Rama's journey so far
From Ayodhya, the sage Vishvamitra leads the young Rama and Lakshmana east along the Sarayu and the Ganga, telling the story of each place they pass, then north towards King Janaka's city of Mithila.
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Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh
Dasharatha's capital, where the princes are born and where Vishvamitra comes to ask for Rama.
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near Ballia, Uttar Pradesh
The hermitage where Kama, the god of desire, was burned by Shiva. The brothers spend a night here.
See Issue 2, page 4
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the Buxar region, Bihar
Once the rich lands of Malada and Karusha, laid waste by the yakshi Tataka until Rama strikes her down.
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traditionally Buxar, Bihar
Vishvamitra's hermitage. Rama receives the divine weapons and guards the rite against Maricha and Subahu.
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where the Son meets the Ganga, near Patna
Night camp, with the story of King Kushanabha's hundred daughters and Vishvamitra's own family.
See Issue 2, page 17
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near Patna, Bihar
On the river bank Vishvamitra tells how Bhagiratha brought the Ganga down from heaven.
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Vaishali, Bihar
The city of King Sumati, linked to the churning of the ocean.
See Issue 2, page 21
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traditionally Ahalya Asthan, near Darbhanga, Bihar
Where Ahalya, unseen for years under Gautama's curse, is freed when Rama arrives.
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Janakpur, Nepal
King Janaka's city, and the great bow. Coming next.
Places are marked where they are traditionally identified today; Valmiki gives no map, and scholars differ. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors.