Bhagwan Ram’s Vanvas and Key Astrological Events!
The Ramayana and Mahabharat are the two most sacred epics that hold a special place in the hearts of Sanatan Hindus. The Ramayan is associated with Treta Yug (9582 BCE to 5694 BCE), and the Mahabharata is associated with Dwapara Yug (5694 BCE to 3102 BCE). While the Ramayana is all about Shri Hari Vishnu’s seventh Avatar, Bhagwan Ram, during the Mahabharata, the eighth Avatar of Shri Hari Vishnu, Bhagwan Shri Krishna, was born. Both of these epics teach various lessons and dharma to their followers and believers.
Here, we will discuss the most talked about event during Treta Yuga, which was the birth of Bhagwan Vishnu as Prabhu Ram and his life journey as a human being, mainly focusing on major places during the Ram Sita Lakshman Vanvas of 14 years. Bhagwan Ram is believed to be the soul of this land and Hindu culture and is called Purushottam (best among all men) by his devotees for his dharmaparayanta (righteousness). While reading Ramayan, we can feel it all through his life and his actions and decisions. He was an ideal son, an ideal husband, an ideal brother and an ideal king. But even then, he had to bear all the pain of human life because of Prarabdha Karma, which is due to past karma. As a Vishnu Avatar, he descended on Earth for the well-being of the human race, to protect them from evil and to reestablish dharma. So, his appearance was not a coincidence but a preplanned destiny that is part of the cycle of the universe.
As Bhagwan Shri Krishna narrated in the Mahabharata, Arjuna refused to fight in Kurukshetra.
यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत ।
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ॥
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।
धर्मासंस्थापनार्थाय संभवािम युगे युगे ॥
अर्थ: जब जब धर्म की हानि होगी और अधर्म बढ़ेगा तब तब मैं धरती पर अवतार लेकर आता रहूंगा और धर्म की रक्षा और स्थापना करूंगा एवं अधर्म का नाश करूंगा। “मैं हर युग में बार-बार अवतार लूंगा साधुओं की रक्षा करने के लिए, धरती पर पाप को खत्म करने के लिए, पापियों का संहार करने के लिए और धर्म को स्थापित करने के लिए और में जनकल्याण करूँगा।”
Meaning: “Whenever, O descendant of Bharata, there is decline of Dharma, and rise of Adharma, then I body myself forth. For the protection of the good, for the destruction of the wicked, and for the establishment of Dharma I come into being in every age.”
We all know that Bhagwan Shri Ram had to keep the promises he made to his stepmother, Kaikey and that was to spend 14 years in exile, away from the luxuries of home. What many do not know is that it was Bhagwan Ram himself who requested Mata Kaikey for this punishment, as he knew that he had a duty to perform, and that was the reestablishment of dharma. So, everything was as per Prarabdha. However, when he was preparing for his exile, his consort Mata Sita and younger brother Lakshman accompanied him. As per astrological beliefs, everything happens for a reason and Bhagwan Ram’s exile too was for a reason that was destined to happen.
For devotees of Bhagwan Ram, his entire life is an inspiration and something that is not within the capacity of a common man, though he lived his life like a common man. Even the places that Prabhu Ram travelled during his exile hold special places in the hearts of his millions of devotees. Here we will discuss the main places he travelled during his 14 years in exile.
Bhagwan Ram Vanvas Path
The Ram Van Gaman Path holds a special place in Hindu dharma as it traces the journey of Shri Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshmana during their 14 exile years, known as ‘vanvaas.’ This sacred path begins in Ayodhya and concludes in Sri Lanka, marking the route where several crucial events in Shri Ram’s life unfolded.
According to the Ramayana, Shri Ram, during his years in exile, travelled from India to Sri Lanka. Throughout this period, he was bound by the conditions of his exile, which meant he couldn’t stay in villages or towns but had to live in the forests. Starting his journey from Ayodhya, Shri Ram wandered through the forests of various regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
We have all heard the parts known as “kaands” of the Ramayana since our childhood. We all know them by heart. But what we all don’t know is the significance of astrology in the Ramayana. So, we know what happened, but astrology will tell us why and when it happened. After all, what is beyond our ordinary comprehension can be comprehended through astrology. As per Vedic astrology, every event in a human’s life is associated with planetary positions and movements. Every birth on this planet has a reason. Even Bhagwan Ram’s life and events signify the same belief.
