Ayodhya Ramayan Yatra

Ayodhya Ramayan Yatra

Bhanu, whom I met during the Panchbadari Yatra, had often said that this was her most cherished yatra. Thanks to Bhanu for introducing me to it and to Brunda for helping me choose it over a weekend trip.

I decided to visit my daughter Gouri in Gorakhpur and join the yatra from there.

Sarayu and Sunrise

Vishal, our driver, and I left Gorakhpur at 6 a.m. on a beautiful foggy morning. Soon, Soorya Dev took full control of the sky. As we crossed the Sarayu several times, I lost myself in the divine duet of river and sunrise — until my aching neck and sleepy eyes protested.

After a short nap, my tummy reminded me of its existence. A bowl of pakoda and hot tea with Vishal made both tummy and soul happy. The expressway made the journey quick, and even Lucknow seemed calmer and gentler — perhaps because of the yatri mindset.

Hugs and Smiles

At the hotel, I met fellow yatris and soon received a warm hug from Usha madam. During introductions, hearing about everyone’s impressive yatra count, I jokingly proposed an additional discount based on seniority.

Bhaskar sir dismissed the proposal with a cheerful “Nexxxttt…” and continued. I still consider it only a temporary rejection. Agrani sir, what do you say?

During lunch, I discovered that my close friend’s close friends were among my co-yatris — and soon became my friends too. From then on, it was all smiles and laughter.

Naimisharanya: Whole”soul”

By afternoon we reached Naimisharanya. With no prior expectations, I arrived with an open mind and was instantly charmed by the cluster of temples.

Lalitha Shakti Peetha and the nearby Shivalinga seemed to whisper an eternal truth: beyond time and across time, They are always together.

While others went for a holy dip at Chakra Tirtha, I sat nearby. An elderly pandit tied a holy thread around my wrist with such affection and concentration that the moment became unexpectedly emotional. Childhood stories of God appearing in the form of an old Brahmin came flooding back. How beautiful and priceless imagination is.

Bhaskar sir’s narration on Manvantaras and various temples reminded us how tiny we are in this vast universe. From there, the journey became greener, cleaner, and more serene.

The darshan of Devaraja Perumal amidst ancient ruins left all of us speechless. Hanuman Gadhi, with Hanuman’s mesmerizing eyes, felt deeply personal. Though time was short, the final visit to Ahobilam Math left us fulfilled.

It was a wholehearted “Yes!” to Bhaskar sir’s question:

“Manasalayo?”

Chalo, Ayodhya!

Our journey towards Ayodhya began early. Though I missed the famous chats and tea at Yadav Sweets, excitement and roasted groundnuts kept us cheerful.

After visiting several sacred places along the way, we reached Goshark Tirth by evening.

A tired body, an eager heart, and a good dinner brought the day to a peaceful close.

Innastu Bekenna Hridayakke Rama

A few of us settled for prokshana while others braved the chilly Sarayu waters.

Soon came the moment we had all been waiting for.

Bhaskar sir arranged wheelchairs for the senior citizens, and the rest of us became their escorts. The wheelchairs moved so fast that we almost had to run behind them — to reach Him.

And there He was.

After decades of waiting and struggle, Karunasagara stood before us, blessing everyone.

Minutes felt like seconds.

All I could say was:

“Innastu bekenna hridayakke, Rama…”

Or in simple words:

“Ye dil maange more.”

The rest of the day was spent visiting beautiful temples across Ayodhya, each adding another shade of peace and devotion

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Divine World

Before dawn, we reached the temple and waited eagerly.

Exactly at 4:30 a.m., the curtain opened.

Aravinda Nayana. Mandasmita Vadana.

Radiant. Hypnotic. Beyond words.

Joined hands, closed eyes, flowing tears, and “Jai Shri Ram” echoing everywhere — it was truly a divine world of devotion.

Who would ever wish to leave?

Every tear carried gratitude for all those who made this experience possible.

As I walked away, looking back again and again, my heart had already submitted its humble prayer:

“Punar darshan prāptirastu.”

May I be blessed with this darshan again.

An unexpected Pattabhirama darshan made our joy complete.

Later, a small temple with Kausalya lovingly feeding little Rama a laddu reminded us of a simple truth:

A mother is always a mother — even if her child is Jagannath.

Prayagraj: The Holy Hug

Our journey continued through Shringverpur and eventually to Prayagraj.

After experiencing the famous Prayagraj traffic, the darshan at Veni Madhav Temple made everything worthwhile.

Then came Triveni Sangam.

Bold Ganga and graceful Yamuna rush towards each other in a joyful embrace, while gentle, hidden Saraswati joins them silently.

What a divine meeting!

As our boat sailed through the waters — with smiling boatmen, singing sailors, flying seagulls, and cool breezes — it felt like heaven itself.

Some yatris took the holy snana, some performed Veni Dana, and a few of us happily played cheerleaders.

Chitrakoot: A Place to Fall in Love With

The name itself felt sweet.

I instantly fell in love with Chitrakoot.

Small shops, peaceful faces, sparkling eyes of children, evening conversations on charpais, and animals moving about freely together.

Wasn’t this the life many of us secretly long for?

Gupta Godavari became one of the most cherished experiences of the yatra. Walking through knee-deep water, helping one another, and hearing the cave echo with Rama Nama created memories to treasure forever.

Visits to Sati Anasuya Ashram, Sphatika Shila, Bharat Milaap Temple, Kamadgiri, and Janaki Kund filled the days with serenity.

Ashrams, Aranya and Yatris

The final day brought an adventurous gift — jeep rides and a forest walk.

Though Bhaskar sir tried to distribute us comfortably, we preferred staying with friends. The bumpy journey became one filled with songs, teasing, and laughter.

Visits to Sharbhanga and Sutikshna Muni Ashrams, together with the presence of saints, Rama Nama, and the surrounding forests, offered a fleeting glimpse of Tapobhoomi.

Reaching Viradha Dahan Sthala after a rugged drive and forest walk felt like travelling back in time.

I managed to add a small adventure of my own — minimal bruises, maximum embarrassment, and a lost pair of sunglasses. Thankfully, a local “Shravan Kumar” helped us recover them, adding another happy entry to my lost-and-found stories.

The Final Evening

The last evening unfolded quietly on the banks of the Mandakini, with temple visits, aarti, optional boat rides, and peaceful walks.

Slowly and silently, we returned to the hotel.

Hmm…

Perhaps that says it all.

Silence carries far more than words, doesn’t it?

The Way Back

After a delicious breakfast, heartfelt thanks flowed towards the catering team, our driver, coordinators, Ritwik, and above all, Bhaskar sir, whose knowledge and narration left me awestruck.

As we travelled towards Prayagraj airport, memories rolled backward.

Temples, rivers, tirthas, ashrams, laughter, friendships, devotion, and countless blessings.

With a heart overflowing with gratitude, everything seemed to merge into one profound truth:

“Adi nee, Astitwa nee, Anthya nee… Rama Rama Rama…”

Thank you!!!

Pushpa Kittali