Know About Mahendra Parvat of Ramayana

 

This sequel in the "Geography of Ramayana" series is a thorough discussion that relates to the location of the take-off point Mt Mahendra, for Bhagwan Hanuman for his leap towards Lanka. Hereunder is a summary of the main arguments brought forth and evidence gathered from the Ramayana:

Evaluation of the Location of Mt Mahendra

Central arguments from Tamil Nadu's Mahendragiri:

Linear Passage Description:

Sugreeva says that the Mt. Mahendra lies southernmost of India.
The story starts from Vindhyas and Godavari and crosses Andhra, Chola, Pandya, and Kerala borders into southernmost India.

Geological Evidence


Agasthyamalai, associated with Sage Agastya is near the Tamraparni River in Tamil Nadu. It supports the Ramayana when it speaks about Agastya's house near Mt. Mahendra.
Tamraparni River originates in Agasthyamalai. Thus, it has first-hand contact with the tales
It is near to the Ocean:
Mahendragiri in Tamil Nadu is next to the southern end of India by the ocean, by which Hanuman crossed over to Lanka.

Distance to Lanka:

The "100 Yojanas" (~800 miles) distance is closer to the Mahendragiri of Tamil Nadu than that of Odisha's Mahendragiri when looking at the location of Lanka being on the southern side of India

Barriers to Mahendragiri in Odisha:

Eastern Position: 

Odisha is positioned in the eastern direction of India and doesn't fall under the southerly course said to be followed by Ramayana.
Distance from Agasthyamalai and Tamraparni:
Odisha's Mahendragiri lacks proximity to Agastya's station and Tamraparni River, which makes it a weaker contender.

Conclusion:

The Tamil Nadu Mahendragiri close to Agasthyamalai is the strongest contender for Mt. Mahendra, on the grounds of
Sugreeva's elaborate sequential descriptions
Connection to Agasthyamalai and Tamraparni its southernmost position matches Lanka's position

Significance

Finding Mt. Mahendra helps not only in knowing better about Ramayana geography but also acts as a critique