His mission as Bhagwan Vishnu seventh incarnation was “Parithraanaya Sadhunam, vinasayacha dushkrutham, dharma-samsthapana arthaaya smabhavaami yuge, yuge” = to protect the virtuous persons, to destroy sinners, evildoers, devils and demons, and to establish dharma (righteousness) in this world (Bhagavad-Gita shloka = Sanskrit verse).
Let us learn about the places visited by Bhagwan Ram during his exile.
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Shri Ram, born in the month of Chaitra, on the ninth day of the bright fortnight, under the Punarvasu star, with a Cancer ascendant. Jupiter was exalted, and the Moon, Sun, Mars, Venus, and Saturn were also exalted during his birth. Bharatha was born into the Pushyami Star with a Pisces ascendant. The twin brothers, Laxmana and Shatrughna, were born in the Ashlesha star with a Cancer ascendant on the following day.
In the Ayodhya Kanda, there are mentions of planetary combinations, dreams, and the importance of the Vaastu Shastra. After announcing Ram’s coronation, Dasaratha sends a message to Ram, expressing concern about frightening dreams. He shares seeing falling meteors with a booming sound and notes that his birth star is influenced by the planets Surya, Kuja (Mars), and Rahu, indicating potential danger. The Daivagnas suggest that when such omens occur, especially with malefic planets affecting the birth star, it signals a risky situation for the king. Despite this, Dasaratha urges Ram to prepare for the coronation during the auspicious Punarvasu and Pushyami stars, emphasising the significance of performing the required rituals. However, he could not stop what was destined to happen and Bhagwan Ram left for Vanvas after 14 years, along with Mata Sita and Lakshman, his younger brother.
Prayag, Uttar Pradesh
In Prayag, Ram met Rishi Bhardwaja to get his blessings and wisdom for the challenges during his 14-year exile. When Ram returned from Sri Lanka, he and his group stopped at Rishi Bhardwaja’s ashram before heading back to Ayodhya.
When Shree Ram was told to go to the forest, Lakshman became angry. Shree Ram calmed him by saying, “Happiness and sadness, peace and anger, gain and loss, success and failure—all these things happen according to Niyati. One must grasp this secret and behave in a way that brings happiness and peace.”
Chitrakoota, Madhya Pradesh
Chitrakoot is a crucial spot on Ram’s journey, where he, Sita, and Laxmana spent more than 11 years during their exile from Ayodhya. It was here that Ram and Sita met Atri, one of the Saptrishi, his devoted wife, Anusuya Devi and many other scholarly Rishis and Maharishis. During their meeting, Anusuya praised the significance of wholehearted devotion to one’s husband, known as pativrata, and blessed Sita.
According to the Ramayana, Chitrakoot is the spot where Bhagwan Ram’s brother, Bharat, came to meet him. Bharat requested that Ram return to Ayodhya and take up the throne.
Chitrakoot is also considered sacred, as it is believed that the supreme Hindu gods, Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, took incarnations here. The area is filled with temples and other religious sites. In Chitrakoot, everything is connected to the story of Bhagwan Ram.
Dandakaranya, Chhattisgarh
Dandakaranya comes from two words: Dandaka, meaning punishment, and Aranya, meaning the forest of punishment. It is said that Ram journeyed through the dense forests of Dandakaranya, the home of the demon named Dandak, who was linked to Ravana.
Panchavati, Nasik
Panchavati, a forest from ancient times, was a temporary home for the trio. It’s the place where Lakshmana cut off the nose of Surpanakha, a demoness and Ravana’s sister. This site is highly respected by Hindu followers in India.
Lepakshi, Andhra Pradesh
Lepakshi is the place where Jatayu, a sacred giant bird, fell lifeless after trying to save Sita from Ravana. After his battle with the demon king, Jatayu told Ram and Laxmana about the incident and directed them towards Lanka before his passing. He told Shri Ram, “Ravana took Sita during a special time called Vinda kaal. In this sacred time, if someone wrongly takes something, they won’t keep or enjoy it for long. The rightful owner will get it back. Ravana didn’t think about this when taking Sita. His actions will lead to his downfall, like a fish caught on a hook.” This story teaches us about the consequences of unfair actions and the idea that divine justice prevails.
Ram and Lakshman cut off demon Kabandha’s hands, and after cremation, the demon transforms back to his original Gandharva form. In this form, he assured Ram not to worry. Kabandha tells them about Sugriva, explaining that those facing bad dasa can find relief through mutual help. Drawing a parallel, he highlights Ram’s wife being abducted by Ravana and Sugriva facing a similar situation with Baali taking his wife. Both are in a bad dasa, nearing the end of their difficult times. Kabandha foresees that their friendship will be mutually beneficial, realising this after being released from the curse and returning to his original form. The advice carries a profound meaning about finding support in shared struggles and the potential for mutual growth through understanding and collaboration.
