What Is The Connection Of These 3 Temples At Ramadevara Betta With Lord Ram?

Lord Ram is a central figure in the epic Ramayana, symbolising virtue and righteousness. The recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Ayodhya on Monday shows devotion and cultural significance rooted in the ancient Indian epic.

The Ramayana profoundly influences lives, culture, and tradition, with virtually every corner of India boasting at least one story connected to this epic. One such place is Ramnagar in Karnataka.

Approximately 50 km from the city of Bengaluru, a sacred hill called Ramanagar Hill is located, also known as Ramadevara Betta, meaning the Hill of Lord Rama.

Connection with Lord Ram:

According to one story, it is believed that Sugreeva, the monkey king, installed the idol of Shri Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman here after defeating the demon Sukhasura while returning to Kishkinda. This event followed the triumph over Ravana when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya, and grand celebrations ensued. Sugreeva, aiming to immortalize the moment, crafted the idol. During the journey back to his kingdom, Kishkinda, he encountered a demon, Sukhasura.

Forced to place the idol on the ground during the fierce battle, Sugreeva heard an 'akashwani' (announcement from the sky) telling him that Lord Rama wished to stay there. Sugreeva obeyed, establishing the idol at the site, forever naming it Ramanagara, the hills Ramadevara Betta, and Lord Rama as Lord Pattabhirama.

Another story suggests that Lord Rama and Ma Sita rested at this place during their exile. While Lord Ram was in deep sleep, Kakasura, the crow king, attacked Sita. Sita endured the pain silently not to disturb Lord Rama. However, a drop of her blood fell on him. Furious at Sita's wound, Lord Ram crafted an arrow from 'darbha' grass and shot Kakasura.

Kakasura sought help from Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva, who advised him to seek forgiveness from Lord Rama. Kakasura returned and apologized. Nevertheless, Lord Ram asked the crow to sacrifice a part of his body to the arrow. Kakasura sacrificed his left eye, and locals believe that no crows in the region can see from their left eye since then.

How to Reach Pattabhirama Temple:

The path leading to the top is surrounded by abundant greenery, natural granite rocks, and boulders, featuring figures of Lord Hanuman at the trail's beginning.

Halfway to the top, there are temples of Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman, but the main temple, Lord Pattabhirama temple, stands at the summit.

The ascent comprises 385 well-laid steps with railings on both sides, posing a veritable test for our cardiac health. To the left is a small Ganesha shrine, and to the right is a rock-cut figure of Hanuman.

Ramadevara Betta is the home of three temples: Pattabhirama is the main temple, while Rameshwara Swamy and Kote Anjaneya are two subsidiary shrines.

Other Two Shrines:

Rama Thirtha and the two shrines of Pattabhirama and Rameshwara Swamy lie in a triangular formation to each other, at varied elevations.

From Rameshwara Swamy, one can see the whole of Ramanagara town and its neighborhood. Descending about 200 steps or approximately 300 meters from the Pattabhirama temple, one can find a 700-year-old Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple amid rocks and a wooded area.