TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN AYODHYA

Ram Janam Bhoomi – Ayodhya Ram Mandir

The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ram. The temple’s design is based on the Hindu scriptures, and it is being constructed using traditional techniques and materials. The temple complex will also include a prayer hall, a museum, a research center, and other facilities. Situated on high ground and replete with temples and shrines, it is one of the major attractions in Ayodhya. Read More About Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Hanuman Garhi Temple

Constructed in the shape of a fort and accessed by a flight of seventy-six steps, the 10th-century ancient temple nestles in the centre of the pilgrim town. It has circular fortifications in each corner and is believed to be the spot where Lord Hanuman resided in a cave and protected the town.
The temple has a golden idol of Lord Hanuman; it is counted amongst the most revered sites in Ayodhya. Every day thousands of devotees visit Hanumangarhi to offer prayers and seek Lord Hanuman’s protection from evils and blessing for happiness and prosperity.

Kanak Bhawan Temple

Vrishbhanu Kuvari, Queen of Teekamgarh (Madhya Pradesh) 1891, constructed the exquisitely embellished temple. The main temple surrounds an open inner area that houses the sacred shrine of Rampada. Marvel at the beautiful idols of Goddess Sita along with Lord Ram and his three brothers.

Shri Nageshwarnath Temple

The presiding deity of Ayodhya is Lord Nageshwarnathji. It is believed that Lord Ram’s son, Kush, built the beautiful temple dedicated to him. The shivalinga ensconced here is said to be quite ancient. As per folklore, Kush was taking a bath in the Saryu River when his armlet fell in the water. After some time, a Nag Kanya (snake woman) appeared and returned it to him. They fell in love with each other and Kush got the temple structured for her. Being one of the most important and venerated temples in Ayodhya, it attracts large crowds of devotees from all over during the festival of Mahashivaratri. The present edifice of the temple was constructed in 1750 AD.

Tulsi Smarak Bhawan

TulsiSmarakBhawan is dedicated to the great saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas Ji. Regular prayer meetings, devotional concerts, and religious discourses are held here. The complex also houses Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan which has a large repository of literary compositions on GoswamiTulsidasJi.Ramleela is performed every day from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm at Tulsi Smarak Auditorium; it is a major attraction.

Treta-ke-Thakur

Also famous as Kaleram – ka – Mandir, the beautiful temple is believed to mark the spot where Lord Ram performed the legendary AshwamedhYagna. The Raja of Kullu (Himachal Pradesh) built the present structure about three centuries ago. It was later renovated by Maharani Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore (Madhya Pradesh). The statues installed here are made of black sandstone; it is believed that they belong to the era of King Vikramaditya.

Jain Shrines in Ayodhya

It is not just the birthplace of Lord Ram but is also a place of high importance for the Jains, with five Jain Tirthankars believed to be born here. Every year, followers reach this town in large numbers to pay obeisance to these great saints and take part in special occasions. There are many Jain temples spread all over the holy town; one can visit the Lord Adinath Temple near Swargdwar, Lord Anantnath Temple at GolaGhat, Lord Sumantnath shrine at Ramkot, Lord Ajitnath Temple near Saptsagar and Lord Abhinandannath Temple in Sarai locality. A huge Jain temple is situated in the Raiganj area; it is home to an exclusive 21 ft tall idol of Lord Adinath (Rishabhdevji), who happened to be the first Tirthankar.

Mani Parvat

It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was carrying the huge mountain with Sanjivani Booti (a herb) to Lanka to save injured Lakshman, brother of Lord Ram, some part of it fell in Ayodhya. The hillock, about 65 feet high, was later named Mani Parvat.

Chhoti Devkali Temple

Located close to Naya Ghat, this temple is associated with numerous fables from the Hindu epic, Mahabharat. According to Mythology, Mother Sita arrived at Ayodhya with an idol of goddess Girija Devi after her wedding with Lord Ram. It is believed that King Dashrath got a beautiful temple constructed and the idol was established in the sanctum sanctorum. Mother Sita used to worship here every day. It is presently dedicated to goddess Devkali and hence the name.

