Priyanshi Pareek
Ayodhya, located on the banks of the sacred Saryu River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, serves as the headquarters for both the Ayodhya District and Ayodhya division. Also referred to as Saket, Ayodhya is an ancient city and holds significance as the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram, playing a pivotal role in the epic Ramayana.
Here are some list of places you can visit in Ayodhya:
Ram Mandir
Ayodhya Ram Mandir, a Nagara-style temple in pink sandstone on 2.77 acres, includes a courtyard with shrines to Hindu deities. Noteworthy is the Shaligram stone from Gandaki river, symbolising Lord Ram. The 161-foot temple has three floors: Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, and a museum depicting Ayodhya’s history. The complex features a yajnashala, a community kitchen, and a medical facility, spanning 67 acres and poised to become a global religious and cultural centre.
Ram ki Paidi
Ram Ki Paidi, a series of ghats along the Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, draws numerous pilgrims daily for a sacred dip. The riverfront presents a splendid view, particularly at night when floodlit. During Diwali, locals illuminate the ghats with lamps, creating a captivating sight.
Originally, extensive bathing ghats existed, but heavy rains and floods affected Nayaghat. In 1984-1985, a new ghat with stairs was constructed through collaborative efforts by the then Chief Minister of UP, Shri Shripati Mishra, and Irrigation Minister Shri Veer Bahadur Singh.
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi, a prominent temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Perched on a hill, it is renowned for its unique architecture, serving as a significant pilgrimage destination. Pilgrims ascend a staircase to reach the temple complex, providing panoramic views of Ayodhya. Particularly revered on Tuesdays and during festivals, the temple attracts devotees seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
Rajdwar Mandir
In the era of the Solar Dynasty in Ayodhya, Raj Dwar was the grand entry for subjects meeting the King of Kosala. It served as the massive gateway to the palace complex, the first landmark on the journey to meet the king. Common people queued for checks, hoping to gain entry, with crowds sometimes camping for days. Official invitations or importance eased the process.
Meeting the king was rare, making this place, the first tower people looked at, significant. Now a temple and residential complex, it stands as a testament to ancient Indian architectural mastery. Contrary to some information, the temple is open daily, not on the usual tourist circuit, showcasing the expertise of ancient Indian builders.
Guptar Ghat
Guptar Ghat on the Saryu River holds religious importance, believed to be where Lord Rama took his last dip. Bathing here is thought to cleanse sins. Chants of Lord Rama resonate, and nearby temples include Raja Mandir and Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple. Built by Raja Darshan Singh in the 19th century, the well-maintained ghats are visited for spiritual significance and offer a serene atmosphere along the riverbanks.
Bharat Kund
Bharat Kund, around 15 km from Ayodhya, is traditionally regarded as the spot where Bharat, Lord Rama’s younger brother, performed tapasya during Rama’s exile and governed the Kosala kingdom on Rama’s behalf. The location offers a peaceful and serene environment, providing an ideal setting for meditation and quiet contemplation away from the noise. Visitors come to Bharat Kund to perform rituals like shraddh (prayers for departed ones) and take a sacred dip in the Kund for spiritual cleansing.