AYODHYA-
Ayodhya is a very ancient and holy city in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. It is located about 134 km East of Lucknow. This is one of the seven such holy cities in India, commonly known as "SAPTPURIES". It is said that Ayodhya was founded by Manu, who received it as a gift from Lord Vishnu. Being the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is dotted with several important temples. Sites of pilgrim interest are spread out all over Ayodhya.
Traditionally the pilgrimage to Ayodhya starts from Hanuman Garhi, which is a very old temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The entrance is accessed by a regular flight of 76 steps. The main temple contains the sacred idol of Mata Anjani with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap.
The Ram Janambhumi is under heavy security and you have to go through several check points to reach this holy site. There are small idols of Lord Rama, Lakshaman, Bharat and Shatrughan kept under a canopy in a open space. Presently a make shift shrine stands on the place of Ram Janambhoomi,where a distant darshan of the deities can be had.
Situated on the banks of holy river Saryu, Guptar Ghat is a revered site for all devotees. It is widely believed that this is the place where Lord Rama while taking a dip in the river took a Jal-Samadhi and left for his heavenly abode. The other important Ghats are Ram Ghat and Lakshman Ghat.
Kanak Bhavan is a very important, magnificent and a must see temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is believed that the Bhavan (Palace) was gifted by the queen Kaikeyi to Devi Sita as her wedding gift. Once the temple was made up of gold but there after it was restored several times. Even now this is the most beautiful and attractive structure in the entire city.
Dasharath Mahal, not for away from Hanuman Garhi is another important place to visit. This is also an impressive and peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.
The Nageshwarnath temple is another very old and significant shrine situated very close to the bank of holy river Saryu. It is said that this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Kush, the son of Lord Rama.
While in Ayodhya, you may also like to visit Tulsi Smarak Bhavan and Ram Katha Museum.
Ayodhya is also a very significant and revered place for the followers of Jainism as it is the birth place of Lord Rishabh Dev (Sri Adinathji),the first Tirthankara and preacher of Jainism.
Kanak Bhavan is a very important, magnificent and a must see temple dedicated to Lord Rama. It is believed that the Bhavan (Palace) was gifted by the queen Kaikeyi to Devi Sita as her wedding gift. Once the temple was made up of gold but there after it was restored several times. Even now this is the most beautiful and attractive structure in the entire city.
Dasharath Mahal, not for away from Hanuman Garhi is another important place to visit. This is also an impressive and peaceful temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Sita.
The Nageshwarnath temple is another very old and significant shrine situated very close to the bank of holy river Saryu. It is said that this temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva was built by Kush, the son of Lord Rama.
While in Ayodhya, you may also like to visit Tulsi Smarak Bhavan and Ram Katha Museum.
Ayodhya is also a very significant and revered place for the followers of Jainism as it is the birth place of Lord Rishabh Dev (Sri Adinathji),the first Tirthankara and preacher of Jainism.