Ram ki Paidi

A series of ghats set on the banks of River Saryu serves as a platform for devotees who come here to wash away their sins. It also has lush green gardens surrounded by temples. The riverfront brings forth an outstanding panorama, especially on the floodlit night. These serve as platforms to devotees who, it is believed, come to wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy river. Saryu provides a regular supply of water for the ghats and is maintained by the Irrigation Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Queen-Huh Memorial Park

The holy city of Ayodhya, in Uttar Pradesh, plays host to hundreds of South Koreans every year that come to pay their tributes to the legendary Queen Huh Hwang-ok. According to legend, Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna, was the princess of Ayodhya before she went to South Korea and married King Kim Suro of the Karak Clan in 48 AD.
It is believed that she reached Korea on a boat, and was the first queen of King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya. She was 16-year-old when she got married and is considered to be the first queen of the Gaya Kingdom. It is because of the presence of her monument in Ayodhya that around 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider the city as their maternal home. The memorial was first inaugurated in 2001 in Ayodhya.

Saryu Ghat

One of the most prominent waterways in Uttar Pradesh, the river finds mentioned in ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Ved and Ramayan. Translating to ‘that which is streaming’, it flows through Ayodhya and is believed to, rejuvenate and wash away impurities off this religious town! Hundreds of devotees come here to take a holy dip throughout the year on various religious occasions.

Gurudwaras

The Gurudwaras at Brahm Kund and Nazarbagh localities have been associated with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Guru Teg Bahadur Ji and Guru Govind Singh Ji. A large number of followers visit the Gurudwaras and bow down in reverence.

Ram Katha Museum

(10.30 am to 4.30 pm; Weekly holiday: Monday, Entry Fee: Nil) The museum houses an outstanding collection of rare paintings, photographs and antiquities connected with the life of Lord Ram.

Suraj Kund
Located at Chaudah Koshi Parikrama Marg in the Darshan Nagar area, at a distance of 4 km from Ayodhya, Suraj Kund is a big tank surrounded by ghats that presents an exclusively beautiful sight to visitors. The Suryavanshi rulers of Ayodhya, it is believed, constructed the kund to pay obeisance to the Sun god.

Ghats and Kunds

Famous ghats and kunds are Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Lakshman Ghat, Tulsi Ghat, Naya Ghat, Swargdwar Ghat, Janaki Ghat, Vidya Kund, Vibhishan Kund, Dant Dhavan Kund, Sita Kund, etc. Amovan Temple, Dashrath Mahal, Janaki Mahal, Lakshman Qila, Luv-Kush Temple, Mattagayandaji Temple, Raj Gaddi, Shri Ram-Janaki Birla Temple and Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan.

Gulab Bari

As the name suggests Gulab Bari is a rose garden. The vast garden encompasses the entire area that houses the tomb of Shuja-ud-Daula and his family. The garden was established in 1775 and houses a large variety of beautiful rose beds. The splendid mausoleum has a huge dome and is surrounded by a wall. It has two big gateways to enter the complex.

Tomb of Bahu Begum

It is the final resting place of Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, the queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula. The mausoleum is an outstanding example of the Awadhi architectural style. The entire complex, full of greenery, is now a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is managed by the Shia Board Committee (Lucknow). It comes to life during Muharram. One can witness a bird’s eye view of the city from the top of the complex which is said to be the tallest standing edifice in Ayodhya.

Company Garden

(5am-12noon & 4pm-9pm)Also known as Guptar Ghat Garden, the sprawling botanical garden is a wonderful place to take a walk, relax or just be with mother nature; leaving behind the worries of daily life and the hustle-bustle of urban areas. Located on the bank of Saryu, one can marvel at the numerous varieties of shrubs and trees which have been planted here.

Guptar Ghat

Situated on the banks of river Saryu, this is the very spot where Lord Rama performed Jal Samadhi. King Darshan Singh constructed it in the early 19th century. One can also visit Ram Janaki Temple, Old Charan Paduka Temple, Narsingh Temple and Hanuman Temple on the ghat.

Raj Sadan Ayodhya

Ayodhya is a city of great spiritual significance; at the same time, it demonstrates the historic shades. To experience this, you need to visit Raj Sadan, the palatial abode of the stately monarch.