Tourist Place of Uttar Pradesh: Ayodhya!
Ayodhya is the City of Lord Ram as we know it. It is also one of the most visited tourist places in Uttar Pradesh. Among seven Mokshadayini cities, Ayodhya is one while others are Mathura, Kashi, Ujjain, Haridwar, Dwarka, Kanchi.
Ayodhyā Mathurā Māyā Kāsi Kāñchī Avantikā I
Purī Dvārāvatī chaiva saptaitā moksadāyikāh II
Being most ancient city Ayodhya is said to be capital of Suryavamshi Rajas (Kings of the solar dynasty) which is as old as 9000 years.
Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Rama and also ground for epic Ramayana. It is one of the greatest holy city for the Hindus and one the major tourist spot in Uttar Pradesh. Ayodhya is the epitome of inner peace, solace, strength, joy, and spirituality.
Getting to Ayodhya
Ayodhya is 135kms from Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh. Faizabad is a major city in the vicinity of Ayodhya (6kms).
By Air –
- Lucknow is major airport closest to Ayodhya. Various flights connect Lucknow from New Delhi, Mumbai, and other cities.
- There are constant efforts made by the aviation ministry to develop Faizabad airport in order to serve both Ayodhya and Faizabad.
- Also, there is an airport in Varanasi, Gorakhpur which are nearby cities but there are no regular flights to these airports.
By Train –
- Ayodhya has railway station named Ayodhya junction which is well connected with Delhi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Varanasi, Gonda, and Gorakhpur.
- Another railway station nearby is Faizabad Junction.
By Road –
- Distance from Major cities is Lucknow – 130kms, Varanasi – 200kms, Allahabad – 160kms and Delhi – 640kms.
- Buses are frequently available from these cities also one can hire a cab.
Best Time To Visit
The City of Ayodhya is located in the Middle of Uttar Pradesh and hence you will find weather of this city changing from hot summers to chilly winters.
Best time to visit this city will be from September to March.
TIPS– If you are traveling in the later part of the year, don’t forget to carry woolen clothes.
Places to see in Ayodhya
Ramkot:- It is the most frequented religious site in Ayodhya. Ramkot is the site of the ancient citadel of Lord Rama which stands on an elevated ground. The remains of the fort are said to belong to Lord Rama’s Kingdom. It is visited by the devotees throughout the year but during Ram-Navami, it is the main attraction as the festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
Ramkot Temple.
Ram Janambhoomi:- It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama by Hindus. Although it is said that the temple was demolished by Mughal emperors and a Mosque was built at that place named Babri Mosque. On 6th December 1992, the mosque was demolished by VHP and BJP Kar Sevaks. The temple is now open to the public after a long gap.
The Hanuman Garhi Temple:- This is the temple of Lord Hanuman, situated in the center of the town. It is a massive structure in the shape of the four-sided fort with circular bastions and each corner houses a temple of Hanuman. The temple has around 76 stairs. According to Mythology Lord Hanuman lives here in a cave and protect Ramkot. It is also believed that whoever visits this Holy Shrine, will be granted all their wishes.
Hanuman Garhi Temple.
Kanak Bhawan Temple:- Kanak Bhawan is a temple gifted to Mata Sita by her mother on her marriage to Lord Rama, and only contains statues of Goddess Sita with Lord Rama. It is also known as Sone-Ka -Ghar as it has statues of Sri Ram and Sita bejeweled with gold ornaments.
Kanak Bhawan Temple.
Nageshwar Nath Temple:– It is said to have been established by the son of Lord Rama, Kush. As legend says, Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the River Saryu, which was picked up by Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a great devotee of Lord Shiva, Kush built this temple for her. It is said that this is the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of the city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by the means of this temple Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. Being the Lord Shiva’s temple festival of Shivratri is celebrated with great spirit and fervor.
Nageshwarnath Temple.
Guptar Ghat:- This Ghat is located around 10kms from Ayodhya at the bank of the Saryu river. It is believed that Lord Rama left his body here and proceeded for his eternal journey to heaven. These ghats were built in the early 19th century by King Darshan Singh. Ram Janaki temple, Charan Paduka temple (old), Narsingh temple and Hanuman temples are also located on the ghat.
Guptar Ghat
Besides these temples, there are various other temples which cannot be missed when in Ayodhya. These are Swarg Dwara, Mani Parbat, and Sugriv Parbat, Treta Ke Thakur, Birla Temple, Lakshman Ghat, Vijay Raghav Temple etc.
DO’s
- Chaturdashkoshi Parikrama – It constitutes of 45kms circular journey. It has to be completed in 24 hours time. It is observed yearly on the occasion of Akshainaumi.
- Ram Navmi Mela – Ayodhya, the holy city of the sacred pilgrim center of Hindus plays host to the Ram Navami Festival in the month of April. Devotees gather in large numbers to worship and celebrate the Lord at Kanak Bhawan.
- Ram Lila – Ayodhya is popular for Mandali Ram Lila. The performance is a dialogue – based and presented on a platform stage. High standard of performance is complemented by songs and kathak dances and eye-catching décor.
Whether you are religious or simply on the path to spiritual enlightenment, Ayodhya is must visit. Located on the banks of the Holy river Sarayu, Ayodhya has been described as “a city built by Gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself”. Visit once to take a glimpse of this paradise.
Keep Traveling! Have a Nice Day!
