mythology
The Ashoka Grove
Held captive in Lanka, Sita sat beneath an ashoka tree, refusing Ravana's demands for a year. Her unbreakable resolve in that grove remains one of the epic's greatest portraits of inner strength.
More in mythology
Ravana's Birthplace: A Village Near Noida
Bisrakh village in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of Ravana. Locals revere him as a scholar-king and do not burn his effigy on Dussehra, holding prayers instead.
Lanka: The Golden City
Ravana's Lanka was described in the Ramayana as a magnificent city of gold, guarded by the sea. Ancient texts place it at the island of present-day Sri Lanka, a kingdom of staggering wealth and architecture.
Ravana: The Scholar King
Beyond the villain of the epic, Ravana was a master of the Vedas, a veena virtuoso and a devoted worshipper of Shiva. He is credited with composing the Shiva Tandava Stotram, still chanted today.
Rama's 14-Year Exile
To honor his father's word, Prince Rama of Ayodhya gave up the throne and walked into the forest for 14 years. His calm acceptance of exile made him the timeless symbol of duty and honor.
Ayodhya: City of Rama
Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu river in Uttar Pradesh, is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama. The epic describes it as a city of gold-topped palaces that 'did not know sorrow'.
The Bow That Chose a King
King Janaka declared that only the man who could string the mighty divine bow of Shiva would marry Sita. Rama not only strung it — he snapped it in two, winning his bride and his legend.