This paper describes a lake in one of the forests through which the Hindu god Ram and his brother Laxman passed, during their search for Sita. A virtual picture of the forest and the lake (Pampa Sarovara) in it using the Valmiki Ramayana which is a religious biopic of Ram's life on earth is created. This lake is situated near the town of Hampi in Karnataka today, and the forest is a rich source of water to this day.
The paper provides a geographical location of the forest in which Pampa Sarovara lies. The hills between which the forest is situated are still called by the names mentioned in the Ramayana.
Different species of flora and fauna found in the forest are listed. The Ramayana also mentions another lake called the Matanga Saras, near the Matanga hill which also has a similar forest.
The mention of a river flowing eastwards in the Ramayana is understood to be the Tungabhadra river.
The references can be found in the 74th, 75th cantos of the Aranyakanda and also the 1st, 13th, 27th cantos of the Kiskindhakanda of the Ramayana.
This paper was presented at the National Seminar on Water and Culture organised by Kannada University and Sahayoga in 2007.
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