Swapnil's Discovery of Bastar : Part - 2 : Shri Ram Vanvas and Bastar


Shree Raja Ram's Visit to Bastar: A Sacred Journey During Vanvas

In Indian culture and faith, Lord Shri Rama's period of Vanvas holds immense significance. It is believed that during his 14 years of exile, Shree Rama, along with Mata Sita and brother Lakshman, traveled through the dense forests of Dandakaranya, a large part of which falls in the present-day state of Chhattisgarh and especially the Bastar region. According to various researches and beliefs, this period of exile could be between 5000 BCE and 7000 BCE. Meanwhile, according to researcher Nilesh Oak, Sri Rama's exile began around 12,240 BCE.

According to popular beliefs and ancient tales, Shri Ram stayed in Bastar during his Vanvas. During this time, the king of the region accorded him a grand welcome, and arrangements for dance and feasting were also made. Mata Sita was adorned with attire according to the local customs, which indicates her connection with this region. Since Lord Rama had accepted the command of exile and did not enter cities or villages, the probability of him passing through the dense forest areas of Bastar becomes even stronger.

There are several places in Chhattisgarh that are believed to have been visited by Raja Ram and Mother Sita. Many locations along the Indravati River are also associated with Shri Rama's stay. In this context, it is also believed that a river in Bastar was named Shabari River after Mother Shabari, which further reinforces the Ramayana-era importance of this region. Additionally, at famous places like Teerathgarh Waterfall and Chitrakote Waterfall, the footprints of Lord Rama or the possibilities of his stay are expressed.

Ramaram village, located approximately 8 kilometers from the Sukma district headquarters, is also such an important site, where the mark of Raja Shri Ram is believed to exist, and it is also part of the Ram Van Gaman path (Lord Rama's Forest Journey Tourist Circuit). After entering Chhattisgarh from North India, Raja Rama proceeded towards South India, which is why Chhattisgarh is also called Dakshinapath. The proximity of Ramaram to the Shabari River is also considered evidence that Lord Rama must have chosen Bastar as his route for forest travel. The most significant point is that Bastar was the region of Nal, a prominent companion of Vanarraj Sugriva, which further strengthens the Ramayana-era connection of this region.

It is also speculated that Lord Sri Ram's Panchvati ashram might have been near the confluence of the Indravati and Godavari rivers, as per the Ramayana, Rama traveled through Chhattisgarh. The reasoning behind this argument is that if Panchvati were near Nashik, Shri Ram would have had to cross the Narmada River and then the Satpura mountain range, which is not clearly described anywhere in the Valmiki Ramayan. Even Valmiki Ramayan does not describe Rama crossing the Narmada. Their footprints and associated memories are still present at these sacred sites, connecting Bastar with Ramayana-era history.

Bhadrachalam, located a few kilometers from the confluence of the Shabari River and the Godavari, could also be a suitable alternative to the place called Panchavati. Some scholars and analysts also insist that the original Panchavati was located near Bhadrachalam, which matches the direction and events described in the Ramayana. According to local beliefs, Parnasala was the place from where Ravana abducted Sita.

Thus, Bastar is known not only for its unique tribal culture and natural beauty but also as a sacred stop associated with Lord Shri Rama's period of exile, which enhances the spiritual and historical significance of this region.

Article By : Swapnil Tiwari 

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