Ramakatha Book and Odisha Connection in Ramayana Circuit

Odisha has several sites linked with the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

However, these sites are unknown; even the famous ones are not included in the heritage map, route/trail, or circuit.

Let us take the Ramayana Circuit, for example.

Significantly, the Indian Government is taking steps to include all the sites related to the Ramayana. This welcome initiative will link and connect many devotees while helping forge cultural connections.

The Railway Ministry has introduced the "Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train."

प्रभु श्रीराम से जुड़े सभी महत्वपूर्ण धार्मिक स्थलों के दर्शन हेतु आज से भारतीय रेल चलाएगी रामायण सर्किट ट्रेन। जय श्री राम! pic.twitter.com/VWVE5Bms14
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) November 7, 2021

However, there is exclusion of some sites of Odisha like the Mahendragiri.

Great to find “Shri Ramayana Yatra- A Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train” @RailMinIndia.

But, there’s exclusion of Mahendragiri in the #RamayanCircuit.

Please include Odisha too.
Sites are linked with Ramayana #IncredibleIndia #dekhoapnadesh #VocalForLocal #AzadiKaAmritMahotsav https://t.co/pjlqxxTcGR pic.twitter.com/DIdf5Mbhsq
— Anita Sabat - ଡ. ଅନୀତା ସାବତ (@anitaexplorer) June 21, 2022

Many are unaware that, apart from Mahendragiri, there are other places in Odisha that also deserve inclusion in this train route.

However, the entire state of Odisha is excluded as can be seen from the following map sourced from X (Twitter)-

Some may argue that the sites of Odisha were never in the original Ramayana route and thus have been rightly excluded from the Ramayana Circuit.

Meanwhile, other states have been promoting the Ramayana Circuit very well-

The aesthetics are not circuited! It's time to pack your bags and straddle through the #RamayanCircuit. Take the route - #Ayodhya, #Bithoor (Kanpur), #BijethuaMahaviran (Sultanpur), #Chitrakoot, #Shringverpur (and others), #UttarPradesh, and dive deep into the religious sanctity. pic.twitter.com/g23qPXni1K
— UP Tourism (@uptourismgov) January 11, 2023

#बिहार की पावन धरा #रामायणकाल से सम्बंधित स्थलों से सुसज्जित है। यहाँ पुनौरा धाम, हलेश्वर स्थान, पंथ पाकड़, जानकी मंदिर,अहिल्या स्थान इत्यादि भगवान राम और माता सीता से जुड़ी घटनाओं की साक्षी है। एक अद्भुत आध्यात्मिक अनुभव के लिए बिहार अवश्य पधारें।#RamayanCircuit #Ramayan… pic.twitter.com/8ZMi3OWwIP
— Bihar Tourism (@TourismBiharGov) February 4, 2024

A well-researched and highly informative book about the Ramakatha connections in Odisha is now available.

The book, "Ramakatha in Odishan Art and Culture" has colour images and details about many arts, crafts, mathas, temples,traditions, and places, mountains, water-bodies, sites, monuments, dances, festivals etc. of Odisha that are directly linked with the Ramayana.

It is said- "Pictures speak more than a thousand words."

Colour images definitely express a lot more.

The authors have referred to many scholars' works and presented their fresh findings.

Notable is "Sitaghara, Sitabinji Danguapasi."

As per the authors, as stated in Page-94 of the book:

"It is believed that Devi Sita conceived Lava and Kusha in this shelter during her banishment. Such reference is also mentioned in the Uttarakanda of Ramayana. Since this shelter is related to fertility and fecundity, the local barren women worship beneath the rock shelter on every Thursday for getting a child."

The authors, "have found the presence and influence of Ramayana in many tangible and intangible heritages of the state." - Source- TOI

The book is written by authors- Dr. Byomkesh Tripathy, former vice chancellor of the Utkal University of Culture, and Dr. Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak, the Superintending Archaeologist of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Puri circle, Odisha State.

101 Shree Rama temples have been documented along with 54 Mathas.

The authors have also listed 63 important works on the Ramayana that were composed in Odisha.

Analysing the 2011 Census of the Govt of India, the authors have shared that-

"There are more than five hundred village names, approximately in Odisha, which are related to the personages and places as mentioned in the Ramayana."

It is a revelation as many of us have not even heard the names!

The authors have also informed that-

"It is to be noted that all the place names, similar to those places mentioned in the Ramayana, are not necessarily related to the events of the Ramayana."

The book has the following five chapters - based on different topics:

1. Ramakatha: Beginning and Development,

2. Ramakatha in Odishan Art,

3. Shree Rama Temples and Mathas of Odisha,

4. Ramakatha in Odishan Literary Tradition,

5. Ramakatha in Odishan Regional Tradition

The authors highlight literary and archaeology, art forms, architectural expressions, cultural connections, and regional traditions.

Name of book: Ramakatha in Odishan Art and Culture

Authors' Names: Dr. Byomkesh Tripathy & Dr. Dibishada Brajasundar Garnayak

Publisher: B.R. Publishing Corporation

Year of publication: 2024

Available online: IBP Books

This well-researched and informative book is a super representation and expression of such Ramayana-related cultural treasures of Odisha.

The younger generation must take interest. Valuable resources on cultural heritage and the timeless Ramayana must be made available and accessible.

An Odisha Ramayana special trail can and must be started covering all the sacred Ramayana spots and cultural traditions.

Linking the places, arts, etc., and ensuring inclusion in the maps can be great for promotion. People connect better when there are direct references, personal connections, and curated experiences.

Did you know about all these connections of Odisha with the Ramayana?

Please share in the comments below.

I am grateful to one of the authors, Dr. Garnayak for presenting me with a copy of this valuable book two weeks ago, on 14 October 2024, when I visited the ASI office for the first time.

In addition to Ramakatha, Dr. Garnayak has written a number of books about rock art, archaeology etc. like Rock Art India, Prehistoric Art in Odisha etc.