“Ayodhya”
My Beloved Ayodhya
Ayodhya (also Oudh or Awadh), an ancient city, is one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. In the Ramayana, Lord Rama was born here during the reign of his father, Dasaratha, in what was then a prosperous, well fortified city with a large population. In traditional history, it was the early capital of the kingdom of Kosala, while, in Buddha’s time (6th-5th century BCE), Shravasti became the kingdom’s chief city. Scholars equate Ayodhya with the city of Saketa, where the Buddha is said to have briefly lived. Its later importance as a Buddhist centre was attested by the Chinese Buddhist monk Fa-hsien in the 5th century CE who saw 100 monasteries here. Other monuments, including a stupa (shrine), were apparently built by Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE.
The Kanauj kingdom arose here in the 11-12th centuries. Later part of the Delhi sultanate, the Jaunpur kingdom, and the Mughal Empire, Oudh gained a degree of independence in early 18th century, before its subordination to the British East India Company in 1764 and annexation by the British in 1856; this and the subsequent loss of hereditary land revenue rights helped precipitate the Indian Mutiny of 1857. Despite the city’s great age, few ancient monuments survive. Its temples and bathing ghats by the river Saryu are of no great age. Near the modern city are several mounds marking the site of ancient Ayodhya that have not yet been adequately explored by archaeologists.
Ayodhya’s Babri Masjid was built in the early 16th century by the Mughal emperor Babur on a site believed to be Rama’s birthplace and the location of an ancient Hindu temple, the Ram Janmabhoomi. Because of its significance to both Hindus and Muslims, the site was often a matter of contention. In 1990, riots in northern India followed the storming of the mosque by militant Hindus intent on erecting a temple on the site; the ensuing crisis brought down the Indian government. Two years later, on 6 Dec 1992, the three-story mosque was demolished in a few hours by a mob of Hindu fanatics. More than 1,000 people died in the rioting that swept through India following the mosque’s destruction.
About The city
* Area : 10.24 Sq. km.
* Population : 40642 (1991 census)
* Altitude : 26.90 meters above sea level.
* Season : October – March.
* Clothing (Summer) : Cottons* (Winters) : Woolens
*Language : Hindi, Avadhi and English
* Festivals : Shravan Jhoola Mela (July-August), Parikrama Mela (October-November), Ram Navmi (March-April), Rathyatra (June-July), Saryu Snan (October-November), Ram Vivah (November), Ramayan Mela.
* Local Transport : Taxis/Tongas/Tempos/Buses/Cycle-Rikshaws.
* STD Code : 05276
With little over 10 sq Km in area, lying on the banks of the river Ghagra or Saryu,
This ancient city is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy book of Hindus- the Ramayana- says, the city was founded by Manu. Later, it became the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty. Lord Rama was the most celebrated King of this dynasty. Known as ‘Kosaldesa’ in ancient times, the place has been described as “a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself”, in the Atharvaveda. From the time immemorial, this place has been noted for the performance of various rituals and Yajnas, including ‘Asvamedha Yajna’. From the epic and puranic ages, Ayodhya rose to prominence again in the 6th century B.C,the times of Buddha. Situated just about 10 Km from the district headquarters of Faizabad, Ayodhya is a city of temples of several religions. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously and that also in different periods of time in the history. Jain traditions, for example, consider that five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya including Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar. Don’t miss the remnants of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Jainism, that can still be found in Ayodhya.
Skand and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India. It was the venue of many an event in Hindu mythology, today preeminently a temple town, The illustrious ruling dynasty of this region were the Ikshvakus of the solar clan (Suryavansa). According to tradition, Ikshvakus was the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established himself at Ayodhya. The earth is said to have derived its name `Prithivi’ from Prithu, the 6th king of the line. A few generations later came Mandhatri, in whose line the 31st king was Harischandra, known widely for his love of truth. Raja Sagar of the same clan performed the Asvamedha Yajna Ayodhyaand his great grandson Bhagiratha is reputed to have brought Ganga on earth by virtue of his penance. Later in the time came the great Raghu, after whom the family came to be called as Raghuvamsa. His grandson was Raja Dasaratha, the illustrious father of Rama, with whom the glory of the Kausala dynasty reached its highest point. The story of this epic has been immortalized by Valmiki and immensely popularized by the great masses through centuries.
