Recent discussions have sparked an age-old debate about Lord Rama’s legendary journey, particularly focusing on the timeline of his return from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya after defeating King Ravana. This event, celebrated as Dussehra, marks the start of a 21-day period leading up to Diwali when the people of Ayodhya welcomed their king back after 14 years of exile.

How Did Google Maps Become Involved?

A post on X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, featuring a screenshot from Google Maps. The post claims that walking from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya would take approximately 21 days, aligning with the timeline between these two major festivals.

The viral post reads, “They told me that it took Shree Ram ji 21 days to walk from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya. I then checked it in Google maps and I was just shocked to see it does take 21 days to get back.”

Is Google Maps Accurate in Showing 21 Days?

Upon checking the route ourselves, Google Maps actually displays 542 hours, which is over 22.5 days. The path involves multiple interruptions, such as ferry rides and crossing country borders.

Can the Journey Be Completed in 21 Days Today?

The short answer is: No, unless you have a Pushpak Viman! The viral tweet has stirred a mix of fascination and skepticism among users. While some are intrigued by the claim, others argue it’s an oversimplification of a mythological story.

Critics note that geographical and environmental changes over time make it challenging to use current mapping tools to replicate ancient routes. As seen in the screenshot, the path also involves several stops and challenges. Furthermore, walking over 3,100 km non-stop would be impossible without facing serious health risks.

The Pushpak Viman Theory

According to legends, Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman traveled to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Viman, a flying chariot created by Vishwakarma for Brahma. If this vehicle was used, the journey would have been much shorter than 21 days. Some believe that Diwali is celebrated when Lord Rama reached Ayodhya, so certain stops before arriving might align with the 21-day timeline.

Debating the Timeline

The viral post and the discussions that followed highlight an interesting conversation among devotees exploring the intersection of faith, mythology, and technology. This debate serves as a means to understand ancient stories rather than challenge anyone’s beliefs or the joy of celebrating Diwali.