City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh

Tripoto
17th Oct 2017
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh by Sonam Singh

I have written so much about other cities, countries etc. but now its a chance for my own city. Fortunately I am born and brought up in Faizabad , which is a twin city of Ayodhya – the city where Lord Ram was born, the city where the epic Ramayana begins and ends.

Trust me my house is just half a kilometer from the entrance of Ayodhya gate. Every Indian kid would not be knowing Ayodhya's precise geographical location but they know about Ayodhya and its odyssey.

Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya certainly deserves some attention for anyone interested in Hindu mythology and history. If you want to explore Ayodhya, the venue of many Indian mythological events, here are some places you may like to visit. It is one of the seven most sacred cities of India, Ayodhya is significant not just for Hinduism but also for many other religions that have prospered here at different points of time.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 1/30 by Sonam Singh

Places to visit:

Ram Janam Bhumi:

The Ramayana states that the location of Rama's birthplace is on the banks of the Saryu river in the city of Ayodhya. A section of Hindus claim that the exact site of Rama's birthplace is where the Babri Masjid once stood in the present-day Ayodhya. Its the most disputed place of India. No one is allowed to carry camera or phones while visiting there. Attached is the picture of Hindu-Muslim riot happened in 1992 for the demolition of Babri Masjid by Hindu nationalists .

The idol of Ram Lalla is sitting in a tent, surrounded by commandos and monkeys. As tourists you do not even get close to the tent, it is good 20 feet away from you.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 2/30 by Sonam Singh
Ram janm bhumi P.C. Google

Kanak Bhawan:

This is probably the most beautiful temple in Ayodhya. Right from its main gate that has colorfully carved recessed arches, it enchants you. You enter to see the carved walls and windows all around the central courtyard. I felt a strong feminine energy in this place even before I heard the legend behind this beautiful temple. Notice, it is called a Bhawan and not a temple which means it is a dwelling place.

Legend is that Kaikayee, the stepmother of Ram and youngest wife of King Dashrath, gifted this palace to Sita on her wedding. Of course, the building as we see it today is relatively new.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 3/30 by Sonam Singh
Kanak Bhawan
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 4/30 by Sonam Singh
Side view of Kanak Bhawan
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 5/30 by Sonam Singh
Entrance gate of Kanak Bhawan

Tulsi Udyan:

Tulsi Udyan, as the name suggests, is a garden park. It was set up as a memorial to a great saint poet Tulsi Das, the devotee and the creator of the Epic Ramcharit Manas, also popularly called Ramayana. The statue of Tulsi Das has also been installed under a beautifully carved canopy in the garden. The earlier name of the garden was Victoria Park, after the name of the Queen Victoria of England. It also had her statue. The park got its present name, Tulsi Udyan, in 1960.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 6/30 by Sonam Singh
Tulsidas Udyan (park)
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 7/30 by Sonam Singh
View around Tulsi Udyan

Nageshwar Nath Mandir:

This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is very popular with pilgrims especially at the time of Maha Shivratri. Legend has it that it was built by Lord Rama’s son, Kush. Although there are multiple beliefs, one of the popular ones say that Kush lost his armlet in river Saryu, which was found by a nag-kanya (the maiden of the Nagas) who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Lord Shiva, Kush built the temple for her.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 8/30 by Sonam Singh
Entrance of Nageshwar Nath Temple
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 9/30 by Sonam Singh
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 10/30 by Sonam Singh

Ghats of Ayodhya:

Ayodhya is situated on the banks of Saryu River. Saryu, also called Sarju, is an integral part of the story of Ramayana. Like every city sacred city located on the banks of a river, there are ghats with stories.The story of Saryu River is that it originates from Lake Mansarovar in the Himalayas and soon after Ayodhya merges in the mighty Ganga. You will find ghats named after Ram, Lakshman,Bharat, Shatrughan, Sita, Urmila etc..i.e. almost after every character of Ramayana.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 11/30 by Sonam Singh
Ram ki Paidi
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 12/30 by Sonam Singh
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 13/30 by Sonam Singh
Hub of Temples at Ram ki Paidi
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 14/30 by Sonam Singh
Ayodhya Sadhus

Birla Mandir:

Its a famous Ram Janki Birla Mandir with well maintained garden. Also there is a famous Birla Ashram just next to it, where you can also stay.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 15/30 by Sonam Singh
Birla Temple

Ayodhya's King palace.

No longer a kingdom, but descendants still do live here.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 16/30 by Sonam Singh

Hanuman Garhi:

This is believed to be the place where Hanuman lived and guarded the Ram Janmabhoomi. Locals believe that a visit to this holy shrine will grant you all your wishes. Famous Besan ka Laddoo is kind of prasad given here. You will find lots of monkeys around the temple and they might snatch your prasad for Lord Hanuman. So, be careful.. :D

It is a lovely little temple. You have to climb a lot of steep stairs to reach the temple.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 17/30 by Sonam Singh
Besan ka Laddoo
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 18/30 by Sonam Singh
Top view of Hanuman garhi
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 19/30 by Sonam Singh
View from Hanuman garhi

Saryu Mandir:

This temple is next to Nageshwar Nath Mandir. Dedicated to Saryu river. Decorated beautifully inside with tiles and glass.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 20/30 by Sonam Singh

Night view of Ayodhya:

When Ayodhya decorated for Divya Deepawali for this year (2017). Approx 2 lakhs diyas were illuminated for this event.Held a world record too. What a view that night...:)

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 21/30 by Sonam Singh
Divya Deepawali
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 22/30 by Sonam Singh
Evening Aarti
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 23/30 by Sonam Singh

Rajghat:

Less maintained park, has beautiful view of saryu river.One can go and enjoy the other view of saryu river from here.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 24/30 by Sonam Singh
Buddha Statue in Rajghat
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 25/30 by Sonam Singh
View from rajghat park (monkey too enjoying the view.. :D)

Kanchan Bhawan:

It was built by Teekamgarh Queen. She accumulated her pocket money to build the Ram Temple here.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 26/30 by Sonam Singh
Kanchan bhawan

Jhunki Ghat:

Jhunki Ghat named after a saint, who is said to be a devout worshiper of Sita, or Sahast Dhara that till dates holds the distinction of taking away the life of a wrong doer who swears by the river Saryu in his own defence.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 27/30 by Sonam Singh
Jhunki Ghat

Mani Parbat:

With Buddhist origins, this hillock has an interesting mythological reference. It is believed that while Hanuman was carrying the hill with the Sanjeevani Booti, rested here for sometime.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 28/30 by Sonam Singh
Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 29/30 by Sonam Singh
Hanuman Temple above the hill

Street Market:

Ayodhya market is quiet narrow and dotted with lots of small small shops. Walking is also a task here. Heavily crowded with tourist,auto rickshaw, cows etc.

Photo of City of Ram & Ramayana: AYODHYA, Uttar Pradesh 30/30 by Sonam Singh
Morning picture..but still crowded

How to reach?

Air: The nearest airport is at Lucknow, about 130 kilometres from Ayodhya.

Train: You can take a train to Ayodhya or Faizabad, which is just 6 kilometres away from Ayodhya.

Road: Ayodhya is well connected to other cities in Uttar Pradesh by frequent bus services.

Hotel: You will find decent hotels in faizabad like Krishna Palace, Panchavati,Shan-e-awadh , Taraji resort and Tirupati.

Photo Courtesy: Catchsnap