Where is the Shabri Ashram and Kishkinda in Present-Day India?
Many believe that Shabari's Ashram, the place where Lord Rama met his devoted follower Shabari, is located in the Belagavi district of Karnataka, Ramdurg taluk. However, based on Valmiki Ramayana, the depiction of Shabari's Ashram and the location of Kishkinda require careful examination and rethinking. This article explores the possible locations of Shabari's Ashram and Kishkinda in present-day India, based on textual analysis and historical insights.
Shabari: Not a Tribal Woman?
Contrary to the popular belief that Shabari was a tribal woman, the Valmiki Ramayana mentions that she worshipped the disciples of Sage Matanga. Moreover, by the time Lord Rama met her, she was very old.
Location of Shabari's Ashram
The ashram of Shabari was located near Pampa Lake, as mentioned in the scriptures. It was also narrated to be in the vicinity of Rishyamuka mountain. Interestingly, Kishkinda is not far from Rishyamuka mountain, suggesting a possible connection between these two places.
Kishkinda's Location in Present-Day India
There exists significant debate over the exact location of Kishkinda in present-day India. Some scholars and devotees suggest that it might be in the state of Karnataka, particularly in the vicinity of modern-day Ramdurg. Others believe that it could be in South India near Parnasala at Bhadrachalam in Telangana.
Route of Lord Rama's Exile
Based on Valmiki Ramayana, it is evident that Lord Rama and Lakshmana crossed the River Godavari after Sita's abduction during the 14th year of their exile. From there, they reached Kishkindha, from where Rama and Sita's reunion with Hanuman commenced.
Geographical Insights
The Western Ghats, popularly known as the Sahyadri mountain range, covers an area of 62,000 square miles. This range extends from Gujarat to Tamil Nadu and passes through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu. This mountain range played a significant role in Lord Rama's journey from Kishkinda to Lanka.
Conceptualizing Kishkinda's Location
Considering the textual analysis and geographical insights, the popular notion that Kishkinda is in present-day Karnataka might need to be reconsidered. The narration of Lord Rama starting from Karnataka and moving towards the Sahyadri mountains in Maharashtra seems contradictory to the notion of proximity and contextual geography.
Vindhya Mountains and Sugriva's Orders
When sending troops to search for Sita, Sugriva ordered them to start from the Vindhya mountains, which are located in Madhya Pradesh. This introduces another dimension to understanding Kishkinda's location. It is plausible that Kishkinda could be in the area of present-day Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh, rather than Karnataka.
Tributaries of Godavari River
Valmiki Ramayana might have invoked the concept of the tributaries of the Godavari river, which originate in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, or Odisha. These rivers, including Wainganga, Indravati, and Shabari, could be referred to as Godavari by people of that era, possibly indicating the region of Kishkinda.
Panchavati and Possible Rivers
Given this interpretation, Panchavati might have existed along the banks of the Wainganga, Indravati, or Shabari rivers, which all originate in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, or Odisha and eventually merge into the Godavari river.
In conclusion, while the popular belief places Shabari's Ashram and Kishkinda in Karnataka, textual analysis and geographical insights suggest that these locations might be in Madhya Pradesh or Chhattisgarh.