When ‘’Ayodhya’’ comes to mind, then it is not only a name of the city but a place that goes back thousands of years as per Hindu holy scriptures, as it is the birth place of Lord ‘’Sri Ram”. If we go by the timeline, Lord Vishnu incarnated in the form of Lord Ram in Treta Yuga, which is approximately ten thousand years ago. Just imagine how ancient this city is.
Location-wise, Ayodhya is a city in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The city is located on the banks of the Saryu River and is known for its cultural heritage and temples. It is also a major pilgrimage destination. People come to this place from all parts of India and even around the globe with deep faith and devotion.
Chronicle of Ayodhya
There is no specific date of the establishment of the city but as per Hindu scriptures and Puranas, it is equally old as humanity, as it is said to have been made by God itself. In earlier times, it was the capital of the Kosala Kingdom and one of the largest cities in the Indian subcontinent. It was ruled by several kings and dynasties and the major one was the Ikshvaku dynasty, to which Lord Ram belongs, and they are said to be the first rulers of Ayodhya.
Thousands of years later, it was ruled by the Gupta and the Mauryan Empire in the mediaeval period; the city was ruled by the Mughals and then the Nawabs of Avadh, the British East India Company subsequently.
Places to visit
There are many places to visit in Ayodhya, obviously the Lord Ram Temple being the most prominent one. This blog will provide information about the places you can visit during your Ayodhya trip or pilgrimage.
1. Ram Janmbhoomi/Sri Ram Temple
This is the site where Lord Ram is said to have been born. A temple stood there formerly, but the Mughals demolished it. Now, following a protracted legal struggle spanning over many years, a grand and imposing temple has been constructed for Lord Sri Ram. Thousands of worshippers have visited the temple daily since its opening day in order to get a sight of the Ram Lalla deity, which is kept in the sanctum sanctorum.
The whole Lord Sri Ram temple was constructed using only stone, marble, and wood, not cement, according to the principles of traditional architecture. The temple is said to have been resilient for the ensuing millennia.
2. Hanuman Garhi
It is stated that Lord Hanuman always accompanies Lord Ram. In Hindi, “Garhi” refers to a hill or mountain. Hanuman Garhi is the name of the temple, which is devoted to Lord Hanuman and is located on a hill. It is said that Ayodhya is shielded from this location by Lord Hanuman. The temple has the statue of Lord Hanuman’s mother, Anjani Mata, as well as a smaller version of Hanuman. The location is very picturesque because of the lush green vegetation surrounding it, especially during the winter and monsoon seasons.
3. Kanak Bhawan
“Kanak Bhavan” refers to a gold-plated home. Additionally, Lord Sri Ram and Mata Sita, the latter’s wife, are honoured at this shrine. According to legend, Mata Sita and Lord Sri Ram received this temple or palace as a gift from Queen Kaikeyi, the wife of King Dashrath. When Goddess Sita was in Ayodhya, it is reported that she spent the bulk of her time here. Beautiful sculptures inlaid in the pillars and wall carvings adorn the exquisitely constructed temple. The blessings of the goddess Sita and Lord Sri Rama are said to provide peace, prosperity, and happiness, which is why devotees come to this temple.
4. Nageshwarnath Temple
Nageshwarnath Temple is one of the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. There are different legends about this temple; some say Lord Sri Ram himself placed the Shiva Linga in the temple and some say that it was installed by Kusha (the son of Lord Sri Ram). Devotees visit this temple as well as Sri Ram Temple and Hanuman Garhi.
5. Treta ke Thakur
Treta Ke Thakur is a temple complex established near the ghats of the Saryu River, dedicated to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, his brother Lakshman, Bharat, Lord Hanuman, and Sugreev. It is a sacred site associated with the Ramayana epic and holds significant religious importance, as it is believed Lord Sri Ram performed Ashwamedha Yagna after his return from Lanka.
6. Sita ki Rasoi
“Sita ki Rasoi” means the goddess Sita’s kitchen. As per the legend, this is the place where the goddess Sita used to prepare food. The site is associated with various legends and stories from the Ramayana, celebrating Sita’s culinary skills and devotion to her husband, Lord Rama. It is believed that Sita cooked meals for her family and guests with the utmost devotion and dedication in the kitchen of Sita Ki Rasoi.
7. Mani Parvat
Mani Parvat is a small hill in Ayodhya. It is one of the most significant mythological places in Ayodhya. According to legend, the Lord Hanuman took the Sanjeevani plant from Mani Parvat to heal Lord Rama’s brother Lakshmana. Mani Parbat is revered as a holy place by followers of Lord Rama and Hanuman, and tourists and pilgrims often visit to honour Lord Hanuman. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding area and the Ayodhya metropolis.
8. Ghats of Ayodhya
As Ayodhya is located on the banks of the Saryu River, there are many ghats in the city. Before being crowned, Lord Rama took a bath in Guptar Ghat. Lord Rama offered his evening prayers at a location known as Ram Ghat. At Lakshman Ghat, which bears the name of Lord Rama’s younger brother, Lakshmana carried out penances and ceremonies. Apart from these, there is Naya Ghat, Rangbhari Ghat, Saryu Ghat, and Tulsi Ghat, which hold some or other religious significance.
In summary, Ayodhya provides a comprehensive religious experience and it literally takes you to Treta Yuga. The new Sri Ram temple depicts modern architecture, whereas places like Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath Temple, Treta ke Thakur, Sita ki Rasoi, and Mani Parvat are millennia-old legendary sacred sites. The holy ghats of shimmering Saryu tell you untold stories. Ashoka Holidays provides an Ayodhya tour plan with an Ayodhya itinerary and an affordable tour package for your family or friends. So if you are planning to go on an Ayodhya city tour, then connect with Ashoka Holidays to book your tour.
