Ram Moves to Panchvati

Sri Ram, Lakshman and Sita decide to have their hermitage in Panchvati, within the Dandaka Forest, as advised by Agastya muni. They walk through the forest of Madhuka trees, and proceed towards the banyan trees, up the plateau, till they reach the region of evergreen woodlands and perennial blossoms—Panchvati.The spectacle of five imposing banyan trees (Panchvati) standing tall and rooted beside each other, was a magnificent sight and considered auspicious. With splendid aerial roots and wide canopies, the tree features analogically in the scriptures as the tree of life. It is under this tree that sages choose to sit in contemplation, rocketing themselves into the highest spiritual realms.Abounding in roots and fruits with rich and diverse flora and fauna, the place is situated on the banks of the river Godavari. It has an exceptionally holy and enchanting ambience. Sri Ram wants his hermitage in a place where they can enjoy both, the tranquillity of water and the wild charm of the forest. While searching for such a place, Lakshman finds a beautiful lake full of fragrant lotuses, hemmed by trees that ache with aromatic blossoms. The place is flocked by graceful swans, karandava birds, caravaka birds, and herds of deer..The majestic mountain ranges that encircle the woods with caves and trees resemble elephants decorated with exquisite, coloured streaks, with golden, silvery and coppery specks. The sylvan slopes are graced by trees like sal, palmyra, ashok, mango, date, jackfruit, champak, sandalwood, sami and many more, interlaced with climbers and creepers bearing exotic blossoms.Sri Ram is extremely pleased with Lakshman’s choice. Lakshman immediately sets out to put up a hermitage for his brother. He fashions an outstanding abode in the form of an extensive hut. The walls are made of mud, and the roof is made of long bamboo sticks, thatched with boughs of the sami tree, fastened with strong cords, and covered with reeds, blades of kusha grass and flowers of kasa.Lakshman’s devotion to his elder brother is such that he can execute Ram’s idea to perfection with minimal instructions. Such is his tuning with Ram. It is said that Sita cherished her stay here more than anywhere else in the course of their exile.

Ram Moves to Panchvati

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