Ayodhya is preeminently a city of temples yet, all places of worship here, are not only of Hindu religion. At Ayodhya several religions have grown and prospered simultaneously and also at different periods of time in the past.
Temples in Ayodhya
The Hanuman Garhi
Situated in the center of the town, this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Maa Anjani, with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. The faithful believe that all their wishes are granted with a visit to this holy shrine.
Hanuman Garhi is located in a fort situated at the western gate of Ram Kot as a place of watchman. Hanuman ji, (a brave devotee to Lord Ram) is considered (on the basis of mythological faith), the Kotwal (watchman) of Ayodhya city.
King Vikramaditya constructed this temple of Hanuman ji. After a period Nawab Mansoor Ali constructed a fort around the temple through Tikait Rai which is now famous as Hanuman Garhi. In this temple, golden idol of Shri Hanuman ji in the lap of his mother Anjani is established.
For the management of Hanuman Garhi, there are four arrays of saints named as Haridwari Patti, Basantia Patti, Ujjainia Patti and Sagaria Patti. They have their own Chief as well as a principal Chief who is known as Gaddinashin.
At present, Mahant Shri Ramesh Das is Gaddinashin. In this temple, anniversary of Shri Hanuman ji is celebrated with great enthusiasm.
A massive structure in the shape of a four sided fort with circular bastions at each corner houses a temple of Hanuman and is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya.
Ramkot
The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad, on `Ram Navami’, the day of Lord’s birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).
Treta ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 300 years ago the Raja of kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai Hokar of Indore during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.
Nageshwarnath Temple
The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendor.
Kanak Bhawan 
Kanak Bhawan is one of the important temples in Ayodhya. It is a grand temple situated in Ramkot ward. It was constructed by the courtesy of Ram Priya Queen Shri Vrishbhanu Kunwari of Orchha situated in the district Tikamgarh over 200 years ago!! In this temple, three divine idols of Ram, Sita and Laxman are established.
According to a popular story, this Gold-made Temple (Kanak Bhawan) was presented to Sita ji by her mother-in-law Kaikeyi in her first meeting. Also, a legend there is that Lord Krishna reconstructed the temple and placed here an idol of Ram-Janki.
After a period, Maharaj Vikramaditya and thereafter Queen of Tikamgarh again reconstructed the temple. The birth-ceremony of Lord Ram and Shri Kishoriji is celebrated with a great enthusiasm in the temple on Chaitra Shukla Navami and Vaishakh Shukla Navami respectively every year. In the yard of the temple, there is a well popularly known as Sita-koop. Devotees get delighted to drink its sweet water. There is a bed-room in the upper portion of the temple in which foot-prints of four brothers are kept on a thin leaf of silver.
Hanumat Niwas
This is meditation place, which was established by Baba Gomatidas. This is a place known by the service it renders to the Saints.
Gurudwara Brahmakund
This is also one of the oldest Gurudwara situated on the Brahmaghat. In the Hindu mythology, it is said that Brahma ji had meditated at this place for 5000 years due to which the Gurudwara that was constructed on this place came to be known as Gurudwara Brahmkund.
This first saint of Sikh community, Guru Nanak ji, the ninth Guru Tej Bahadur Singh and the tenth Guru Govind Singh, all meditated at this place and gave advice.
Ravidas Mandir
This mandir was constructed around 50-60 years ago. This temple was constructed for propagation of religion of the Raidas community. This temple was named after Saint Ravidas.
Rang Mahal
This is modern temple constructed approximately 35-45 years ago. The festival of Jhulanotsav during the month of Sawan is celebrated over here with pomp and gaiety.
Nishad Raj Temple
This temple was constructed by the followers of Nishad community in the memory of Shri Nishad Raj. Construction of temple was commenced in the year 1917.
Jain Swetamber Mandir
The followers of Jain community constructed this temple for the promotion and propaganda of Jainism and for providing residential facilities for the Tourists of Jain community.
This is the birthplace of five Lords namely Rishabh Deo, Ajitnath, Abhinandannath, Anudnath and Sumitinath.
Dharm Hari
There exits an ancient temple known as Dharm Hari near Ram ki Paidi. According to a popular myth, once Maharaja Dharm Raj visits Ayodhya and felt in his heart that this Vishnupuri is a blessed city, its significance is unparallel.
