Religious Circuit

Kagbeni, Mustang

‘Ka’ is for Kali, ‘Ga’ for Gandaki, and ‘Beni’ means confluence - Kagbeni is a village north of Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district, where Muktinath River, Patalganga and Kali Gandaki meet. It is the confluence of the rivers coming from the holy lake Damodar Kund and Muktinath. Kagbeni is also known as Kali Gandaki, Kagkhola or Muktinath River. Its name is derived from the part in Ramayana where Kagbhusundi, a great devotee of Sri Ram, tells Garuda, the vulture god, the story of philosophy and Ramayana here.

It is believed that Jatayu, a demi-god in the form of a vulture, and Kagbhusundi, served their penances in Kagbeni. One can usually witness flocks of crows flying over the village. It is believed that paying religious homage at this confluence will allow the deceased souls to rest in peace. Those who perform the final rites of the deceased at Kagbeni need to ensure they visit Muktinath.

Muktinath is three hours by foot from Kagbeni but can also be reached within an hour by vehicle. Muktinath has a shelter for spiritual pilgrims with free food and lodging facilities.

It is believed that those who bathe in the holy river Kali Gandaki and worship the Shaligram Shila (rock) will rid themselves off reincarnations. The presence of and worshipping of the Shaligram Shila is believed to provide protection from evil. Anyone who cleanses the Shaligram rock with Panchamrit ‘the drink of gods’, will be free from the materialistic world. Based on Hindu mythology, Shaligram is the form of Mahavishnu, and Tulsi is Goddess Lakshmi. Therefore, by cleansing the Shaligram Shila with the famous and fragrant Tulsi Manjari sandalwood, one’s desires are believed to be fulfilled. Likewise, there is also a religious belief that anyone who puts a garland of basil on the Shaligram rock will have their wishes fulfilled.

Kagbeni is one of the very few sacred places where the Shaligram rock is found. The Shaligram rock consists of 24 distinctions: 1) Keshav, 2) Madhusudan, 3) Connection, 4) Damodar, 5) Vasudev, 6) Pradyumna, 7) Vishnu, 8) Madhav, 9) Anantamurti, 10) Purushottam, 11) Adhokshaj, 12) Janardhan, 13) Govind, 14) Trivikram, 15) Sridhar, 16) Hrishikesh, 17) Narusinha, 18) Vishyavoni, 19) Vaman, 20) Narayan, 21) Pundarikaksha, 22) Upendra, 23) Hari, and 24) Lord Krishna. As these 24 idols are associated with the 24 ekadashis, they are worshipped during the 24 ekadashis throughout the year. It is believed that God Vishnu appeared as Shaligram in the Gandaki River while God Shiva appeared as Narmadeshwar in the Narmada River.

Accessibility

To reach Kagbeni, you can start your journey from Pokhara – one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. You can travel to Jomsom via Beni of Pokhara. After a short hike uphill along the banks of the Kali Gandaki River, you will reach Kagbeni. Alternative options are a flight from Pokhara to Jomsom or travelling in your own vehicle to reach Kagbeni via Pokhara.

Itinerary

Locations on Ramayana Circuit

Ramayana Circuit , Nepal

Janakpurdham: A place of pilgrimage glory and trust

The ancient city of Mithila is considered to be the region ruled by Hindu King Janak. It is famous as the birthplace of his daughter Janaki who is popularly known as Sita. Janakpur region is also the abode of Vedic sages like Ashtavakra, Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi Gargi as per the Upanishad texts; it is also the home of Sri Ramâ€™s in-laws.

Sri Ram-Janaki's Wedding Pavilion

Sri Ram-Janakiâ€™s Wedding Pavilion is adjacent to the Janaki Temple on the north side, where one can observe the Treta Yuga (the second of the four yugas or world ages) wedding of Sri Ram and Sita.

Dhanushadham

In the Ramayana epic, it is said that the Pinak bow was broken by Prince Ram of Ayodhya during Sitaâ€™s â€˜Swayamvaraâ€™, a practice for girls of marriageable age to choose a husband from amongst a list of suitors. The bow split into three sections, one of which fell in Dhanushadham. Visitors who come to Janakpurdham do not miss visiting Dhanushadham and worshipping Dhanushkhand. Mithila philosophical texts say all of oneâ€™s sins will wash away if they visit the place.

