Ayodhya Travel Guide
The ancient
city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the
law-giver of the Hindus. For centuries it was the capital of the
descendants of the Surya Vansh of which Lord Rama was the most
celebrated king.The city of Ayodhya is an important pilgrim place for
Hindus in India. It is one of the seven holiest cities of India. Ayodhya
is the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is an important deity in the Hindu
pantheon. This small, quiet town attracts pilgrims from all over the
country. Hindu pilgrims visiting Ayodhya during festivals and important
religious functions consider a holy dip in the sacred Saryu River very
auspicious.Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaldesha. The
Atharvaveda describes it as "a city built by gods and being as
prosperous as paradise itself". e illustrious ruling dynasty of
this region were the lkshvakus of the Surya Vash. According to tradition
lkshvaku was the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established himself
at Ayodhya.
Getting There
By Air:
For Ayodhya the nearest airports are Amausi Airport (Lucknow-134 km),
Bumrauli Airport (Allahabad - 166 km).
By Rail :
Ayodhya is situated on the broad gauge Northern Railway line on Mughal
Sarai – Lucknow main route.
By Road :
Ayodhya is connected several major cities and towns by National
Highways.
Tourist Attractions
Ramkot
The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient
citadel of Ramkot which stands on an elevated ground in the western part
of the city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this
sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad, on `Ram
Navami’, the day of Lord’s birth, which is celebrated with
great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).
Nageshwarnath Temple
Stands on the ghats (bank) of the river, on the east side of town. It
is said to be built by Khush, Lord Rama's son. Legend has it that he
almost destroyed the water-living Nagas (semi-divine snake people)
because he suspected them of stealing his amulet. Only Lord Shiva's
intervention saved the semi-divine snakes. Khush then established this
temple showing the Nagas worshipping Lord Shiva, his father's favourite
deity. Another version of this legend states that the lost amulet was
found by a Nag-kanya (young girl from the Naga tribe), who fell in love
with him, and as she was Lord Shiva's devotee he constructed this temple
for her. (Open daily 5 am to 11 am and 12 pm to 8 pm).
Lakshmana Ghat
On the banks of the Sarayu river, this is where Rama's brother Lakshman
is said to have voluntarily given up his life-an act called samadhi.
Another version says that he gave up living after he broke a vow.
Mani Parbat
A former Buddhist vihara (cave with cells) that became a Hindu temple.
It is dotted with little shrines and if you stand on the topmost terrace
you get a splendid view of Ayodhya, one that includes a cluster of small
white buildings at the base of the hill that turns out to be a Muslim
graveyard.
Swarg Dwar
According to mythology, Lord Rama is said to have been cremated here.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat
The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa
built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an
ancient monastery.
Treta ke Thakur
It is a temple that stands at the place where Rama is said to have
performed the Ashwamedha Yagna. The Raja of Kulu is said to have built a
new temple here about 300 years ago called Kaleram ka Mandir, where the
idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman and Bharat have reportedly been
carved out of a single block of black sandstone. These idols are
supposed to be from the original Rama temple, which once stood on the
banks of the River Sarayu.
