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Shri Ram Temple Ayodhya |
About the city
Ayodhya is situated on the right bank of the river Ghagra or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, on latitude 26o 48’ north and longitude 82o 13’ east in north India. Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya is a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kaushaldesa.
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 pre-eminently a temple town, Ayodhya is also famous for its close association with the epic Ramayana. It is a city of immense antiquity full of historical significance and sacred temples. The Atharvaveda described Ayodhya as `a city built by Gods and being prosperous as paradise itself’. 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 and 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 Raghuvamsha. 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 pre-eminently a city of temples.
Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jain tradition, five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva) the 1st Tirthankar.
How to reach 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 junction and Faizabad Railway Station are connected to various parts of the country.
Ayodhya Railway Station; Enquiries and Reservations. Phone: (05278) 232023.
Faizabad Railway Station; Enquiries and Reservations. Phone: (05278) 139.
ROAD
Connected by road to several major cities and towns. Some of the major road
Ayodhya is :
Lucknow (134 km),
Gorakhpur (132 km),
Jhansi (441 km),
Allahabad (166 km),
Sravasti (109 km),
Varanasi (209 km)
Gonda (51 km).
Bus
UPSRTC Bus Stand. Ayodhya. Phone: (05278) 232067.
UPSRTC Bus Stand, Faizabad. Phone: (05278) 222964.
Where to Stay :
Hotels
Krishna Palace
13/66 Civil Lines
Faizabad- 224001
Tel:05298- 221367
Awadh Hotel
Civil Lines
Faizabad- 224001
Tel: 05278- 224023
Nikko Lotus Hotel
Katra Saraswati
Tel: 05252 265291
Sain Palya Hotel
Near Railway Station
Ambedkar Nagar
Tel: 05241- 245555
Sri Ram Hotel
near Dant Dhawan Kund
Tel: 05278-232512, 232474
Sights to See
The Hanuman Garhi:
Situated in the centre 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. 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.
Kanak Bhawan:
This has images of Sri Rama and Sita wearing gold crowns. It is also known as Sone-ke-Ghar.
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).
Swarg Dwar:
According to mythology, Lord Rama is said to have been cremated here.
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 splendour.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat:
The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an ancient monastery.
Other places of interest:
Rishabhadeo Jain Temple, Brahma Kund, Amawan Temple, Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Quila, Angad Tila, Shri Rama Janaki Birla Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ram ki Paidi, Kaleramji ka Mandir, Datuvan Kund, Janki Mahal, Gurudwara Brahma Kund, Ram Katha Museum, Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, Raja Dashrath Samadhi sthal Purabazar Faizabad, Shringi Rishi Ashram Mahboobganj Faizabad, Vashith Ashram Delasiganj Faizabad are among other places of interest in Ayodhya.
Festivals
Festivals observed in Ayodhya include 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 and vijay dashmi
Short Detail :
Area : 10.24 Sq. km.
Population : 40642 (1991 census)
Altitude : 26.90 meters above sea level.
Season : October – March.
Clothing (Summer) : Cottons
Clothing (Winter) : Woolens
Language : Hindi, Avadhi and English
Local Transport : Taxis, Tongas, Tempos, Buses, Cycle-Rikshaws.
STD Code : 05278
Tourist Office:
Regional Tourist Office
House No. 1-3/152/4
near Pusparaj Guest House
Civil Lines
Faizabad (UP)
Tel: (05278) 223214.
Government of UP Assistant Tourist Office:
Pathik Niwas Saket
Near Railway Station
Ayodhya
Tel: (05278) 232435.
Thank you for sharing. wonderful
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