These Destinations Have A Strong Connection With Lord Hanuman

Asia is one of the most culturally-rich regions, with stories, tales, temples and symbols dominating the history of the land. On the occasion of Dussehra, when good triumphs over evil, it is time to take a closer look at destinations that hold a special place in our mythology, due to their connection with the much-loved Lord Hanuman. Some of them will indeed take you by surprise!

Ayodhya

The holy land of Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram and the place where Ram is said to have performed the Ashwamedha Yagna, a holy ritual that proves a kings imperial sovereignty. However, it is also the place where Hanuman guarded the Ram Janmabhoomi. This sacred spot is referred to as the Hanuman Garhi.

Legend: A visit to this temple in Ayodhya will grant you all your wishes.

Chitrakoot

Chitrakoot was the place where Lord Ram spent most of his time in exile. This lush green, forested village lies approximately 130 km from Allahabad. 500 steps lead you to Hanuman Dhara, which provides a breathtaking view of the mountains and valley.

Legend: The cascading waterfalls are said to have been built by Lord Ram to aid Hanuman’s ascent up the hill.

Sri Lanka

sri-lanka

The lush green forests of Sri Lanka hold many secrets, most of which have a strong significance in Ramayan. These stories talk about the battle between Ravana and Hanuman’s monkey army, and the fight to free Sita from the clutch of Ravana in the beautiful Ashok Vatika. There are enough wonders to discover in these mountainous terrain and nature trails to keep you engaged throughout your trip.

Legend: It is believed that when Hanuman took a giant leap from India to Sri Lanka, he landed at a spot on solid stone that now has his footprint. Moreover, Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka are connected by the Ram Setu that is said to have been built by Hanuman’s army. This bridge is visible as a thin white line from space.

Malaysia

Rich in history, culture and tradition, Malaysia—the land of tea plantations, islands and exotic cuisine—holds significant importance in the Ramayana. There are footprints in Penang that prove a connection with the epic.

Legend: There is a footprint that is now kept protected inside a temple ground, and this footprint is believed to be of Hanuman’s, captured when he leapt onto the land while searching for medicinal herbs for Lakshman.

Thailand

In Thailand the Sanskrit epic is called “The Ramakein” which means “The Glory of Rama”. This book talks about the Ramayan from the context of Thailand, and refers to the capital as Ayutthaya instead of Ayodhya. The bustling cosmopolitan city of Bangkok, the present capital of Thailand, was a small trading post for Ayutthaya, located 40 km away.

Legend: There is a large footprint in Thailand that is believed to be that of Lord Hanuman’s.

Read More: 8 Secret Places in Thailand

Uttarakhand

uttarakhand

The search for the divine herb, Sanjivani Buti, to revive a wounded Lakshman, is what brought Hanuman to the Himalayas—especially the Dronagiri range.

Legend: This herb was the only way Laskhman could be revived after being seriously injured in war. Hanuman could not find the right herb, and brought back an entire mountain to Lakshman instead.

This beautiful journey across Asia is the best way to truly understand the true essence of the Ramayana and the glory of Lord Hanuman.

Protima Tiwary

An Army kid in pursuit of culinary nirvana, Protima Tiwary is a freelance travel writer by day and Dumbbells and Drama, a fitness blogger by night. High on love, life and sugar, she is mildly obsessed about cupcakes and to-do lists, and loves her long runs like a fat kid loves cake. While she fumbles towards fame as a writer, she believes living life with a little bit of flair and exaggeration makes things interesting.

#DussehraSpecial: Asian Destinations That Have a Strong Connection with Lord Hanuman