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Ayodhya - the abode of Lord Rama

Hanuman Temple, Ayodhya Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya, the divine land where Lord Rama was born and spent much of his life time is one of the most important pilgrimages in India. Situated on the banks of river Saryu, Ayodhya is the place where you can walk over the streets where Lord Rama or Goddess Sita might have passed thousands years back. You can feel the divinity in the air and the ancient heritage of the simple and quiet city is sure to take you for a ride in the ancient era.

As the Legend Goes

Ayodhya is having a heritage that dates back to several centuries. As the legend goes, founded by Manu or his son Ikshvaku, the first king of the solar dynasty, Ayodhya had always been the seat of power for the Surya dyanasty of which Rama was the most celebrated king. This is the place where king Dasaratha, who had no son, performed the divine Yajna with the help of Sage Rishyasringa and as a result of that, Dasaratha had four sons, Sri Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The city still holds the heritage of Lord Rama fringed in each of the corners of the city.

The most popular festival of India, Diwali was celebrated for the first time in Ayodhya to celebrate Lord Rama's triumph over the tyrant king Ravana in Sri Lanka, when Lord returned home with his consort Sita and brother Lakshmana.

The Divine Attractions in Ayodhya

The divine city Ayodhya holds the heavenly heritage of Lord Rama and his exemplary ruling which is still remembered with respect and devotion. A tour in the city will surely engulf you in a divine feeling which has no is idiosyncratic in the world.

Ramkot

Situated in the western part of the city, the chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot. Though visited by the devotees throughout the year, this sacred place attracts a huge number of pilgrims from all corners of the earth during 'Ramnavami', the day of the Lord's birth, celebrated with much enthusiasm and hue in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).

Hanuman-Garhi Temple

Situated in the centre of the town, this ancient temple is approachable by 76 steps. As legend goes, Hanumana, the devotee of Lord Rama, used to live here in a cave and guarded the Janmabhoomi of Lord Rama. The temple houses a statue of child Hanuman seated at the lap of mother Anjani. The temple is a massive structure in the shape of four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner and is the most famous shrine in Ayodhya.

Treta Ka Mandir

This temple stands where Lord Rama had performed the Ashvamedha Yajna. The temple was built by the Raja of Kullu about 300 years back, which was improved later by Ahilyabai Holkar of Indore during 1784. The adjoining ghats make a nice view in the morning and evening.

Tourist Information

Both the state and central government have came up with a number of measures to promote tourism in Ayodhya. A number of hotels and guest houses run by UPTDC and other private organizations make your stay in Atyodhya a pleasant experience.

Getting There

By Air

Ayodhya can access both the airports of Lucknow (135 km) and Varanasi (190 km) with equal ease. Lucknow is well connected to the rest of the country with Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and Air Sahara flights. The Varanasi airport connects Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow and Khajuraho on a regular basis.

By Rail

Faizabad is at a distance of 6km from Ayodhya and is three hours from both Varanasi and Lucknow by train on a broad gauge railway line. From Ayodhya to Varanasi two trains are available – the Farakka Express and the Saryu Yamuna Express. There is also a local train service from Ayodhya to Faizabad.

By Road

The nearest bus hub to Ayodhya is at Faizabad (6 km) and it is connected to Lucknow, Allahabad and Gorakhpur in regular bus service. An early morning bus service to Sunauli, for Nepal from Faizabad bus stand is also available. The distance from some major cities are : Lucknow – 141 km, Varanasi – 190 km, Allahabad – 167 km, Gorakhpur - 140 km.