Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama, and is a significant site in Hindu mythology and spirituality. The ancient city holds immense significance for millions of Hindus, serving as a pilgrimage site where devotees and tourists pay homage to Lord Rama and seek spiritual solace.
Ayodhya is referred to as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Located along the banks of the sacred Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya stands first among the seven most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. This ancient city holds immense significance for millions of Hindus, serving as a pilgrimage site where devotees pay homage to Lord Rama and seek spiritual solace.
In Ayodhya lies the newly inaugurated Ram Temple, a monumental structure that stands as a symbol of devotion and faith. Many Hindus believe that it is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism.
Ayodhya is also dotted with several other temples, shrines, and sites associated with the Ramayana, such as the Hanuman Garhi temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the Kanak Bhawan, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort, Sita. Nageshwarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Treta Ke Thakur temple. Other notable landmarks include Ram ki Paidi, a series of ghats along the banks of the Sarayu River where devotees gather for religious rituals and holy baths; the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, dedicated to the renowned saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, and the Guptar Ghat is where Lord Rama is believed to have taken Jal Samadhi (immersed himself in water) before leaving the earth. Each attraction adds to the rich tapestry of Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual heritage.
One of the most anticipated events in Ayodhya is the Ayodhya Deepotsav, a grand festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Started in 2017, the festival is celebrated around Diwali. Devotees and tourists flock to this ancient city to pay homage to Lord Rama and explore the myriad temples, shrines, ghats, and historical sites that dot its landscape.
Ram Mandir, Ayodhya
The Ram Mandir is build at the Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayan, Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya's river Sarayu. Located in the ancient city of Ayodhya, he Ram Janmabhoomi is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.
After being a conflicted site for decades, the Ram Janmabhoomi land was handed over to a trust by the Supreme Court of India to build the Ram Mandir. The temple complex is envisioned to be a grand architectural marvel, designed to accommodate millions of pilgrims and devotees from around the world. It is expected to serve as a symbol of unity, spirituality, and cultural heritage for generations to come.
Nageshwarnath Temple, Ayodhya
The Nageshwarnath Temple is located near to the Theri Bazaar in Ayodhya. Although this sacred site, the current temple is said to have been reconstructed in 1750 by Safar Jung's minister, Naval Rai. Legend has it that Kush came across a Shiva devotee called Naga Kanya when he happened to lose his arm ring in the local bath.
Upon learning that the latter had fallen in love with him, he raised this Shaiva temple for Naga Kanya. The Nageshwarnath Temple attracts numerous devotees during Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi, also known as Pradosh Vrat or Pradosh Vratam, in Southern India. The Shiva Barat or the procession of Lord Shiva is a significant attraction here.
Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site guarding Ayodhya.
The main temple has an interior cave adorned with the numerous statues of Lord Hanuman along with his mother, Maa Anjani. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, which celebrate the birth of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman respectively, attract thousands of devotees to the Hanuman Garhi.
Kanak Bhawan, Ayodhya
The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the northeastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. The temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar, which is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.
Kanak Bhawan, also meaning Golden Palace, cites three golden-crowned idols of the two gods under a silver roof in the sanctum santorum (Garbagriha). Upon designed renovation during Vikramaditya's reign, the present site was further entirely revamped by Vrish Bhanu Kunwari.
Gulab Bari, Ayodhya
Gulab Bari is also known as the Garden of Roses, the Gulab Bari is located in Vaidehi Nagar. It is the tomb of the third Nawab of Faizabad (Oudh or Awadh), Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and his parents. The Gulab Bari brings out pure Nawab-styled architecture alongside a vast array of rose species in addition to fountains and lush greenery.
Treta Ke Thakur, Ayodhya
Present on the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya, the Treta Ke Thakur Temple has numerous idols including that of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat and Sugreev. These statues are said to have been sculpted out of a single black sandstone. The Temple is open to the public only once a year on a day of Ekadashi. Colorful celebrations alongside preserved traditional customs are carried out on this day.
Choti Chawni, Ayodhya
Also known as Valmiki Bhawan is a magnificent structure in Ayodhya completely crafted out of white marble. The heritage caves are 34 in number, 12 to the south are Buddhist, 17 in the centre are Hindu and 5 in the north are Jain, therefore making it a significant and elaborate architectural brilliance. The Kailasha Temple in the caves only adds to the intricate beauty of the structures. The sigh of sheer beauty, this place is definitely worth a visit.
Bahu Begum Ka Maqbara, Ayodhya
Bahu Begum ka Makbara is a popularly known as the “Taj Mahal of the East” located on the Maqbara Road in the town of Faizabad. The unique mausoleum dedicated to the Queen Bride Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, wife and queen of Nawab Shuja- ud- Daula, is famous for its non-Mughal architectural brilliance.
A wonderful example of Awadhi architecture, the Bahu Begum ka Makbara has three domes, intricately designed interiors and marvelously done walls and ceilings. Today, the premises are a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India, the gardens in front of the complex have been beautifully done, and the place is an outstanding tourist site.
Raja Mandir, Ayodhya
The Raja Mandir in Faizabad has stunningly carved idols of many Hindu Gods and Goddess, which are ornamentally clad in silken fabrics and rich jewellery. The exquisite construction of the temple reflects the brilliance of Hindu architecture. The location of Raja Mandir on the brink of the river makes a mesmerizing reflection of the shrine in the waters which is a beholding sight for the eyes. The devotees who throng the place all year round, also believe that a dip in the holy waters of the river can cleanse their souls of all sins.
Moti Mahal, Ayodhya
The Moti Mahal is located a few kilometres away from the town of Ayodhya in Faizabad. Built in 1743 AD, the palace was a residence of the Queen Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, wife of the then Nawab Shuja-ud- Daulah. A fine marvel of Mughal architecture, the grandeur of the monument reverberates with the rich heritage of the Nawabi culture.
Best time to visit Ayodhya
The best time to visit Ayodhya is in winters (October-March), when the weather is pleasantly cool and conducive to exploration. During these months, temperatures range from around 20°C to 30°C, providing comfortable conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Ayodhya has the most beautiful Ram Mandir which makes the Ayodhya a must visit destination for the tourists and pilgrims. From visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi to the magnificent Nageshwarnath Temple, there multiple sites for tourists in Ayodhya. So, pack your bags, plan your tour, and move to a spiritual journey to Ayodhya.
