"Discovering the Rich Heritage and Spirituality of Ayodhya: My Ayodhya Darshan Experience"

Ram ki Paidi Saryu Ghat, Ayodhya

Ayodhya, the city of Lord Rama, is one of the most ancient and sacred cities in India. It is situated in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh and is famous for its association with the epic Ramayana. Ayodhya is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, who is worshipped as one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu.

Ayodhya has a rich cultural and historical heritage that dates back to several centuries. The city has witnessed many invasions and changes of power over the years. However, it has managed to retain its old-world charm and remains a popular destination for tourists and pilgrims alike.

In this blog, we will take a closer look at the city of Ayodhya, its history, culture, and attractions.

History of Ayodhya:

Ayodhya is believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, with a history that dates back to the Vedic period. It was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala, which was ruled by several dynasties, including the Ikshvakus, the Mauryas, the Guptas, and the Mughals.

Ayodhya is best known for its association with the epic Ramayana, which tells the story of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to the legend, Ayodhya was the birthplace of Lord Rama and was ruled by his father, King Dasharatha. Lord Rama spent his childhood in Ayodhya and later returned to the city after defeating the demon king Ravana.

Culture of Ayodhya:

Ayodhya has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, art, music, and cuisine. The city is known for its beautiful temples, including the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, the Hanuman Garhi temple, and the Kanak Bhawan temple. These temples are visited by millions of pilgrims every year, who come to pay their respects to Lord Rama and other deities.

Ayodhya is also famous for its handicrafts, such as pottery, embroidery, and weaving. The city is home to many skilled artisans who create beautiful handicrafts that are sold in local markets and shops.

Attractions in Ayodhya:

Ayodhya has many attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the most popular ones are:

 Ram Janmabhoomi temple:

This is the most important temple in Ayodhya and is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. At a distance of 2 km from Ayodhya Junction, Ram Janam Bhoomi is a sacred place situated. It is one of the popular temples in Uttara Pradesh.
The construction for the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya was started in August 2020. While the construction may take a few years to complete, many people still visit this temple to pay their respects to Lord Ram. On the north-western side of the temple, another important temple known as Sita ki Rasoi is located Rama was born. Ram Janam Bhoomi is believed to have been the exact birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. This holy place has been regarded as the first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus in India, and among the must visit places in Ayodhya Darshan.

Note:- The Ram Janmabhoomi site is where the famous Babri Masjid once stood. It is believed that the Mughals demolished a Hindu shrine to build this mosque at the birthplace of Lord Ram. In 1992, a group of Hindu nationalists tore down the Babri Masjid which led to a series of violent riots across India. 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 Temple in 2019. An alternate 5 acres of land was also given to the Sunni Waqf Board to build a mosque.

     Hanuman Garhi temple:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the faithful devotee of Lord Rama. Hanuman Garhi , Ayodhya is located on the right hand side bank of River Saryu. One of the prominent tourist attractions in Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi, a huge four-sided structure resembling a fort. It is a place of great importance for worship of Lord Hanuman. In the main temple complex, there is a statue of Mata Anjani, mother of Hanuman. She is having Bal Hanuman in her lap. Hanuman, one of the central characters in Ramayana, is considered as the true devotee of Ram and Sita. The Hanuman Garhi temple, located in the center of Ayodhya, needs to be visited not only for its religious importance but also because of architecture. It is said that Hanuman lived here in a cave to protect Ramkot, the birth place of Lord Ram.

 

    Kanak Bhawan temple:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita. The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the north-eastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita. Kanak Bhawan, also meaning Golden Palace. It is believed that this shrine was gifted to Rama and Sita by the former's stepmother, Kaikeyi.

 

 Guptar Ghat:

This is a sacred ghat Situated on the banks of River Saryu, Guptar Ghat holds immense religious significance. According to legend, this was the place where Lord Rama had taken his last dip (Jal samadhi) to leave the earth and go back to his original abode 'Vaikunta'. It is a popular belief among devotees that taking a dip in the Saryu River on this ghat will wash away their sins and relieve them from worldly worries. The ghat resounds with the chants of Lord Rama's name as devotees and priests sing hymns in his praises. Tourists can also visit Raja Mandir and Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple located near Guptar Ghat, which is lined with temples of Ram Janki, Charan Paduka, Nara Singh and Lord Hanuman. The well-maintained ghats were built by Raja Darshan Singh during the first half of the 19th century.

 

Conclusion:

Ayodhya is a city that is steeped in history and culture. It is a place of great religious and spiritual significance, and a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Indian mythology and culture. The city has something to offer for everyone, from its beautiful temples and museums to its rich handicrafts and cuisine. If you are planning a trip to India, Ayodhya should definitely be on your list of places to visit.