Valmiki Ashram, Chitwan

Valmiki Ashram is an important religious, mythological and historical site located within the Chitwan National Park in Chitwan district. According to legend, Maharshi Valmiki built the ashram, carried his spiritual practice during the Treta era and wrote the Valmiki Ramayana in the ashram. Valmiki was a devotee of sage Harihar whose effigy is still in the region. Legend also says that Sita spent the latter part of her life in this very ashram. After Sri Ram's abandonment, Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush, her two sons, under Valmiki's protection. Luv and Kush spent their childhood in the ashram, and Valmiki educated the two.

Kagbeni, Mustang

Kaâ€™ is for Kali, â€˜Gaâ€™ for Gandaki, and â€˜Beniâ€™ means confluence - Kagbeni is a village north of Jomsom, the headquarters of Mustang district, where Muktinath River, Patalganga and Kali Gandaki meet. It is the confluence of the rivers coming from the holy lake Damodar Kund and Muktinath. Kagbeni is also known as Kali Gandaki, Kagkhola or Muktinath River. Its name is derived from the part in Ramayana where Kagbhusundi, a great devotee of Sri Ram, tells Garuda, the vulture god, the story of philosophy and Ramayana here.

Ramadighat, Palpa

Another significant religious site in the Ramayana Circuit in Nepal is Ramadighat located in the middle of Palpa and Syangja districts. As Sri Ram bathed here and lived in the nearby Siddha Cave, the association has further added to the religious and historical significance of the spot. Additionally, there are other religious sites in both the districts surrounding Ramadighat. As Ramdhighat is a market area, it is easily accessible both by public transport and private vehicles.

Bashaiya, Janakpur (Nepal)

As per the folklore, source of the river was traced and then its course was developed and extended to meet the water requirements of Sitaâ€™s marriage ceremony. Since its water is milky white, it was named Doodhmati. These days devotees from Shiva of Nepal worship Lord Shiva using water from this river.

Janakpur, Janaki Temple, Janakpur Nepal

Janakpur is one of the Provence in Nepal. This was the capital city of King Janaki is located. This temple is greatly revered in this area. For the people of this region, Shri Ram is still loved in the form of son-in-law, but the other forms of Shri Ram are not revered i.e. childhood, Vanvasi or King.

Janakpur, Rangabhoomi, Janakpur (Nepal)

There is a large open area near the Janaki Temple. As per the folk lore, this is same place where Shri ram had broken the famous â€œPinacâ€ bow of Lord Shiva and fulfilled the condition to marry Sita. It is described as Rangbhumi in Ram Charit Manas also.

Dhanusha Dham (Ball Ganga), Dhanusha Temple, Dhanusha (Nepal)

As per Valmiki Ramayana, a loud blast occurred due to the breaking of Lord Shivaâ€™s bow. Small pieces of the bow were scattered all over. Some of them, had fallen at this place. People believe that the pieces of the bow are still there in the form of stones. According to the folk lore, Vajra, Saarang and Pinac all were made up from the bones of Dadhichi. Indradev had the Vajra, Saarang was with Shri Ram (Lord Vishnu) and Pinac belongs to Lord Shia, which was with king Janak as a trust. This was the same bow â€œPinacâ€ broken by Shri Ram.

Matihani, Laxminarayan Temple, Janakpur (Nepal)

As per Valmiki Ramayana, a loud blast occurred due to the breaking of Lord Shivaâ€™s bow. Small pieces of the bow were scattered all over. Some of the, had fallen at this place. People believe that the pieces of the bow are still there in the form of stones. According to the folk lore, Vajra, Saarang and Pinac all were made up from the bones of Dadhichi. Indradev had the Vajra, Saarang was with Shri Ram (Lord Vishnu) and Pinac belongs to Lord Shia, which was with king Janak as a trust. This was the same bow â€œPinacâ€ broken by Shri Ram.

Rani Bazar (Dudhmati), Mani Mandop, Dhanusha (Nepal)

After Shri Ram broke the bow, the wedding procession came from Ayodhya. Shri Ram got married along with his brothers. The place, where the wedding ceremony was performed, is called Mani Mandao near Rani Bazar in Janakpur. The small pond where the feet of all the four brothers were washed is near to this place. The Yagna Vedi for wedding still exists here.

Ramayana Circuit , India

Ayodhya (Saryu ji), Dashrath ji ka Mahal, Faizabad (U.P)

Ayodhya was the capital city of King Dasrath. It was the place from where sage Vishwamitra had taken Shri Ram and Lakshman to save his â€œyagnaâ€.

