Dandak

Dandak is a forest in India spread over an area between the Vindhya mountains and the river Godavari. Most of the area of the forest lies in the modern state of Madhaya Pradesh.

The forest derives its name after Dand, a son of Ikshvaku, whose kingdom was destroyed by a curse of Shukracharya. The area destroyed later became a forest. As per Indian mythologies, the forest of Dandak had been rendered unfit for life in any form whatsoever under the curse. The divine presence of Sri Ram, during his exile, however, removed the curse and restored the forest to its original charm.

Ram, Sita, and Lakshman spent about twelve years in this forest during their exile, after which Sita was abducted by Ravan, the king of Lanka.