desam [Thiruvelliyankudi Divya Desam].
• DD-57. Thiruputkuzhi - Vijayaraghava Perumal (Kanchipuram district, Tamil Nadu): A Divya Desam [Thiruputkuzhi Divya Desam].
- Sri Rama performed the last rites of Jatayu.
• DD-61. Thiruneermalai - Neervanna Perumal (Chennai district, Tamil Nadu): A Divya Desam [Thiruneermalai Divya Desam].
- Sri Rama gave darshan to sage Valmiki.
• DD-65. Ayodhya (Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh): A Moksha Puri and Divya Desam [Thiru Ayodhi Divya Desam].
- Sri Rama incarnated at Ayodhya.


5. Other Pilgrimages of Sri Rama:

• Kullu - Raghunathji (Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh)
• Triprayar (Thrissur district, Kerala)
• Thiruvallikkeni Divya Desam (Chennai district, Tamil Nadu): Divya Desam of Krishna.
- Sri Rama gave darshan to Madhuman after he performed penance in this kshetra.
• Madhurantakam - Eri Katha Rama (Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu)
- British collector Colonel Lionel Blaze (during 1795 - 1799) saw the vision of Sri Rama and Lakshmana protecting the breach of the tank during rains.




Sacred Geography associated with Sri Rama: (Mountains) (Forests) (Rivers) (Lakes) (Trees)

1. Mountains: (Mountains)

• चित्रकूट (Chitrakoota mountain in Chitrakoota): Sri Rama stayed in the Chitrakoota mountain-forest during his forest exile and visited the hermitages of sages Valmiki and Atri (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 55 to 56, 94 to 95, 99 to 113, 117 to 119).
• ऋश्यमूक (Rishyamuka mountain in Kishkindha): Sri Rama met Sugreeva at Rishyamukha Parvata and entered into a bond of friendship. Sri Rama saw the Saptajana Ashrama at the Rishyamukha mountain. Sri Rama killed Vali in the region of Kishkindha and installed Sugreeva as king (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 4 to 22).
• प्रस्रवण (Prasavana mountain in Kishkindha): Sri Rama stayed in the Prasavana mountain during the rainy season while staying at Kishkindha (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 27 to 30).
• सुवेल (Suvela mountain in Lanka): Sri Rama stayed on the Suvela mountain during his stay in Lanka and battle with Ravana (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 31).


2. Forests: (Forests)

• ताटक (Tataka forest): Sri Rama visited the Tataka forest with sage Vishwamitra, killed demoness Tataka and received divine weapons from sage Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 24 to 27).
• चित्रकूट (Chitrakoota mountain-forest): Sri Rama stayed in the Chitrakoota mountain-forest during his forest exile and visited the hermitages of sages Valmiki and Atri (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 55 to 56, 94 to 95, 99 to 113, 117 to 119).
- Trees of Chitrakoota
• दण्डकारण्य (Dandakaranya forest): Sri Rama stayed in the Dandakaranya forest during his forest exile, visited the hermitages of many sages and eliminated many demons (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 1 to 14).
• पञ्चवटी (Panchavati forest) (Dandakaranya outskirts): Sri Rama stayed in Panchavati during his forest exile from where Devi Sita was abducted (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 14 to 17, 43 to 44, 57 to 63).
- Trees of Panchavati
• जनस्थान (Janasthana forest): Sri Rama searched for Devi Sita in the Janasthana forest and performed the funeral rites of Jatayu (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 64 to 68).
• क्रौञ्च (Krauncha forest): Sri Rama searched for Devi Sita in the Krauncha forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 69).
• कबन्ध (Kabandha forest): Sri Rama searched for Devi Sita in the Kabandha forest (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 69 to 72).
• पम्पा (Pampa Sarovar forested region): Sri Rama visited the Pampa Sarovar during his forest exile and met Sabari and Hanuman (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 74,75 to Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 1).
- Trees of Pampa Sarovar


