Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh’s Faizabad district, is a historic and sacred city. Lord Vishnu’s seventh manifestation, Lord Ram, is said to have been born at Ayodhya, as per the epic Ramayana. In addition to its well-known temples and monuments, the city of Ayodhya also has a number of sacred ghats that are open to visitors.
Devotees go to Ayodhya year-round because of its profound ties to Hindu mythology, making it a popular pilgrimage site. With its dreamlike settings, chanting of mantras, and intense fragrance of sandalwood and blossoms, Ayodhya is a place that will fascinate your emotions. To satisfy your curiosity, we’ve compiled this list of Ayodhya’s top must-see attractions.
Furthermore, the following are some of the different ways that might lead you to this holy site:
By air: The Lucknow International Airport is the most convenient for travel to and from Ayodhya. Travelers may also reach the city by airports at Prayagraj, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi.
By train: Both Faizabad and Ayodhya serve as regional train hubs, offering convenient access to the remainder of the state and beyond. By rail, Ayodhya is 128 kilometers from Lucknow, 171 kilometers from Gorakhpur, 157 kilometers from Allahabad, and 196 kilometers from Varanasi.
By road: It is relatively simple to get to this location from any place due to the accessibility provided by the Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation’s bus services, which are offered around the clock.
11 places to visit in Ayodhya: The birthplace of Lord Rama
Ramjanma Bhoomi
The term “Ram Janmabhoomi,” literally translates to “Lord Ram’s Birthplace.” It is thought that Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, spent his childhood near the Sarayu river in Ayodhya, as described in the Indian epic known as the Ramayana. Devotees of the Hindu religion hold the place of Ram Janmabhoomi in very high regard and it is one of the best places to visit in Ayodhya.
This hallowed place is regarded the first of the seven most important pilgrimages for Hindus, as well as one of the locations that should be visited during the Ayodhya Darshan.
Hanumangarhi
Lord Hanuman is honored in the Hanuman Garhi, a temple established in the 10th century near Sai Nagar. It is customary to visit the Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, making it one of the city’s most renowned temples. According to mythology, Lord Hanuman lived on the temple grounds, keeping a distant eye on Ayodhya.
A 76-step stairway leads to the temple’s main entrance on the hillside. A 6-inch-tall statue of Hanuman sits atop a hill overlooking the surrounding mountains. An internal cave of the temple complex has countless idols of Lord Hanuman and Maa Anjani, his mother. Every year, hundreds of worshippers go to the Hanuman Garhi to commemorate the births of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ram.
Kanak Bhawan
In the neighbourhood of Tulsi Nagar, the Kanak Bhawan may be found tucked away in the top-left portion of the Ram Temple complex. In addition to its other name, Sone-ka-Ghar, this temple was built in the year 1891. It is a sacred place that honours Lord Ram and his companion, Goddess Sita. There are three golden-crowned statues of two gods in Kanak Bhawan. It is often claimed that Lord Ram’s stepmother Kaikeyi offered this temple to him and Sita as a present.
The Sri Vrishbhan Dharma Setu Trust Private Limited is in charge of running this temple, which is designed in the Bundela style. The current location underwent a comprehensive facelift at the hands of Vrish Bhanu Kunwari after the completion of the planned refurbishment that took place during Vikramaditya’s reign.
Nageshwarnath Temple
The Nageshwarnath Temple in Ayodhya can be found right next to the Theri Bazaar. This temple was built in honour of Lord Nageshwarnath, the patron god of the region. It is said that Kush, also known as Kusha, Lord Rama’s son, was the one who constructed it.
The present temple is claimed to have been renovated in the year 1750 by Naval Rai, who served as Safar Jung’s minister. It is important to note that this holy location has been well maintained ever since the year 750 AD. Kush is said to have met a Shiva devotee by the name of Naga Kanya after he accidentally lost his ring in the nearby bath.
The Nageshwarnath Temple attracts a significant number of devotees during the Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi festivals, which are known as Pradosh Vratam in Southern India. The Shiva Barat, also known as Lord Shiva’s march, is a key lure for tourists to this site.
Treta Ke Thakur
The Treta Ke Thakur Temple can be found in Ayodhya’s Naya Ghat neighbourhood. This temple is home to a number of idols, including representations of Lord Ram, Laxman, Hanuman, Sita, Bharat, and Sugreev. It is reported that each of these figures was carved from a single piece of black sandstone.
Treta Ke Thakur is said to have been erected approximately three hundred years ago by Kullu, the reigning ruler at the time. According to mythology, Lord Ram performed the renowned Ashwamedha Yagna right here on the soil, which today supports this structure. In the 1700s, Ahilyabai Holkar, the Maratha queen at the time, gave the temple an extra makeover.
