Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's seven holiest towns. Ayodhya is an important location in the Hindu epic Ramayana because it is thought to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The home of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers), this sacred village beckons travelers with its tranquil ghats. Ayodhya has been encircled by controversy for over a decade, thanks to its abundance...
Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's seven holiest towns. Ayodhya is an important location in the Hindu epic Ramayana because it is thought to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The home of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious teachers), this sacred village beckons travelers with its tranquil ghats. Ayodhya has been encircled by controversy for over a decade, thanks to its abundance of monkeys, the hum of tourists, and an overall spiritual air. It was the epicenter of the 1992 India riots over the Babri Masjid controversy. The mosque, which was supposedly constructed in the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, became a source of conflict for Hindus and Muslims alike. In 2005, a terrorist attack took place near the Ramlalla Temple in Ayodhya. Despite the criticism, Ayodhya offers tourists a wealth of color and spirituality and has established itself as an important spiritual center. The traffic-free streets of Ayodhya, the site of multi-faith temples, are captivating enough to merit a visit. Let's check out the beautiful places to visit in Ayodhya.
The Repository of all Things Historical
The city of Ayodhya is well known as the setting for the Hindu legendary epic Ramayana. Saint Manu, the creator of mankind, is said to have established the city and given it to the Ikshvaku dynasty to reign. Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala during the time, and was controlled by King Dasaratha, a descendant of Ikshvaku. It's worth noting, however, that researchers have construed Ayodhya's existence as an urban center with structures and palaces, as described in the Ramayana. However, discoveries in modern-day Ayodhya suggest that it lived in a rudimentary state. As a result, the city of Ayodhya in the Ramayana is thought to be fictitious. According to local legend, after Lord Rama's ascension to heaven, Ayodhya became barren and was later resurrected by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 50 BCE. Lord Rama's son Kusa, according to the great Kalidasa's Raghuvamsa, was the one who spearheaded Ayodhya's restoration.
About Ramjanmbhoomi
The Ram Janmabhoomi, which translates to "Lord Ram's Birthplace," is thought to be the Hindu god Lord Ram's original home. Ram, Lord Vishnu's seventh appearance, is claimed to have grown up near the Sarayu River in Ayodhya, as per the Indian epic Ramayana. For Hindu followers, the Ram Janmabhoomi is a sacred location. The Supreme Court of India gave the Ram Janmabhoomi land to a foundation to construct the Ram Temple (now a mesmerizing place to visit in Ayodhya) after it had been a contentious location for decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi conducted the launch event for laying the foundation brick for the Ram Temple in Ayodhya on August 5, 2020. The temple's intended design is vast and beautiful.
The renowned Babri Masjid previously stood on the Ram Janmabhoomi location. It is thought that the Mughals razed a Hindu sanctuary to construct the mosque near Lord Ram's home. A gang of Hindu nationalists demolished the Babri Masjid in 1992, sparking a wave of violent riots across India. In October 2019, a Supreme Court bench of five judges decided that the land be given to a trust for the construction of the Ram Temple. A separate 5 acres of land was handed to the Sunni Waqf Board for the construction of a mosque.
Things to do in Ayodhya
- Check out Sita ki Rasoi: During the Ramayan era, Sita ki Rasoi served as Goddess Sita's regal kitchen; it was eventually converted into a temple. A model of an old kitchen that once existed can be found in one of the temple's corners. Equipment, rolling plates, and other cooking utensils from Sita ki Rasoi can be found in the kitchen. On the other side of the temple, deities of Ram, Lakshman, Shatrughan, and Bharat, as well as their wives, may be found. Sita, the Goddess of Food and also referred to as Goddess Annapurna, maintains a special place in the kitchen.
- See a Cultural Show at Ramkatha Park: Ayodhya's Ramkatha Park is a lovely park and also a fun places to visit in Ayodhya, created in the middle of the city. The park was created to provide a place for locals and tourists to enjoy cultural programs in the open rather than in crowded theaters. This park is now used for any cultural event that takes place during big festivals. The park is quite large, and it hosts a variety of events such as devotional prayer gatherings, cultural performances, poetry, storytelling, and much more.
- Visit the Ghat Temples: The Guptar Ghat in Faizabad is a few kilometers by car from Ayodhya, and on the ghat is a magnificent temple called Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple. There are numerous mystical stories affiliated with this temple, making it one of the most known and influential things to do in Ayodhya for tourists and pilgrims. One such tradition goes that inside the temple, every now and then, visitors leave footprints that are claimed to be the footsteps of Lord Ram. Inside the temple, the idol of Chakra Harji Vishnu Deity is a noteworthy piece of art that is worth seeing if you are nearby.
