Ayodhya- Uttar Pradesh: Lord Rama’s Hometown

Ayodhya is a very important pilgrimage destination in India. Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Ayodhya once had a perimeter of 96 miles. Ayodhya in ancient times was referred to as Kosaldesa and was once a capital of the kingdom of Koshala. Located on the banks of the river Gogra (Ghaghara or Saryu), Ayodhya’s riches were well known and the Atharvaveda describes Ayodhya as ‘a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself’. Though an ancient Hindu temple town, Ayodhya is also an important pilgrimage centre for other religions. Ayodhya is revered in Buddhism, Jainism and Islam. In Jainism, Ayodhya is considered to be the birthplace of five tirthankaras, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva), the 1st tirthankar.

Ayodhya- Tourist Attractions

• The most important pilgrimage destination is the Ram Janma Bhoomi, where Lord Rama is said to have taken birth. Presently, the exact spot has a small Lord Rama temple; there are, however, plans to build a grand Rama temple here.
• Another prominent pilgrimage attraction is the Guptar Ghat, this destination is where Lord Rama is said to have left his body. At present, Guptar Ghat is home to many temples such as Chakra Harji Vishnu, Gupta Harji, and Raja Mandir. Of these, the Chakra Harji Vishnu temple is deemed more important. The Chakra Harji Vishnu temple is home to many deities and houses a very old idol of Chakra Harji Vishnu. This historical temple also contains an imprint of Sri Rama’s feet.
• Ramkot, which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city, is the place of an ancient citadel and is the chief place of worship in Ayodhya.
• Hanuman Garhi, Treta-Ke-Thakur and Nageshwarnath temple are some of the other more prominent pilgrimage destinations in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya- TRAVEL TIPS

• Languages: The local populace is well verse in Hindi and English; so communication shouldn’t be a problem.
• Yoga Centres: The region surrounding Ayodhya is very picturesque and is home to many yoga and ayurveda centres of Uttar Pradesh.
• Cuisine: Cuisine would be largely vegetarian.
• Accommodation: Due to this old temple site’s spiritual prominence, there are many ashrams and meditation centres around this ancient temple and famous pilgrimage centre.

Ayodhya is a must-stop for any temple tourism initiative or temple trips in India. Find Travel Agents suiting your travel on Tripraja.com

BEST TIME to visit Ayodhya

Ayodhya can be visited any time of the year. However, winters here can be quite cold. However, it is suggested that one visits Ayodhya on the auspicious day of Ramnavami, the day of Lord Rama’s birth, an occasion which is celebrated with great pomp and show. Ramnavami usually comes in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).

BEST WAY to reach Ayodhya

• By Air: Amausi airport, located at a distance of 134 kms, is the nearest airport. Flights to/from most major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore are rather frequent.
• By Rail: Ayodhya is a major railway junction. Ayodhya lies on the Mughal Sarai-Lucknow main line and is well connected to all the major railheads in the region.
• By Road: Ayodhya is well connected to all the important cities in the region. Buses are plenty from all towns/cities in the region.

ACCOMMODATION

Hotels, inspection bungalows, private cottages, etc. are available to suit all budgets. The region around the Ayodhya abounds in family holiday resorts and cottages. One can obtain excellent discounts on accommodation via temple pilgrimage tours and temple tours.