It is only open to the general public on one day of the year, known as the Ekadashi. This day is observed on the eleventh day of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Karthika. On this day, colorful celebrations and historical rituals handed down through generations are performed.
Choti Chawni
Choti Chawni is a magnificent Ayodhya structure constructed completely of white marble. It is also known as the Valmiki Bhawan and is often referred to as Maniramdas Chawni. This place is so spectacular that it must be viewed in person at least once.
There are a total of 34 historic caves, 12 of which are associated with Buddhism, 17 with Hinduism, and 5 with Jainism; this number of caves contributes to the area’s status as an important and intricate example of architectural brilliance. The exquisite beauty of the buildings is further enhanced by the presence of the Kailasha Temple inside the caverns.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Sita ki Rasoi, located on the northwest border of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Rajkot, Ayodhya, is claimed to be a historic kitchen used by the goddess Sita. This sacred location is now a temple that houses certain display vessels. It was built in close proximity to the Ram Janmabhoomi. This Sita Ki Rasoi is a subterranean kitchen, and it is one of the two kitchens honoured in Sita’s name.
Sita is renowned as the Goddess of Food and is also known as Goddess Annapurna. As a consequence, the temple maintains this tradition by offering free meals. Additionally, customers may donate any amount of money to a local charity via this facility.
Raja Mandir
The Raja Mandir in Faizabad, which is located in Guptar Ghar on the banks of the river Ghaggar (Sarayu), has been referenced several times in legends. A variety of wonderfully crafted statues portraying different Hindu deities and goddesses may be seen in the temple. These deities are decked with opulent linens and priceless jewelry.
Because of its excellent construction, the temple is a great example of the inventiveness inherent in Hindu architecture. The temple was formerly famed for its connections to Lord Ram, the ruler of Ayodhya; however, it has since been turned into a regular temple with statues of many gods and goddesses.
The projection of the temple in the river created by Raja Mandir’s placement on the river’s edge is a sight to see. Devotees from all over the world believe that a plunge into the river’s holy waters may wash away all of their sins.
Ramkatha Park
Ayodhya’s Ram Katha Park, with its open-air theatres and immaculate lawns, is a stunning green space. It’s a popular location for religious activities, cultural events and Katha sessions, all of which are held there.
Ram Katha Park acts as a park for children or a relaxing space for elderly during the hours when no special activities are planned. Furthermore, it promotes both historical and contemporary events and welcomes artists from all over the globe to display their talents both locally and nationally. The wide and expansive amphitheatre has rapidly become a fan favorite since it gives a pleasant respite from the city’s hectic and packed arenas.
Mani Parbat
A small mountain known as Mani Parbat may be seen near Kami Ganj in Ayodhya. It is about 65 feet above mean sea level. The Parbat not only provides an excellent view of the city, but it also has a Buddhist monastery and a stupa built by Emperor Ashoka. The hilltop of Mani Parbat, which is home to a number of sacred places, is located near another high mound known as Sugriv Parbat.
Dashrath Bhavan
The Dashrath Mahal, also known as Badi Jagah and Bada Asthan, is home to a number of magnificent temples devoted to Lord Ram. This majestic mansion is claimed to have been Lord Rama’s childhood home as well as King Dasharath’s capital. The palace’s entryway is ornately decorated and has some gorgeous paintings. The palace’s interior is packed with saffron-clad monks singing, performing, and reciting mantras. Thousands of devotees visit Dashrath Bhavan during festivals such as Karthik Mela Ram Vivah and Diwali.
FAQs
Is it worthwhile to make the trip to Ayodhya?
Ayodhya, originally the capital of the regional kingdom of Awadh, is still one of India’s most intriguing holy sites. It is cloaked in the holy garment of faith and devotion, and it is well worth the time and attention of a traveler.
What is well-known for shopping in Ayodhya?
Because it is a pilgrim town, this is the best place to buy sculpted figurines of Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman made of marble and hardwood. You may buy a variety of religious mementos, such as t-shirts with religious writing, key chains with sculptures of Lord Ram and Sita, and images of temples.
In Ayodhya, which Ghat is most well-known?
Ram ki Paidi refers to the Ghats that are found along the Saryu river bank. This location is visited by a great number of believers, all of whom are eagerly awaiting their turn to bathe in the hallowed water.
What kind of cuisine does Ayodhya specialise in?
One of Ayodhya’s most renowned meals is vegetarian biryani. Vegetable biryani is a tasty and filling meal produced by blending a variety of vegetables with rice and other spices. The savory blend of aromatic rice and spices that characterizes veg biryani makes it tough to pass up.
