When Shri Ram fulfilled his mission of killing Ravan and re-establishing Dharma in the three worlds, it was time for him to return back to Ayodhya to start a new life as the King of Ayodhya. Returning in the Pushpak Viman, along with his entire retinue, Shri Ram and Mata Sita visit the places of near and dear ones as part of the promises before reaching Ayodhya. These places even today give the divine feeling of the presence of Shri Ram and Mata Sita.
Gandhamadhan Mountain
Firstly, as per the promise and advice of his mentor Rishi Agastya, Shri Ram halted at Gandhamadhan Mountain to absolve his sin of Brahmahatya because of slaying Ravan. Shri Ram worshipped Bhagwan Shiv in the form of a Shiv Ling prepared by Mata Sita. Even today, this temple has inscriptions mentioning the same and is considered a sacred pilgrimage spot.
Kishkinda – Hampi
The reunion of Shri Ram and Mata Sita was an ever-lasting joy for both of them. With great happiness, Shri Ram shows all the places where he had halted and looked for Mata Sita during her quest. On seeing Kishkinda, Mata Sita requests Shri Ram to stop and take along all the royal ladies of Kishkinda back to Ayodhya for his coronation, to which Shri Ram duly and happily consents.
Kanchangiri
On the way back from Kishkinda, Hanuman shows his birth place to Shri Ram at Kanchangiri (Anjanadri). Shri Ram expresses a desire to pay respects to Mata Anjana, mother of Hanuman at the place and halts there. Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Lakshman along with Hanuman duly accept the hospitality of Mata Anjana and seek her blessings before they proceed to Ayodhya.
Panchavati – Chitrakut
It is believed that Shri Ram and Mata Sita slowed down at Panchavati near Rishi Agastya’s ashram to pay their respects to the great sage. However, as Shri Ram had to rush to Ayodhya to fulfil the promise given to Bharat, lest he takes his life, he does not halt, but only requests the Puskpak to slow down in the air, and the Rishi blesses them from his ashram itself. From Panchavati, Shri Ram proceeded directly to Chitrakut to take the blessings of all the Rishis he served during his stay in Chitrakut.
Prayag – Rishi Bhardwaj Ashram
Shri Ram, Mata Sita and Lakshman re visit Rishi Bhardwaj on the successful completion of their exile. Shri Ram sends Hanuman from this place to Nandigram to inform Bharat about his return. Shri Ram spends some time with Rishi Bhardwaj and also offers prayers at holy Prayagraj.
Sringaverpur
After taking the blessings of Rishi Bhardwaj, Shri Ram proceeds to Shrinagaverpur to fulfil his promise given to his childhood friend Nishad Raj Guh. Mata Sita offers her prayers to River Ganga at
this place and seeks her blessings. From there, all the retinue moves and reaches Nandigram and are welcomed heartily by Bharat and the people of Ayodhya.
After being successful in his great mission of killing Ravan and upholding his righteousness in fulfilling his father’s promise, all were waiting earnestly for Shri Ram to return back for his coronation. But, Shri Ram makes a difference by first giving priority in fulfilling the little wishes of his friends and devotees and making them happy by his re visit. This simple, yet beautiful gesture is what made him dear to all and till date his footsteps in each place are considered the most dear and sacred in all times.