Ayodhya City Guide
Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples yet, all the places of worship here, are not only of Hindu religion. Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya.
The Temple City
Ayodhya is one the most sacred and an important religious center of Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya city has been said to be existing before the starting human race on earth. It is said to be capital of Lord Rama's kingdom. When Gods were prresent on earth, Ayodhya was the centre of there activities. Rama, the legendary god, is said to be born and brought up here and later ruled the kingdom from Ayodhya. The word Ayodhya means "which can't be defeated". There are many temples in the small town, some small and some large. The temples are mostly dedicated to lord rama and his family and friends.
Main Temples
Ram Janmbhoomi : Ram Janmabhoomi is the most important temple in Ayodhya. The temple is said to be the place where lord Rama was born. Currently the temple is under a legal protection, due to it being at disputed site. There is a mosque built by Babur adjoining the temple. Thus the site has been a center of dispute for people of different communities.
Hanuman Temple : The Hanuman temple near the Rama temple is a very sacred place for Hindus. The temple is situated at a little height and has been used as the alternate of the Rama Temple. The temple is quite big and draws hundreds of devotees daily.
Treta Ke Thakur : The temple is said to be at the site where Lord Rama performed Ashmedha Yagna. Ashwamedha Yagna was a ritual done, where by horses were left to roam in the country. The places where horses would go, would come under the reign of the Yagna performer. Since the main temple has been closed, this and other Rama temples have gained enormous popularity.
Guptar Ghat : The Guptar Ghat is the place where Lord Rama is said to have left his body. There is temple and small palace built by King Dasrath Singh in early 19th century.
Reaching the Temples
Ayodhya is very small place. To see the temples of Ayodhya, one can walk down the street of Ayodhya. Otherwise, a trip for couple of days can be made from Lucknow (125 Km), Kanpur (200 Km)or Gorakhpur(132 Km).
