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vanavsa

Vanavasa (Sanskrit: वनवास, vanavāsa) is a term in Hindu literature describing exile or residence in the forest, typically undertaken as punishment or for spiritual practice. The word combines vana 'forest' and vasa 'dwelling'.

In the Ramayana, Prince Rama is banished from his kingly life for fourteen years and, with Sita

Vanavasa has influenced art, theatre, and devotional poetry and is discussed in philosophical terms about renunciation,

In modern usage, vanavasa is sometimes used metaphorically to describe periods of austerity, withdrawal, or retreat

and
Lakshmana,
lives
in
the
forest
in
distant
regions
such
as
Dandakaranya.
In
the
Mahabharata,
the
Pandavas
undergo
a
twelve-year
vanavasa,
including
a
final
year
in
disguise,
before
their
eventual
restoration
of
rights.
The
forest
setting
in
these
epics
serves
as
a
test
of
virtue,
endurance,
and
adherence
to
dharma.
duty,
and
ascetic
practice.
The
episodes
associated
with
vanavasa
are
central
to
the
portrayal
of
moral
and
spiritual
ideals
in
classical
literature
and
have
shaped
how
forest
life
is
depicted
in
religious
narratives.
from
public
life.
The
concept
remains
a
reference
point
in
discussions
of
dharma,
renunciation,
and
the
role
of
forest
life
in
Hindu
thought,
and
it
continues
to
appear
in
contemporary
retellings
and
media
inspired
by
the
epics.