Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.1335

c7.1335

JANASTHĀNA. This is a part of the forest Daṇḍaka, which lies in the basin of the Godāvarī. Śrī Rāma had lived in this forest with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa for a long time during the period of his forest-life. It was at this place that Śrī Rāma killed fourteen thousand Rākṣasas (giants) such as Khara, Dūṣaṇa, Triśiras and others. (M.B. Dākṣiṇātya Pāṭha, Sabhā Parva, Chapter 38). Mārica allured Sītā and Rāvaṇa kidnapped her in this place. (M.B. Vana Parva, Chapter 147). Śūrpaṇakhā tried to attract Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, and her nose etc, were cut off, in this forest. It was in this place that Śrī Rāma cut off the head of a Rākṣasa (demon) and threw it away. That head fell in the lap of a hermit called Mahodara. (M.B. Śalya Parva, Chapter 39). Janasthāna is regarded as a holy place. It is mentioned in Mahābhārata, Anuśāsana Parva, Chapter 25, Stanza 29, that those who stay in this place and take bath in the Godāvarī will acquire imperial prosperity.