Google Maps 'Shows' Lord Rama Could've Completed Sri Lanka-Ayodhya Journey In 21 Days. Here's Why You Might Not Be Able To Do The Same
Unless you have the God-like ability to walk non-stop for over 3,100 km, or have a Pushpak Viman stowed away somewhere, chances are you'll never be able to achieve what Lord Rama did.
Did Lord Rama really walk from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya in 21 days? Recent discussions have reignited an age-old debate surrounding the legendary journey of Lord Rama, particularly regarding the timeline of his return from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya after vanquishing King Ravana. The conquering event, celebrated as Dussehra, is said to mark the beginning of a 21-day period leading up to Diwali, when the people of Ayodhya welcomed their king back from 14 years of exile.
How Did Google Maps Get Into The Picture?
A post circulating on the X (formerly Twitter) has gone viral, featuring a screenshot from Google Maps.
The post claims that travelling on foot from Sri Lanka to Ayodhya would take approximately 21 days, intriguingly corresponding with the timeline between these two significant festivals.
Why is Diwali celebrated 21 days after Dussehra.
— Mukul Dekhane (@dekhane_mukul) October 12, 2024
They told me that it took Shree Ram ji 21 days to walk from Srilanka to Ayodhya.
I then checked it in Google maps and I was just shocked to see it does take 21 days to get back.
So Shree Ram ji did exist and he knew the… pic.twitter.com/d2uedGp2d6
Does Google Maps Truly Show 21 Days?
It seems Google Maps is not exactly showing 21 days as a walking/hiking travel time. When we checked the same route, it shows 542 hours on Maps, which is a little over 22.5 days.
Of course, as you can see above, the walking route involves several breaks, including a ferry as well as a cross-country border.
Will You Be Able To Complete The Same Journey In 21 Days?
The simple answer would be: No, unless you have a Pushpak Viman!
The viral tweet has sparked a mix of amazement and scepticism among users. While some are captivated by the claim, others criticise the oversimplification of a divine narrative.
Critics emphasise that geographical changes over time make it problematic to use contemporary mapping tools to trace ancient routes (as we can see in our Google Maps screenshot as well).
Of course, this would also mean that you'll have to walk non-stop. While Lord Rama with his Godly abilities could have made the journey, chances are you will face a severe health crisis if you walk over 3,100 km without a single stop.
This is incorrect. He stayed at Lanka to make Vibhishan the king, get Sita back and make her ready. They used Pushpak Viman. Also no one can walk for 21days non stop.
— Hawk-Eye (@eye_conquest) October 12, 2024
Of course, legends also claim that Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman flew to Ayodhya on the Pushpak Viman. Unless the flying chariot, crafted by Vishwakarma for Brahma, travels at a slow speed, the journey must have been much shorter. Of course, we should remember here that Diwali is celebrated when Lord Rama reached Ayodhya, so certain pitstops before that could have been possible if you count the 21-day concept.
Whoa!!
— Siddharth Chhaya - સિદ્ધાર્થ છાયા 🇮🇳 (@siddtalks) October 12, 2024
There is also a theory that Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman went to Ayodhya through Pushpak Viman. But this seems more logical, because the must have reached Ayodhya in no time via Pushpak and thus Diwali would have been celebrated much earlier.
Great research sir!
The viral post, and the ensuing social media debates, should only be considered a healthy discussion among faithful to explore the intersection of mythology, faith, and modern technology in understanding epic narratives. This should not mar anyone's happiness or faith in celebrating the festival of lights, Diwali!
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