Ayodhya to Chithrakoot

Sri Ramachandra had His first halt at Chithrakoot during His exile to the forests from Ayodhya. Sage Valmiki described Chithrakoot as a very pious place because Sri Ramachandra,Mother Sitha, and His brother Lakshmana spent time on Chithrakoot Mountain.

In Srimad Ramayana, Sage Valmiki described mount Chithrakoot as…

subhagaha chithraku:tousow girira:ja girihi
Mount Chithrakoot is as beautiful as the Himalayas…

yasmin vasathi ka:kuthsaha kube:ra iva nandane:
because Sri Ramachandra spent time there as did Kubera in Nandanavam

It is said that the place where great souls spend time have the power to generate positive thoughts, energise noble aspirations, and bestow peace. The effect of their righteous deeds during their stays at these places spreads through every inch of the surrounding atmosphere. True seekers receive their grace simply by the virtue of being at the same place even after decades, centuries or even yugas.

– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Sri Kodandarama Chandra Temple Bhumi puja,
– Malkampet, 20^th August 2021

HH Sri ChinnaJeeyar Swamiji gave mangalasasanams, blessings, to the assembled devotees at Malkampet. Swamiji provided beautiful direction to the people for preparing themselves for the imminent arrival of Sri Ramachandra to their place. When the supreme power, God, in the form of a deity, archamurthi, is making Himself accessible – what do you want to do to prepare for Him, the greatest guest and yet, the closest ever-lasting companion you can ever have?

Self-Check: You are hosting the same supreme power in your own puja mandir -, are you taking good care of Him? Have you established the bond that you would like to with Him by speaking to Him as guided by your guru?

Swamiji appreciated the tremendous belief on God of one of the organising team members who said, “I simply want to build this Sri Ramachandra temple. How will it be done? I don’t know, I will do my part. It will be driven by God alone.” This is exactly the way that one must lead life as he/she carries out every responsibility.