Discover Ramayana Vatika in Ayodhay associated to Lord Rama’s Life

Ramayana Vatika in Haldwani preserves the flora mentioned during Lord Rama’s exile. This unique garden, based on Valmiki Ramayana, showcases diverse plant species from the epic’s narrative, connecting people with environmental conservation through religious and cultural significance.

This garden preserves 140 species of plants mentioned in Valmiki Ramayan from the six forests where Lord Ram stayed during his 14 years of exile. These forests span present-day Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Sri Lanka.

The Valmiki Ramayan’s “Aranya-Kand” specifically details Lord Ram’s exile and his journey through these diverse forests. The garden showcases the flora mentioned in this section, providing a glimpse into the natural surroundings during Lord Ram’s

In Haldwani, the country’s first Ramayana Vatika has been established. This unique Ramayana Vatika is located on Ramapur Road within the Bio Diversity Park,.
It is created by the Uttarakhand Forest Department’s research committee. The Vatika spans an acre and is a testament to the plant species that were present during Lord Rama’s 14-year exile.
Ramayana Vatika showcases the diversity of plants that existed in the regions through which Lord Rama passed during his journey from Ayodhya to Lanka.
The six types of forests mentioned in the Ramayana—Tropical, Subtropical, Dry Deciduous, Dry Evergreen, Moist Deciduous, and Alpine—are represented in the Vatika.

Kovidara

In the Ramayana, the Kovidara (Bauhinia Variegata), a royal symbol of Raghukul, has been planted in the garden. This plant, mentioned in the “Ayodhya-Kand,” is associated with the consecration ritual of Ram Lalla on January 22 in Ayodhya.

The Kovidara is recognized as the royal symbol of Raghukul. it is part of royal flag of Ayodhya during Lord Rama’s time. In Chitrakoot, Ram’s younger brother Bharat was identified by the Kovidara symbol on his flag when he reached to meet Ram, and Lakshman recognized the army of Ayodhya by spotting Kovidara on the flag attached to Bharat’s chariot from a distance.

The different forests where Lord Rama stayed

Chitrakoot Forests

In the initial part of Lord Rama’s exile, sage Bharadwaja suggested he stay in Chitrakoot. The Chitrakoot forest mainly comprises tropical dry deciduous vegetation, including plants like mango, Neem, bamboo, Asna, Chironji, and amla. All these plants are preserved in this Vatika.

Dandakaranya:

After leaving Chitrakoot, Lord Rama spent time in Dandakaranya, an area covering parts of Bastar in Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Telangana. In this forest, he fought and defeated many demons, freeing the people from their tyranny. The Vatika preserves various plant species like Sal, Teak, Arjun, and Padal mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana.

Panchvati:

Panchvati, located in present-day Nasik district of Maharashtra, is where Sita was abducted by Ravana. Valmiki Ramayana describes the diverse flora of Panchvati, including Bel, Banyan, Amla, Ashoka, and Kapila. Ramayana Vatika features all these plants.

Kishkindha:

Kishkindha, in the Bellary district of Karnataka near the Andhra Pradesh border, is where Ram meets Hanuman and Sugriva. The Vatika showcases plants like Rakta Chandan, Sandalwood, Dhakal, and Jackfruit, found in the Bellary district of Karnataka.

Ashoka Vatika:

Ashoka Vatika, where Ravana kept Sita captive, is situated around the “Hakgala” botanical garden in Sri Lanka. The garden preserves the flora mentioned in Valmiki Ramayana, including Nagkesar, Champa, Maulshree, and Sita Ashoka.

Dronagiri:

When Lakshman was injured in battle, Hanuman went to Dronagiri mountain in Uttarakhand to find medicinal herbs. The garden contains species like Dronagiri Sanjivani, Sandhani, and Jeevanti, known for their healing properties.

Conclusion

The efforts aim to connect people with environmental conservation through the religious and cultural significance of the trees and plants mentioned in the Ramayana