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Jodhaa
01 January 2013, 09:34 AM
Namaste!

If this is not the appropriate place for this thread I apologize. Please don't hesitate to move it;)

I am beginning an illustration project on the Ramayana and naturally want to do a good bit of research before diving in. The Ramayana itself offers a trove of fabulous place descriptions, but I want to be as true as possible to the depictions of India's geography around the time of the Ramayana.

I wanted to know if anyone could point me in the direction of books or websites that could help me. I have only found one book, "The Geography of the Ramayana" by R.K. Shukla, but I can't find any reviews or information on it to know how good it is. If anyone is familiar with this book I would appreciate your insight. :)

Also, if you know of any good visual guides to temples, native flora/fauna, clothing or weapons that would also be helpful.

Thank you!

Peace.

Equinox
01 January 2013, 11:53 AM
Vannakkam Jodhaa


For the places where Sita was held captive, I'd recommend you to have a look at the Seetha Eliya Amman Temple, as well as the Hakgala Botanical Gardens, both located in the ancient Ashok Vatika Gardens of the Ramayana. Sita was held captive by Ravana in this very gardens, and that was where she practically lived, under an Ashoka tree, as she refused to stay in Ravana's palace. Hanuman destroyed most of this place while searching for her later on.

The temple or "kovil" was dedicated to Sita, and is located beside the waterfall and stream where she used to have her daily bath, known as the Sita Jharna. The most interesting relic(evidence) is Hanuman's footprint left behind on a stone by the waterfall. You can try Googling the images. His footprint is located right beside the temple.

Kondakalai is another interesting place, where Ravana took Sita on his chariot on the way to Ashok Vatika. Sita's hair became deranged, hence the name in Tamil. Grains of rice from the rice balls Sita threw on the way can still be found along the chariot track. Radiocarbon dating tests carried out on these grains supposedly prove them to be 5000 years old. I don't know how true this is, but you can read about it.

All of them are beautiful places I must say.



These websites would be most helpful:

http://tourslanka.com/sri-lanka-map/ramayana-sites.html

http://zeenews.india.com/Zee-Exclusive/2007-11-07/406053news.html


Among others:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seetha_Amman_Temple

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashok_Vatika



You can try Googling for more. Hope I've helped you a little with the Lankan part. :)

All the best with the project!




Aum Namah Shivaya

Omkara
01 January 2013, 12:04 PM
http://ancientvoice.wdfiles.com/local--files/images/EpicIndiaCities.jpg

Viraja
01 January 2013, 12:06 PM
If I am right, Rama first goes to 'Chitrakoot' mountains upon his banishment, is that correct?

Also, from there, upon Sita's disappearence, he moves on to Rishyamuka Mountain...and settles with Sugriva (is it in Kishkinda?). There are a trail of places that Rama is said to have rested on while his travel. And so also during his return trip back to Ayodhya later on...

Anirudh
01 January 2013, 12:12 PM
Namaste Omkara,

That picture link was amazing, i instantly stored it n my HD

Jodhaa
01 January 2013, 12:41 PM
Thank you all for your replies so far. I appreciate it! :D

Believer
02 January 2013, 12:19 AM
Namaste,

Don't know if this is of any help, but here is a link to some of the maps/journey route websites.

https://www.google.com/search?q=rama+journey+map&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a

Pranam.

dhyandev
02 January 2013, 03:51 AM
http://serveveda.org/blog/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/visited-Place-by-rama.jpg
http://serveveda.org/?p=87