स्थान

Cities and palaces

Ayodhyā, Laṅkā, Mithilā and the places Vālmīki describes.

• अयोध्या

  Ayodhyā

  Ayodhyā is the capital of the Ikṣvāku kings of Kosala, on the Sarayū. Vālmīki says Manu built it, and describes a long, orderly city with watered royal highways, gateways, a broad wall and deep moats. Rāma is born here, leaves it for exile with its citizens running after his chariot, and comes back fourteen years later as king.

• लङ्का

  Laṅkā

  Laṅkā is Rāvaṇa's capital, on the peak of Mount Trikūṭa. Vālmīki shows it through Hanumān's eyes: a golden boundary wall, moats of lotuses, streets hung with flags, music at night and Vedic recitation in the houses. It is wealthy, fortified and orderly. Hanumān enters it by stealth, Rāma's army later takes position at its gates, and Vibhīṣaṇa is consecrated its king.

• पुष्पकम्

  The Puṣpaka

  The Puṣpaka has no site on any map: it is a flying vimāna, not a place. It belongs with the cities and palaces because Hanumān finds it in Rāvaṇa's palace, and Vālmīki describes it adorned with gold and gems. It was made for Brahmā, obtained by Kubera and taken by Rāvaṇa. After the war Vibhīṣaṇa offers it to Rāma, and it carries him home towards Ayodhyā.

• अशोकवनिका

  The Aśoka grove

  The Aśoka grove is Rāvaṇa's pleasure garden in Laṅkā, and the place where he keeps Sītā. Hanumān hides in a golden śiṃśapā tree there and finds her thin from fasting, in one soiled yellow cloth, among rākṣasī guards. Rāvaṇa has given her two months to accept him or be killed. The grove matters for what Sītā does in it. She puts a blade of grass between herself and Rāvaṇa, and she will not let Hanumān carry her away.

• किष्किन्धा

  Kiṣkindhā

  Kiṣkindhā is the vānara capital, a vast cave city adorned with jewels. Vālmīki describes gem-set, multi-storeyed mansions along its streets and orchards that flower and fruit in every season. Rāma comes to this country grieving for Sītā, wins Sugrīva the throne, and waits out the rains nearby. From the city the search for Sītā goes out to the east, south, west and north.

• मिथिला

  Mithilā

  Mithilā is the city of Janaka, king of Videha. Viśvāmitra brings the young Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa here for Janaka's sacrifice and to see Śiva's bow. Janaka has set valour as the price of his daughter Sītā's hand, and no king has been able to lift the bow. Rāma strings it, and it breaks as he draws it. Four weddings follow.