Makhoda, Place of Yagya, Faizabad (U.P)

Makhoda was the point where King Dashrath had performed â€˜Putreshti Yagnaâ€™ which is a prayer to be blessed with a son, with the help of Shringi Rishi. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/8 to 1/16 whole chapter, Manas 1/188/3/4).

Sheravaghat (Saryu ji), Shringi Ashram, Faizabad (U.P)

The ancient Shringi Ashram is located on the banks of River Saryu, 3 km north of Mehboob Ganj, near Sherva Ghat. Of we travel along the banks of river Saryu, this area is approximately 20 kms away from Ayodhaya. Many huts of sages are located here. It is believed that sage Vishwamitra had imparted the knowledge of â€œBalaaâ€ and â€œAtibalaaâ€ to Shri Ram at this ashram. It is also believed that many saints lived in this ashram at that time. And it was in one of these ashrams the sage Vishwamitra, Shri Ra, and Lakshaman had rested.

Karon, Kameshwar Temple, Balia (U.P)

The Karon, Kameshwar Temple is believed to be where Muni Vishwamitra explained to Sri Ram that this was where Lord Shiva smashed Kamdev into ashes. A temple of Lord Shiva and a pond still exist here. It is believed that Lord Shiva had meditated in this place. ( Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/23/9 to 16 Manas 1/205 doha to 1/208/2.)

Buxar (Gangaji), Vaneshwar Temple, Buxar (Bihar)

It is believed that Lord Vishnu had worshipped Lord Shiva before he had taken the Vamanavtaar (the dwarf incarnation). The Vamaseshwar Shivlinga installed by Lord Vishnu is a place of great devotion. Vishwamitra had shown this place to Sri Ram. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/29/1 to 12).

Buxar (Ganga ji) Charitra Vana, Buxar (Bihar)

It is believed that Sri Ram fought his very first battle here. It is said that his persona of a brave warrior came from this event. It is also known as Tadaka Van. As per references of the Ramayana, Tadaka had lived in this forest and she had almost covered the area of about one-and-a-half Yojans. It is believed that this is the place where Sri Ram killed Tadaka, and it is located in Buxar. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/24/12 to 32, 1/25-26 whole chapter Manas 1/208/3, 1/205 doha to 1/208/2).

Buxar (Ganga ji), Vishwamitra Ashram, Buxar (Bihar)

The Vishwamitra Ashram was located in Tapovan and also known as Siddaashram. The entire area of Tapovan is considered to be Siddhaashram as there is no standing ashram at this location. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/29 full chapter Manas 1/209 doha & 1/209/1, 2, 3).

Buxar (Ganga ji), Ramrekha Ghat, Buxar (Bihar)

It is believed that Sri Ram took a bath at this place after killing Tadaka. It is believed that Sri Ram had visited this place twice. After his coronation, Sri Ram had come to this place to perform a yagna. At that time, he had drawn the outlines of yagna platform with the tip of an arrow. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/30/26 refer it for Ram Rekha Ghat also, Manas 1/209/4 to 5. Refer it for Ram Rekha Ghat).

Aharoli (Ganga), Gautam Ashram, Buxar (Bihar)

Aharoli village is about 3 km east from Buxar. It is believed that Sri Ram performed the â€˜Ahillya Uddhaarâ€™ (setting oneself free from a curse) at this place. According to Ram Charit Manas, Sri Ram performed it after he left Siddhaashram, before crossing River Ganga or River Sonebhadra (Ref: Manas 1/209/6 to 1/210/ Chhand 4).

Ahiyari (Gautami Ganga), Gautam Ashram, Darbhanga (Bihar)

As per Valmiki Ramayana the ashram of Gautam muni was located in an orchid of Mithila. Ahillya was there in the form of a stone statue. At present, it is known as Ahiyari. Earlier, a tapovan was here and even now four ashrams located in four directions belonging to Yagnavalk (Jagvan), Shrangi (Singiya), Bhrangi (Bhairava) and Gautam Rishi can be located here. People have great respect for this temple and they visit it to receive the blessings of Ahillya. This is located about 25 km north-west of Darbhanga. (Ref: Valmiki Ramayana 1/48/11 to 33, 1/49/11 to 22).

Ayodhya ji is the birth place of Shri Ram.

