Ayodhya, the Birth Place of Lord Rama
Ayodhya City is located about 8 km away from Faizabad city on the right bank of the Ghaghara or Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh. It is the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama (7th avatar of God Vishnu). Valmiki was a great novelist who wrote the great Hindu epic Ramayana. According to this holy book Ayodhya was founded by the Hindu king Manu of Suryavansa. Dasharatha was the 63rd ruler of this dynasty and Lord Rama was his son who is supposed to the greatest king ever in India.
Hinduism is predominant religion in Ayodhya but some other religions also simultaneously exist here namely, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. Hindus celebrate lots of festivals throughout the year in Ayodhya. Some major of these are the Shraban Jhula Mela of July and August, Parikroma Mela of October and November, Ram Navmi of March and April, Rath Yatra June and July, Ramayana Mela and Vijaya Dashmi.
There is a clash between Hindu and Muslim in Ayodhya due to the controversial location of Babri Masjid. Hindus claimed that the mosque was constructed on the birthplace of Lord Rama. This controversial issue reached its peak in 1992 when about 150001 Hindus forcefully destroyed Babri Masjid. On 30 September 2010, Allahabad High Court marked its verdict on Ayodhya debate. According to the final decree of this court the area of Rama’s temple will be given to Hindus, and the rest of the land shall be divided into three equal parts among the Sunni Central Board of Waqfs, Nirmohi Akhara (a Hindu community group) and Hindus.
Tourist place in Ayodhya
The Hanuman Garhi is located at the heart of Ayodhya City. It is believed that the lord Hanuman (Paban Putra) lived here in a cave to protect Ramkot. You will find here a beautiful idol of Bal (young) sited on lap of Maa Anjani at the main temple.
Ramkot is the main religious place of Ayodhya for Hindus located on the west of the city. Thousand of devotees and tourist come here throughout the year. Ram Navami is most popular festival at Ajodhya which is celebrated during the month of Chaitra (March or April).
Kanak Bhavan is one of the famous temples in Ayodhya. Hindus believed that this Bhavan was gifted to Sita (consort of Lord Rama) by Kaikai after her marriage. This is private palace of lord Sita and Rama. it was renovated by Vrish Bhanu Kunwari, the Queen of Tikamgar in the year 1891.
Mani and Sugrib are two small hillock positioned back to back in Ayodhya. According to Hindu mythology, these hillocks were carried here by Hanuman when he brings the Sanjeevani Booti (special type of tree) from Himalaya for Lakshman’s wounds.
Treta ki Thakur is a place in Ajodhya where Rama performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 301 years ago a temple was constructed by the king of kulu at this place. It was improved by Queen Ahilya Bai of Holkar of Indore during 1784.
Nageshwar Nath Temple was constructed by Kush (son of Rama) for a Nag-Kanya (a serpent girl). It is a Shiva Temple and the Nag-Kanya used to worship Shiva in the temple. During the festival time of Mahashivratri the temple receive thousands of devotees.
Chhoti Dev Kali Mandir is supposed to a place where Sita Maiya used to worship to Girija Devi daily. Today, you will find the idol of Goddess Kali here and the temple is known as Choti Devkali temple by locals.
Shri Ram Janaki Birla Temple is a newly made temple. It is located opposite to the Ayodhya Bus stop on the way of Ayodhya-Faizabad. This temple is dedicated to lord Ram and Sita.
Some other tourist places in Ayodhya are Swarg Dwar, Angada Tila, Tulsi Smarak Bhavan, Gurudwara Brahma Kund, Rishavadeo Jain Temple, Amaban Temple, Laxman Quila, Rama Katha Museum and Valmiki Ramayana Bhavan.
How to reach Ayodhya?
Travel by Airways
If planned to reach Ayodhya by airways then the domestic airport of Faizabad city (just 6 km) will be closest to you. Other closer airports to the city are Amausi domestic Airport of Lucknow about 136 km away, Allahabad Airport about 164 km away and the Airport of Gorakhpur about 138 km away. Delhi international Indira Gandhi Airport (588 km from Ayodhya) would be suitable for the tourists who travel from abroad.
Travel by Railways
Ayodhya railway route is located on the North Indian Railway network of Mughal Sarai to Lucknow line. Ayodhya junction is the main station in Ayodhya city but best destination station to reach the city is Faizabad Railway Station. It is directly connected to all major cities in India including New Delhi, Varaanasi, Agra, Lacknow, Kolkata and Mumbai.
Travel by Roadways
Ajodhya is very well connected to other adjacent cities with several national and state highways. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation plies buses to and from Ayodhya. Road distance between Ayodhya and other major neighboring cities are Lacknow - 136 km, Gorakhopur -134 km, Allahabad - 165 km, Varanasi - 210 km and Gonda - 52 km.
Hotels in the Ayodhya City
Shri Rama Hotel Near Dant Dhavan Kund Phone No: 05278-232512 |
Ram Dham Guest House Near Ayodhya Railway St. Rd Phone No: 05278-232791 |
Ram Anugsah Vishram Sadan Chhoti Chhavani Marg, Ayodhya Phone No: 05278-223142. |
Birla Dharam Shala Near Bus Station, Ajodhya Phone No: 05278-232252 |
Gujarat Bhavan Dharam Shala Near Bus Station, Ayodhya Phone No: 05278-232075 |
Janaki Mahal Trust Dharam Shala Naya Ghat, Ayodhya Phone No: 05278-232032 |
Pathik Nibas Hotel Near Railway Station, Ajodhya Phone No: 05278-232435 |
Jain Dharam Shala Raiganj, Ayodhya Phone No: 05278-232308 |
Information about Ayodhya City
Country | India |
State | Uttar Pradesh |
STD Code | 05278 |
ISD Code | 00915278 |
Landmark | On the bank of Yamuna River, 8 km from Faizabad |
Languages | Hindi (main language), Avadhi and English. |
Climate | Winter average 12°C, Summer average 33°C |
Best season to visit | November and December |
Attractions | It is a Hindu religious site include many temples |
Targeted Railway Station | Ayodhya and Faizabad Railway Station |
Airport | Airport of Faizabad |