- Bask in the Atmosphere at Ram ki Paidi: The river Sarayu, which runs through the city of Ayodhya, is regarded sacred, and there are multiple ghats along its banks that house various temples and sites of devotion. You may witness some of the most stunning sights by taking a boat trip around the ghats, particularly at sunrise or sunset. Many temples dot the ghats, and you'll see a number of priests singing prayers and presenting their prayers to the various gods represented in those temples. The greatest time to visit the ghats is during the aarti, which occurs early in the morning or late in the evening after daybreak.
- Visit the well-known Mani Parbat: A small mound named Mani Parbat is located in Kami Ganj, Ayodhya, and it has a lot of religious importance in Hinduism. It is said that when Lakshman became ill, Lord Hanuman lifted a mountain in quest of the Sanjeevani Booti, and on his way back to Lakshman to heal him, a portion of the rock fell on the Ayodhya region, and this piece of mountain became recognized as Mani Parbat, and is regarded a very sacred location. A Buddhist monastery and a stupa erected by Emperor Ashoka are also located on the hill.
Places to visit in Ayodhya
- Moti Mahal: The Moti Mahal, one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, was built in 1743 AD as the palace of Nawab Shuja-ud-wife. daula's The palace, which is located in the nearby town of Faizabad and is known for its unusual architecture, attracts a large number of tourists and among must visit places to visit in Ayodhya.
- Hanuman Garhi: Hanuman Garhi, one of Ayodhya's most famous temples, is devoted to the great Monkey God Lord Hanuman and was constructed by the Nawab of Awadh. The temple is distinguished by the 70 steep steps that must be climbed to access the temple compound. The best time to visit the temple is during a major Hindu celebration.
- Treta ke Thakur: Treta Ke Thakur is the name of an old temple in Ayodhya that is located on the banks of the Sarayu River. The idols of Lord Ram are claimed to be housed at the temple, which was fashioned out of black sandstones in olden history. Lord Ram is said to have conducted an Ashwamedha Yagya at this location. Today this place is among the must explored places to visit in Ayodhya.
- Mausoleum of Bahu Begum: Other major historical places to visit in Ayodhya is Bahu Begum ka Makabara. The tomb was created in 1816 to commemorate Shuja-ud-wife daula's Bahu Begum. The tomb is made in white marble and has the distinctive Nawabi classical style, as well as well-kept and lush green gardens.
- Kanak Bhawan: The temple was constructed on the site of another temple that was given to Sita by Lord Ram's stepmother Kaikeyi shortly after her marriage. The temple was subsequently repaired and reconstructed in 1891 by King Vikramaditya of the Paramara dynasty. Kanak Bhawan is one of Ayodhya's most ornately detailed structures, and the architecture is magnificent and this is considered as one of the historical places to visit in Ayodhya.
Cuisine— An Oasis of Pleasure
Food options in Ayodhya are restricted, as the town is a major religious center, and only vegetarian cuisine is provided. There aren't many fine dining establishments in Ayodhya, either. Punjabi, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines are available in the few local eateries and Dhabas. The state's Chaat, which comprises Aloo Tikki, Pani Puri, Papri Chaat, Samosa, Kachori, and others, is recognized for its color and flavor.
Shopping— Expect the Unexpected
Shopping is a crucial aspect of any trip, and it is no different in Ayodhya. Several stores and bazaars can be found throughout the city selling original city goods that you may purchase and take home as a souvenir. Visitors flock to the shops near the Ayodhya Temple to buy trinkets and souvenirs; you may get idols of gods and goddesses, images of temples, devotionals, fridge magnets, religious items, books, and much more. Textiles, brassware, and a variety of other everyday products can be found in many of the city's narrow laned alleys. Many shops selling handicraft bags, religious books, kurtas, and sweets can be found directly across from the Kanak Bhawan.
How to reach Ayodhya?
- By Air: The nearest airport to Ayodhya in Faizabad Airport, which is 8.2 kilometers from the city center. You can alternatively take a plane to Lucknow's Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, which has more flights daily from other parts of the country.
- By Road: Ayodhya is well connected to the rest of the state's cities. Various national and state highways link Ayodhya to numerous cities in Uttar Pradesh. You can also take UPSRTC buses, which are not only pleasant but also cost-effective, especially if you are on a tight budget.
- By Train: The Ayodhya Junction Railway Station is the city's nearest railhead, located 450 meters from the center. This is one of the most practical methods of getting to this sacred city. You can also catch a train to Faizabad Junction Railway Station, which is 10.6 kilometers from Ayodhya city and where trains are more regular.