Shri Ram had begun his exile journey from this place. There are several places, which exist in the radius of 10-12 km from Ayodhya ji. They are Gaya Vedi Kund, Sita Kund, Janaura (Jankaura) etc. which are associated with the exile of Shri Ram. Valmiki Ramayana 2/1 to 44 all full chapters Manas 1/346 doha ro 2/84.

Ayodhya ji, Mani Parvat, Faizabad (U.P)

At the time of Marriage, King Janak had gifted a magnificient treasure of gems and jwels, after marriage those gems and jewels looked like a hill that is why this place is called â€˜Mani Parvatâ€™ even today. In the rainy season our most revered Sita and Ram ji used to come here for enjoying swinging. Even today, swinging on Hariyali Teej is the tradition

Gaura Ghat (Tamsa), Tamsa Tat, Faizabad (U.P)

Shri ram had stayed here the very first night of his exile. The present names for Tamsa are Mandah of Mandar, and the particular spot is known as Gaura Ghat. Gaura word has been twisted from Gaurav. It is about 20 km from Ayodhya ji. Valmiki Ramayana 2/46/1 to 17 & 28 Manas 2/84 doha to 2/84/1, 2, 3 & 2/85 doha.

Sharbhanga, Sharbhang Ashram, Satna (U.P)

Shri ram had a view of Lord Indra in the Sharbhang ashram. As this place Sharbhang muni had played a host to Shri Ram and thrown himself in the Yogaagni (holy fir of Yagna) just after that. This huge ashram is located in dense forest, about 13 km from Chitahara station. Several other spots also exist at this place, which are connected to the story of Shri Ram. These are: Ram-Laxman kund, a hot water stream emerged from the arrow of Shri Ram, Ashwamukhi deviâ€™s temple, Surya kund, Doodhmania kund etc. Valmiki Ramayana 3/5 full chapter Manas 3/6/4 to 3/8/2.

Village Silaha, Sutikshana Ashram, Satna (M.P)

The ashram of Sutikshan muni is located at a distance of 6 km from Siddha Pahar (Mountain). It is connected with a concrete road from Jaitavara station. The Vigrahas (idols) of Shri Ram, Laxmana, Sita ji and Suktishan muni are located here. Manas 3/6/4 to 3.

Rakselva, Ramsel, Satna (M.P)

Rakselva is the distorted version of Ramshel. Ramshel is the ancient name of Ledahara hills, which is about 4 km. from Sita Rasoi. People used to worship the footprints of Shri Ram at this place. As per the road map Aanand Sagar, Jaimuni, Ramshel, Bal Chona, Siyavari and Karsara all follows on a straight line.

Nasik (Godavari), Panchvati, Nasik (Maharashtra)

This is the place, where five banyan trees (Vat Vriksh) are grown at one place on the banks of river Godavari. As per the folk beliefs, this is the same Panchavati from where Ravana had kidnapped Sita ji.

Shabri Ashram, Surevan, Belgaon (Karanataka)

Surevan is located near Gunnaga village in 14 km. north of Ramdurg. Surevan is the distorted version of world Shabri Van. The plum forests are located near the ashram. These plums are very sweet in taste. People used to worship Shabri Ma by the names of Van Shankari, Aadi Shakti and Shakumbhari. Valmiki Ramayana 3/7 full chaptet. Manas 3/33/3 to 3/36 doha.

Hanuman Mandir, Hanuman Halli (Tungbhadra), Kopal (Karnataka)

Halli is a word of Kannada which means village. This was the place where Shri Ram and Hanuman ji had met each other. A temple located on a nearby hill is dedicated to Hanuman jiâ€™s mother Anjana Devi. Valmiki Ramayana 4/3, 4 all chapter Manas 4/0/1, 4/0/3 to 4/3/3

Rishyamook Parvat, Hampi (Tungbhadra), Kopal (Karnataka)

The place where Ram- Laxman had a meeting with Sugreeva was at Rishyamook hill in Hampi. At that time Sugreeva used to live here as he afraid of Bali. One of caves called Sugreeva Gufa (Cave) is located on the hill. Valmiki Ramayana 3/54/1 to 4, 4/2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 full chapters, 4/12/1 tp 13. Manas 4/01, 4/6/12.