3. Rivers: (Rivers)

• सरयू (River Sarayu near Ayodhya): Sri Rama received the Bala and Atibala mantras from sage Vishwamitra on the bank of river Sarayu (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 22).
• गङ्गा - सरयू (Confluence of rivers Ganga and Sarayu at Anga): Sri Rama visited Anga (at the confluence of rivers Ganga and Sarayu) with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of Lord Shiva burning Kamadeva (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 23).
• शोणा (River Shona at Girivraja): Sri Rama camped on the bank of river Shona at Girivraja with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of the lineage of Vishwamitra (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 31 to 34).
• गङ्गा (River Ganga between Girivraja and Mithila): Sri Rama camped on the bank of river Ganga with sage Vishwamitra and heard the story of the descent of river Ganga (Valmiki Ramayana - Bala Kanda - 35 to 44).
• गङ्गा (River Ganga at Shringaverapura): Sri Rama visited Shringaverapura during his forest exile, met Guha, and stayed there for one night on the bank of river Ganga (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 50 to 51).
• Confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Prayaga: Sri Rama visited the Bharadwaja Ashrama at Prayaga (on the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna) during his forest exile and stayed there for one night (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 54 to 55).
• मन्दाकिनी (River Mandakini at Chitrakoota): Sri Rama stayed at Chitrakoota during his forest exile and described the beauty of river Mandakini to Devi Sita (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 94 to 95).
• गोदावरी (River Godavari at Panchavati): Sri Rama stayed at Panchavati during his forest exile on the bank of river Godavari (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 14 to 16).


4. Lakes: (Lakes)

• पम्पा (Pampa Sarovar near Kishkindha): Sri Rama visited the Pampa Sarovar during his forest exile and met Sabari and Hanuman (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 75 to Kishkindha Kanda - 2)


5. Trees: (Trees)

• इङ्गुदी (Ingudi Tree at Shringaverapura): Sri Rama spent a night under an Ingudi tree on the bank of river Ganga at Shringaverapura during his forest exile (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 50 to 51).
• न्यग्रोध (Nyagrodha or Banyan Tree at Shringaverapura): Sri Rama made his hair matted with the latex of the Banyan tree at Shringaverapura (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 52).
• न्यग्रोध (Nyagrodha or Banyan Tree between Prayaga and Chitrakoota): Sri Rama reached a cool Banyan tree called Shyama (as guided by sage Bharadwaja) after crossing river Yamuna at Prayaga and walking towards Chitrakoota. Devi Sita circumambulated the Banyan tree and offered prayers with joined palms (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 55).
• चित्रकूट (Trees of Chitrakoota): Sri Rama while describing the beauty of the Chitrakoota mountain forest to Devi Sita lists the trees adorning that sacred mountain (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 94).
• इङ्गुदी (Ingudi Tree at Chitrakoota): Sri Rama after hearing about the death of king Dasharatha from Bharata offered oblations with fruit pulp of Ingudi tree in the waters of Mandakini (Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 103).
• पञ्चवटी (Trees of Panchavati): Sri Rama while describing the beauty of the Panchavati forest lists the trees adorning that charming place (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 15).
• पम्पा (Trees of Pampa Sarovar): Sri Rama while describing the beauty of the Pampa Sarovar lists the trees adorning that charming place near the lake (Valmiki Ramayana - Aranya Kanda - 75 to Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 1).
• शाल (Shala Trees at Kishkindha): Sri Rama to assure Sugreeva displayed his strength and perforated seven Sala trees together with a single arrow (Valmiki Ramayana - Kishkindha Kanda - 11 to 12).
• कुश (Kusha grass at Southern Sea shore): Sri Rama lied down on the Darbha (Kusha) grass for three days seeking help from the ocean god during his forest exile (Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 21 to 22).

• See also Trees associated with Rama




Festivals of Sri Rama: (Festivals)

1. Shishira Ritu: Pausha Masa (Dec - Jan)
2. Shishira Ritu: Magha Masa (Jan - Feb)
3. Vasanta Ritu: Phalguna Masa (Feb - Mar)
4. Vasanta Ritu: Chaitra Masa (Mar - Apr) → Shukla Paksha Navami: Rama Navami
5. Grishma Ritu: Vaishakha Masa (Apr - May) → Shukla Paksha Navami: Sita Navami
6. Grishma Ritu: Jyaishtha Masa (May - Jun)
7. Varsha Ritu: Aashadha Masa (Jun - Jul)
8. Varsha Ritu: Shravana Masa (Jul - Aug)
9. Sharad Ritu: Bhadrapada Masa (Aug-Sep)
10. Sharad Ritu: Aashwina Masa (Sep - Oct)
11. Hemanta Ritu: Kartika Masa (Oct - Nov)
12. Hemanta Ritu: Agrahayana Masa (Nov - Dec)