The Mysterious Return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya: A Journey Through Legends and Theories

On November 11, 2023, Lord Shri Ram along with Mata Janaki, Lord Laxman, Hanumanji, Angadji, Sugrivji, and Vibhisanji were seen returning to Ayodhya, celebrating the homecoming festival of Lord Rama with great solemnity. This event is commemorated in Hindu culture as Diwali, when Lord Rama, along with Sita and Laxman, returned to Ayodhya after a 14-year exile and victorious battle against King Ravana in Lanka.

Mythological Accounts and Theories

As per the sacred texts of Valmiki Ramayana, one of the most celebrated epics in Hinduism, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya using the mystical Pushpaka Vimanam, an aircraft shaped like a lotus. This divine vehicle enabled Rama to cover the vast distance swiftly, bringing an end to a prolonged period of exile and warfare. However, the exact means of transport and the means of travel have long been a subject of debate among scholars and enthusiasts.

Traveling from Lanka to Ayodhya

The journey from Lanka (Sri Lanka) to Ayodhya spans nearly 3,000 kilometers. Myths suggest that it took Lord Rama and his companions just 18-20 days to travel this distance. This feat has inspired numerous theories and debates, both among devotees and skeptics. Some theories propose that they used mythical devices, while others suggest human effort, including the use of horses, walking, or changing horses along the way.

Theories and Supporting Opinions

Google Maps Distance Calculation: A user named Gunjan Gupta, using Google Maps, estimated the distance and time required. According to his calculations, it would take approximately 130 kilometers per day to cover 2,618 kilometers in just 20 days, which is possible if they had well-equipped horses and harnessed the help of friendly kingdoms along the way.

Atheist Perspective: Ashish Tiwari, who identified as an atheist, argued that it was possible to walk the entire distance without rest, considering the stamina required. He estimated that walking the distance would take about 514 hours, or roughly 20 days, if Rama had walked continuously.

Religious and Scientific Perspective: Mani Duraisamy, who believes that religion and science can coexist, suggested that the journey could have taken 1 year and 18 days. He supported his view by dividing the 14-year exile period, stating that the war with Ravana and the subsequent search for Sita likely took up about 2.5 to 3 years, leaving about one year of the exile remaining. He also noted that the festival Diwali is celebrated in a gap of 8-11 days, making it a feasible timeline for the return journey.

@Narendra Kohli's Novel "Sangharsh ki": For a more detailed account of Rama's return journey, one can read Narendra Kohli's novel "Sangharsh ki." This novel provides a vivid depiction of Rama's travels through Dandakaranya with Sita and Laxman, adding depth to the narrative of their journey.

The Role of Vibhishan

After the victorious battle in Lanka, Vibhishan, Ravana's brother, was crowned king in his brother's absence. He offered Rama the mythical aircraft, the Pushpaka Vimanam, which Rama accepted to ensure a quick return to Ayodhya and save Bharat, Rama's younger brother, who had vowed to end his life if his brother did not return on time.

Conclusion

The journey of Lord Rama from Lanka back to Ayodhya remains a subject of fascination and debate. While the entire episode is narrated in the ancient texts, the logistics and means of travel have continued to intrigue and inspire scholars, artists, and enthusiasts. Whether it was through the mystical Pushpaka Vimanam, the prowess of well-paced horses, or a combination of both, the legend of Lord Rama's return journey is a testament to the human spirit and the power of belief.