Lord Vishnu got pleased with his frequent greetings in the name of Ayodhya so he graced him by making an appearance before him and instructed him to ask for a boon. Dharm Raj requested Lord Vishnu to be present in Ayodhya forever and be famed after his name and so established the temple of Dharm Hari. On Ashadh Shukla Ekadashi, devottee people visit and pray at this place to repent their sins.
Maniparvat
Stands about 65 feet high, and some scholars think it to be of Buddhist origin.
According to legend, it was while Hanuman was carrying the hill bearing the Sanjeevani Booti (herb) for Lakshman’s wounds from Himalayas, on the way to Lanka, a portion broke off and fell in Ayodhya and this is that very mound.
Sursari Mandir
The Raja of Sursari Estate constructed this temple near Sitamani during the British rule by using marble stones.
This is one of the beautiful temples of Ayodhya.
Digambar Jain mandir
This temple is related to the founder of Jainism Shri Rishabhdeo ji, situated in Raiganj ward of Ayodhya in which a huge statue made of marble of the height of 21 feet is established. Five statues made of black stone are of other five Jain Tirthankars.
According to Adi Puran, Rishabhdeo was the first king of Ayodhya who is also known as Adinath, the first Tirthankar of Jain.
Kale Ram Mandir
Kale Ram Mandir is situated near Ram ki Paidi in Swargdwar ward of Ayodhya city. It is enumerated in important temples of Ayodhya.
Idol established in this temple is of the period of Maharaj Vikramaditya. This place is worth seeing for devotees.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan is situated on Raiganj crossing, 300 meters in the east of National Highway. Goswami Tulasi Das ji began to compose Ram Charit Manas here. Motivated by the historical importance of the place, Shri Vishwanath Das ji, the then Governor of UP, ordered to construct here a building in the memory of Goswami Tulsi Das to be known as Tulsi Smarak Bhawan.
The department of culture, Government of U.P. founded Ayodhya, Sodha Sansthan in 1986 in this building .
A reference library contains books of academic importance related to Mythology, Philosophy, History and literatures of and about Goswami Tulsi Das, Ram Katha and allied subjects. The Ayodhya Sodha Sansthan is engaged to promote the publications and research works.
Vedanti Mandir
This temple was constructed 80-90 years ago by Pt. Shri Ram Ballabh Sharan Ji Maharaj and was known as Shri Ram Ballabh Kunj (Madhukar Niwas) where the services were given to God, Saints, Students and even to Cows.
Pt. Shri Ram Ballabh Sharan Ji Maharaj handed over the rights of the temple to his dearest pupil Shri Ram Padarath Das Ji Vedanti.
Uttar Totadri Math
The temple is located near Ayodhya Post Office. The temple was founded by Swami Bal Bhadracharya, and the temple is related with South Indian Toradri Math of Ramanuja cult. Icon of Tirupati Bala Ji Venkatesh Bhagawan is available.
The temple runs a Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya and the expenditure is borne by this Math.
Ram Janam Bhumi-Babri Masjid Complex
Shri Ram Janm Bhoomi is located in Ram Kot ward of Ayodhya city. According to Hindu mythology, This place is supposed to be the birth place of Lord Ram. Baby idols of Lord Ram, Laxman, Bharat and Shatrughna are kept here.Presently, the Union Governmemt aquirad the area and a case a pending with the court among different parties.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Sita Rasoi is situated near north-western corner of Janmasthan in Ramkot ward. In this temple idols of four brothers Ram, Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughan alongwith their wives Sita, Urmila, Mandavi, Shrutikirti is established. It is believed that after being married with Lord Rama, Sita ji cooked meal for her family for the first time at this very place. Symbolic kitchen utensils are point of attraction to the tourists.
Kaushlya Bhawan
According to the ancient beliefs, this building/ palace was constructed as a residence of Kaushlya, the mother of Lord Ram.
Valmiki Bhawan
Valmiki Bhawan is constructed in the form of Baba Maniramdas Chhawani in Vasudeo Ghat area. In this temple, the complete sanskrit-verses of Valmiki Ramayan, an epic in Sanskrit language is inscribed on white marble and portraits relating to Ram Katha are painted on the walls.
