Rishimukha Parvatam: Sacred Site Where Lord Rama First Met Hanumanji

Rishimukha Parvatam – The Holy Meeting Place of Lord Rama and Hanumanji

Rishimukha Parvatam is the sacred site where Hanumanji first met Lord Rama and Lakshmana. For devotees undertaking the pilgrimage from Ayodhya to Lanka, this location marks one of the most significant stops, situated in the region of Kishkindha, near present-day Hampi, Karnataka.

During the period of exile, Sugriva sent Hanumanji to verify that Lord Rama and Lakshmana were not spies of his brother and rival, Bali. Hanuman carried the Lordships on his shoulders to Rishimukha Parvatam to meet Sugriva.

The capital city of Sugriva, Kishkindha, was nearby, in the fertile regions along the Tungabhadra River (then known as Pampa Saras). This area, rich in forests and hills, formed the legendary Vanara kingdom of Kishkindha.

Holy Sites Around Hampi

• Matanga Parvata: Location of Matanga Rishi’s Ashram and Sugriva’s refuge from Bali.

• Malyavanta Parvata: Where Lord Rama and Lakshmana stayed during the Chaturmas (rainy season).

• Anjane Parvata: Birthplace of Hanumanji, containing Anjani Mata’s cave.

• Rishimukha Parvata: Actual site of Kishkindha Nagar.

• Kodanda Rama Temple: Place where Lord Rama crowned Sugriva as King of Kishkindha.

• Yanthrodharaka Hanuman Temple: Where Lord Rama and Lakshmana first met Hanumanji.

• Chakratirtha: Sacred spot on the Tungabhadra River where many Ramayana characters, including Matanga Rishi and Shabari Mata, bathed.

• Sugriva’s Cave: Where Sugriva hid Sita Mata’s belongings during her abduction.

• Chintamani Ashram: Site from where Lord Rama fired the lethal arrow at Vali.

• Vali Kila and Pampasarovar: Locations associated with Vali’s kingdom and the sacred Pampa lake.

• Shabari Ashram: Where Shabari Mata awaited Lord Rama.
  
  
  

  
  
  

Divine Darshan at Hampi

The Kodanda Rama Temple, carved out of a single boulder on the banks of the Tungabhadra River, depicts Lord Rama crowned Sugriva, along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanumanji. Hanumanji is shown offering the Choodamani received from Mother Sita, in a kneeling posture, symbolizing devotion and humility.

The Yanthrodharaka Hanumanji Temple, established by Sri Vyasaraja, depicts Hanuman in a meditative state. Intricate carvings show twelve monkeys holding each other’s tails, representing the twelve days of prayers offered by the saint before receiving Lord Hanuman’s blessings. This is considered the first installation among 732 Hanuman temples by Sri Vyasaraja.

Pilgrimage Experience

A visit to Rishimukha Parvatam and surrounding sacred sites near Hampi offers a profound spiritual experience. Pilgrims can witness the serene flow of the Tungabhadra River, explore the divine mountains, and immerse themselves in the timeless pastimes of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and Sugriva.

May Lord Sita Rama always bless and guide the devotees who undertake this holy journey.