Kishkindha, Karnataka
Hampi, the famous place we know today, is believed to be where Ram met Vanar Raj Sugriva, the king of the Vanar community, who assisted Ram in his fight against Ravana.
Hampi got its name from the river Pampa, now known as the Tungabhadra. In ancient times, Pampa was the name for Hampi. According to legends, Pampa, the daughter of Brahma, performed a penance to please Lord Shiva. Impressed by her devotion, Shiva married her and became known as Pampapati. Along the banks of the river (Tungabhadra), there are many shrines dedicated to the worship of Lord Shiva.
Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu
Rameshwaram is the most well-known site, where Ram’s army built the legendary bridge, Ramsetu, connecting India and Sri Lanka. Before starting this mission to cross the sea to Lanka, Ram placed a Shivlingam and worshipped it with great devotion, which is one of the Jyotirlingas. Rameswaram is also one of the sacred dhams of Sanatan Hindus in the South; the other three are Badrinath Dham in the North, Jagannath Dham in Puri in the East and Dwarkanath Dham in Gujarat in the West.
Ashoka Vatika, Sri Lanka
In the Ramayana, there is a mention of a lunar eclipse when Shri Hanuman finds Sita in Ashok Vatika. There is also a reference to a solar eclipse during the war with Khar-Dushan in the latter part of the 13th year of Shree Ram’s stay in the forests.
Ashoka Vatika, now known as the Sita Amman Temple in Sri Lanka, is where Ravana kept Sita after taking her. It’s in the lovely area called Nuwara Eliya. The massive footprints of Hanuman near the temple, left after he wrecked Ashoka Vatika, are visible even today. This vibrant temple attracts many devotees throughout the year.
In the Hanuman Kaand, Vaastu Shastra is referenced as Hanuman observes Lanka’s layout and Ravana’s magnificent palaces. Hanuman notes that these buildings, crafted without any Vaastu defects, seem as if Maya himself designed them in alignment with the Vaastu Shastra. This implies the presence of Vaastu Shastra even before the Ramayana period.
Also, the statement “Kaalo hi Durathi kramah” is emphasised over 50 times in the Hanuman Kand, underscoring the indisputable reality that “KAALA” or time, is insurmountable. The sage directs readers to acknowledge the supremacy of Kaal Purush. Wisdom lies in recognising auspicious and inauspicious moments and acting prudently with guidance from Shaastras and Gurus.
Talaimannar, Sri Lanka
This is the place where the final battle of the Ramayana happened. Ram defeated Ravana and saved Sita. Shree Ram decided on the timing to begin the journey from Kishkindha to Lanka for the battle. He said to Sugriva, “The sun is now high up, and the chosen timing is Vijaya. So, let’s start our journey. Today is the Uttaraphalguni star, and tomorrow will be the Hastha star. We’ll begin with the Vanar Sena.”
When Meghnath died, Ravana was furious and wanted to kill Devi Sita. However, his minister Suparsa advised him, “Prepare your army today, on the fourteenth day of the waning moon. Tomorrow is Amaavasya, the new moon day when you should go to fight Ram to gain victory. Amaavasya is favourable for demons but unfavourable for others. That’s why Ram finds it challenging to defeat Ravana.”
Exhausted, Ram receives a visit from Rishi Agastya, who imparts the wisdom of Aaditya Hridayam. Advising Ram to recite it three times with focused devotion, the rishi assures him of Ravana’s defeat. Ram diligently follows the guidance, leading to the conquest of Ravana, illustrating the triumph of righteousness over evil. This moment captures a blend of spiritual and astrological significance.
In the description of the battle, Rishi Valmiki mentioned, “Mars influences Vishakha from the north while in Pushya.”
Shree Ram finished his 14 years of exile on the ninth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Chaitra.
Following Ram’s request, Lakshman made Ravana’s brother Vibhishana the King of Lanka. Afterwards, Bhagwan Ram, Mata Sita, and Lakshman set out for Ayodhya to reunite with their family. This joyful reunion later became the celebration we now call Diwali.
In wrapping up our look at the Ramayana Route, we find more than just an old journey; it’s like a spiritual adventure. Walking this special path connects us with the places and the invisible powers that shaped the epic story. These places are witnesses to the triumph of right over wrong, no matter how mighty the wrong was.
So, whenever in life you feel like you need a helping hand and the situation doesn’t seem to improve, no matter how hard you try, you can always rely upon our expert astrologers to help you out.