Idols of Maharshi Valmiki along with his pupils Lav and Kush, the twin sons of Lord Ram are established here. A large number of books in Sanskrit language are collected in a library established in this temple.
In this building, International Shri Sita Ram Nam Bank is established in which devotee people deposit Shri Sita Ram Nam writing on a copy provided for that purpose in different languages. This temple is under supervision of Mahant Nritya Goplal Das Ji at present.
Ratna Sinhasan
Ratna Sinhasan Mandir is located near Kanak Bhawan. It is said that Lord Ram was coronated at this very place. An idol of Lord Ram and his wife Sita, made of black stone is worth seeing here.
Lord Ram and Sita along with Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughna are seated here on a throne decorated with gems in the shadow of Kalp vriksha. In its vicinity, idols of Jambvant, Vibhishan, Guru Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Sugriv and Angad are established.
At present, this place is famous as Rajgaddi.
Hanuman Bagh
It is said that Shri Ram Padarath Das, the main disciple of Shri Ram Vallabh Sharan Ji Vyas had planned to construct a Hanuman Temple for which the idol was brought from Jaipur and temporarily placed at a garden (Bagh).
Thereafter, when the attempt was made to shift the idol to its final place, it did not budge. As a result, the temple was constructed at that very place where it was initially and temporarily placed and is now known as temple of Hanuman Bagh.
Divya Sheesh Mahal
This Temple is located about 500 yards from Hanuman Garhi crossing. The Inner decoration of the temple is made by Cut Glass. Here the Icons of Lord Ram, Laxman and Sita are installed.
Accssibility to Ayodhya
Air
For Ayodhya the nearest airports are Amausi Airport (Lucknow-134 km), Bumrauli Airport (Allahabad – 166 km)
Rail
Ayodhya is situated on the broad gauge Northern Railway line on Mughal Sarai – Lucknow main route. Ayodhya/Faizabad are connected to various parts of the country by the following trains:
* 2167/2168 – Saket Express (Bombay/Faizabad)
* 3307/3308 – Doon Express (Calcutta/Dehradun)
* 3151/3152 – Jammu Tawi Express (Calcutta)
* 3283/3284 – Ganga Yamuna Express (Bhiwani/Delhi-Varanasi/Danapur)
* 2449/2450 – Saryu Yamuna Express (Delhi/Varanasi)
* 9165/9166 – Sabarmati Express (Varanasi/Ahmedabad)
Road
Connected by road to several major cities and towns. Some of the major road distances are: Lucknow (134 km), Gorakhpur (132 km), Jhansi (441 km), Allahabad (166 km), Sravasti (109 km), Varanasi (209 km) and Gonda (51 km).
Accommodation in Ayodhya
* Kanan Bhawan Dharamshala. Phone: 32024.
* Birla Dharamshala, Bus Station. Phone: 32252.
* Gujrat Bhawan Dharamshala, near Bus Station. Phone: 32074.
* Jain Dharamshala. Rai Ganj.
* Janaki Mahal Trust Dharamshala, Naya Ghat.
* Pandit Banshidhar Dharamshala, Naya Ghat.
* Ram Charit Manas Trust Dharamshala.
Quality accommodation is available at Faizabad town, just 7 km away
* Hotel Shane Awadh, Civil Lines, Faizabad. Phone: 23586.
* Tirupati Hotel, Civil Lines, Faizabad. Phone: 2233/22448.
* Hotel Alka Raje, Rekabganj, Faizabad. Phone: 22027.
* Abha Hotel, Moti Bagh, Faizabad. Phone: 22930.
UP Tourism Accommodation
* Pathik Niwas Saket, near Railway Station, Ayodhya. Phone: 32435. (Run by U.P. State Tourism Development Corporation)
Restaurants
Options are limited to local eateries/restaurants which offer largely vegetarian food.
Banks, Post and Telegraph
* State Bank of India, Shrinagar Hat. Phone: 32053. * Central Bank of India, Shrinagar Hat. Phone: 32084.
Post Office
* Sub-Post Office, Shringar Hat. Phone: 32025.
Proof OF Ramayan
Ashok vatika
Floating Stone from Ramsethu
Ramsethu
Sanjivani Mountain from where Sanjivani Booti was acquired
Sugriva Cave
Sugriva Cave-2
The Ravana Palace which was burnt by Hanuman