Chintamani, Anaagundi (Tungbhadra), Billari (Karnataka)

The river Tungbhadra takes a turn here in the shape of bow. On one side of the river there was a battle between Baali and Sugreev and on the other side Shri Ram shot Baali with an arrow from behind the tree. The foot prints of Shri Ram can be seen here. Valmiki Ramayana 4/12/14 to 42, 4/14 full chapters, 4/15/4 to 4/25/54, Manas 4/6/13 to 4/10/4

Prasravan Parvat, Hampi (Tungbhadra), Billari (Karnataka)

Shri Ram had spent four months of monsoon on a hill top called Prasravan and after getting the information about the whereabouts of Sita ji he had proceeded for Lanka from this place. One of the peaks of Malyavant hill s called prasravan and it is located at 4 km. from Hampi. The one and only idol of Shri Ram is found at this place where he is not having his bow. Valmiki Ramayana 4/27, 28 full chapter, 4/30/1 to 4/31/15, 4/38/15 to 4/47 full chapter. Manas 4/11/5 to 4/11/5 to 4/18/4, 4/20 doha to 4/22/6.

Karshiddheshwar Mandir, Ramgiri, Chitradurg (Karnataka)

There is a hill named Ramgiri located at 25 km from Hosdurg. Shri Ram had worshipped Lord Shiva at this place while on his way to Lanka. Thatâ€™s why the hill is known as Ramgiri and the temple is called Rameshwar. Valmiki Ramayana 7/4/9 to all chapters on wards. Manas 5/34/4 to 5/34 Chhand 2.

Dhanush Koti, Melkote (Kaveri), Mandia (Karanataka)

The Vanar Sena (monkey army) had their refreshments at a place called Melkote. A water resource created by Shri Ram with his arrow still exists on a hill in the forest which is located at a distance of 3 km. from the city. Valmiki Ramayana full chapters onwards 6/4/9 Manas 5/34/2 to 5/34 chhand 2.

Rampadam, Kodi Karae, Nagapattnam (Tamilnadu)

According to folklore Shri Ram had started the construction of bridge from Kodi Karae, but he had to change the location of bridge due to some reasons. About 7 kms away from Vedarayam, the footprints of Shri Ram have been angraved on the forest lands. Valmiki Ramayana full chapters onwards 6/4/9 Manas 5/34/2 to 5/34 chhand 2.

Shiv Mandir, Teertand Dhanam, Pamnathpuram (Tamil Nadu)

This place is located in 10 km south of Muttukuda. In Teertananda Dhanam Shri Ram had worshipped Lord Shiva as per the order of Augustya muni. The beautiful pictures of Shri Ram, Laxman, king Setupati, Rishi Augustya and Lord Shiva are carved in the temple. The Ramarpaad can be seen at a distance of 1 km. Valmiki Ramayana full chapters onwards 6/4/9 manas 5/34/2 to 5/34 chhand 2.

Darbhshyanam, Tripullani, Ramnathpuram (Tamilnadu)

After reaching the sea shore, Shri Ram meditated for three days by laying on the grass to ask the sea for way. He installed the Shivlinga at this place which considered the Aadi (ancient) Rameshwaram. This is the place where Sea God had appeared before Shri Ram and told him the style of bridge construction. Valmiki Ramayana 6/21 full chapter, 6/22/48 to 87. Manas 5.49/3 to 5/50/4, 5/57 doha 6/1/1/. This reference is also related with the ruins of Setu.

Setu ke Avshesh, Chhedukarai, Ramnathpuram (Tamilnadu)

The word Chhedu is the distorted version of Setu and the Tamil word Karaei means corner. The foundation stone of the bridge was laid at this place. We can see the remains of Setu, if we can go deep inside the sea till 2 kms deep. These remains could be the pillars of Setu as they are 10-11 feet in the sea. Valmiki Ramayana 6/21 full chapter 6/22/48 to 87 Manas 5/49/3 to 5/50/4, 5/57 doha 6/1/1. The same reference is related to the remains of Setu.

Kodandram Mandir, Rameshwaram, Ramnathpuram (Tamilnadu)

The word Kodanda means bow. An ancient temple located inside the sea has beautiful idols of Shri Ram, Laxman, Hanuman, Sugreeva, Jamvanta and Vibhishana. This is the same place where Vibhishana had come in the shelter of Shri Ram and he had performed the coronation ceremony. Valmiki Ramayana 6/15, 18, 19 full chapter, 6/123/121 Manas 5/40/5 to 5/49B doha.