Ayodhya (अयोध्या) Verified
Description
Ayodhya (अयोध्या) is one of the most sacred cities of India, located in Uttar Pradesh on the banks of the Sarayu River. It is world-famous as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and is considered one of the Sapta Puri (seven most sacred cities in Hinduism).
About Ayodhya
Known as Ram
Janmabhoomi
(birthplace of Lord Rama).
Described in the
Ramayana,
Atharva Veda, and Puranas as a city built by Manu.
A spiritual center for Hindus,
Jains, and Buddhists.
Recently, the
magnificent Shri
Ram Mandir has been inaugurated (January 2024).
Major Temples & Attractions
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir
Grand
temple built at the birthplace of Lord Rama.
The idol of
Ram Lalla (child form of Rama) is worshipped.
Hanuman Garhi
A
fortress-like temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, protector of
Ayodhya.
Devotees
believe darshan here is necessary before visiting Ram Mandir.
Kanak Bhawan
A palace-like temple believed to be gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi.
Known for its golden idols of Sita-Rama.
Treta Ke Thakur
Temple with ancient idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, and others, believed to be from Treta Yuga.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, said to have been built by Kush (son of Lord Rama).
Sarayu River Ghats (Ram Ki Paidi)
A series of sacred ghats for bathing and evening Sarayu Aarti.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Memorial dedicated to Goswami Tulsidas, who composed the Ramcharitmanas.
Guptar Ghat
Believed to be the spot where Lord Rama took Jal Samadhi.
Spiritual Significance
Ayodhya is considered
Vaikuntha on Earth.
Bathing in the Sarayu
River is believed to wash away sins.
Pilgrimage to Ayodhya is
considered incomplete without visiting Ram Mandir, Hanuman Garhi, and Sarayu
Aarti.
How to Reach Ayodhya
By Air:
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (newly inaugurated).
By Train:
Ayodhya Dham Junction (well connected to Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi).
By Road:
Excellent connectivity via buses and taxis from Lucknow (130 km), Varanasi (200 km), and
Prayagraj.
Best Time to Visit
October to
March – Pleasant weather.
Major festivals: Ram
Navami, Diwali, Kartik Purnima, Deepotsav (when Ayodhya lights up with millions
of diyas).
Special Experiences
Darshan at Ram
Mandir (early morning & evening best time).
Evening Aarti at Sarayu
Ghat – a divine spectacle with chants & lamps.
Participate in Ayodhya
Deepotsav during Diwali (Guinness record of lighting diyas).
Explore the 84 Kosi
Parikrama (pilgrimage route around Ayodhya).