Hampi, the capital of the Vijayanagara Empire, has historical significance.
Did you know that it has mythological significance too?
It is the Kishkindha from Ramayana!
Here's a list of 10 spots you can visit in Hampi that had events from Ramayana, with google map links:
After Ravana kidnaps Sita, Ram & Lakshman start searching for her.
Kabandha, a Gandharva, advises Rama to form an alliance with Sugriva to win over Ravana.
Kabandha directs them to meet Shabari, who knows the wherabouts of Sugriva, currently incognito.
The journey begins!
Shabari had ran away from her wedding to save the lives of 100s of animals that were to be sacrificed for the feast.
She was instructed by Rishi Matanga to stay at Sureban (Karnataka), awaiting Ram.
Her life's task was fulfilled when she met her Lord & directed him to Pampa!
Shabari originally stayed at Pampa Sarovar, near Hampi & knew this Rishyamukh parvata is where Sugriv lives in hiding.
There are five holy lakes in Hindu mythology: Bindu Sarovar, Pushkar Sarovar, Narayan Sarovar, Mansarovar, &Pampa Sarovar.
1. Link:
goo.gl/maps/vPsCQrgu6…
Rama and Lakshmana were walking in the forests of Rushyamukha Parvata near Pampa.
Sugriva saw two youngsters armed with bows and arrows, and he was terrified because he thought his brother Vali had sent them to ḱill him.
Sugriv sends his wisest minister, Hanuman to check!
Local legends state that Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Swami Gudi is where Hanuman met Ram for the first time.
‘Swami Mukhya Prana’, a Purandaradasa composition is authoritatively identified with this specific Vijayanagar shrine.
2. This temple is at Hampi:
goo.gl/maps/21BrAfqFn…
Speaking of Hanuman, wouldn't we want to visit his birthplace?
At Ayodhya, a kite swooped to grab some of the holy potion from Kaikeyi's hands & flew southward.
With a strong wind near Anjanadri Hills, it dropped the holy potion which was consumed by Anjani, Hanuman's mom.
From the same potion sent by the Gods, 4 brothers were born in Ayodhya & in Kishkinda, was born the 11th Rudra, Hanuman.
900 feet high, with 575 steps, this is a trek that fills you with joy.
A 25kg floating stone from Ram Setu is also here!
3. Link:
goo.gl/maps/VrWdmkiyP…
Sugriv & Ram forge their friendship in a vow.
Sugriv takes him to a cave where he was storing some ornaments of Sita, which she had dropped from the flying Pushpak Vimana, as clues to Ram.
This cave is called ‘Sita Seragu (saree)’ in Kannada.
4. Link: goo.gl/maps/DMbLvr7Hb…
Sugriv wants Ram to defeat Vali.
Why was Sugriv in hiding?
Once, Vali & Mayavi were fighting in a cave, while Sugriva stood guard outside.
After many days, Sugriv mistakenly thought Vali had lost the battle and closed the cave with a boulder.
But Vali had won!
He was angry thinking his brother had betrayed him, took his wife & banished him from the kingdom.
This cave where Vaali fought Maayavi is called Vali Kila. This place also has a Durga temple & Anegundi Fort built during Vijayanagar period.
5. Link: goo.gl/maps/sCRbXFrXb…
To distinguish between the two Warner brothers, Ram made Sugriv wear a Tulsi maala.
The spot from where Rama aimed at Vali and shot the arrow, is in Chintamani Temple, Anegundi.
The sculpture here shows Sugriv on the left wearing the maala.
6. Link:
goo.gl/maps/Hch2MLcBw…
After this, Rama crowned Sugreeva as the King of Kishkintha.
This happened at Kodanda Rama Temple, Hampi, one of the few living temples in this ancient city.
We can see all 4– Ram, Sita, Lakshman & Sugreeva in equal standing posture here.
7. Link:
goo.gl/maps/yZYJBzTMp…
After becoming king, Sugriv forgot his promise to Ram.
During the 4 month chatur masya period, the brothers stayed out of the Kishkinda city - at Malyavanta Raghunatha Hill.
Even after rains, Sugriv had not initiated the search for Sita.
8. Link:
goo.gl/maps/328cLza8F…
Sugriv finally came to senses and sent the vanara army across regions.
Hanuman reaches Lanka, finds Sita & returns.
After conveying the success msgto fellow Vanars, they jumped in joy, entered a Madhuvanam & destroyed it.
This is in Hampi!
9. Link:
goo.gl/maps/dfeKHo7P5…
Hanuman finally conveys the happy message to Ram with his intelligent choice of words: ’கண்டனென் கற்பினுக்கு அணியை கண்களால்’
"I've seen the epitome of chastity, with my own eyes"
This was at Malyavanta hill again. Ram hugs Hanuman here.
Spare a moment for the Vijayanagara Empire & its noble kings who considered themselves custodians of this heritage.
They meticulously inscribed all events from Ramayana in the Hazara Rama Temple.
Every stone has a story to tell: one of Sri Ram!
Link:
goo.gl/maps/engL8WjAB…
Primary Reference:
This wonderful book "In the footsteps of Rama" by Vikrant Pande
Link: amzn.to/3y7A785
Image Credits:
1. varunstravelogue.wordpress.com/2019/09/13/mon…
2. Google Images
Other References:
1. telegraphindia.com/my-kolkata/pla…
2. shanthiraju.wordpress.com/2020/07/16/ram…
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