The Ultimate Guide on Best Places to Visit in Ayodhya and its Amazing Facts!
Jai Shree Ram Bhakton! Known for its ancient temples, festivals, and interesting history, Ayodhya is a popular destination for bhakts. But before you select the best places to visit in Ayodhya, it is important to plan it properly.
This guide will not only help you know the Best Places to Visit in Ayodhya, but will also tell its amazing facts, how to visit, along with the guidelines to follow while travelling to Ayodhya.
Historical background and significance of Ayodhya
Ayodhya has a rich history connected from thousands of years. It is the birthplace of Lord Ram, who is one of the most popular avatars of Lord Vishnu. With diverse cultures and traditions, the spiritual significance in Ayodhya is both divine and mesmerizing.
It is also said that Ayodhya is similar to Saket Town, where Buddhists used to live. Many great monuments were also built in Ayodhya which were found by Ashoka The Great, who was the third Mauryan Emperor of Magadha.
Later on, The Kanauj Kingdom began during the 12th Century BCE. Due to various conflicts, Delhi Sultanate, under the Jaunpur Kingdom came into action which in 1764, led to the involvement of British East India Company as a subordinate. In the year 1877, The Kanauj Kingdom also known as Oudh joined the Agra Presidency which is now known as the Uttar Pradesh State.
Best Place to Visit in Ayodhya
Ayodhya has a number of religious sites. In the following sections, we’ll go into more detail about Best Places to Visit in Ayodhya.
Shri Ram Mandir (Shri Ram Janmabhoomi)
Located at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi site, Shri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya also known as Lord Shri Ram Temple, is made after a long political and religious dispute. Shri Ram Mandir completed its inauguration on 24th January, 2024. The estimated Ram Mandir completion date is believed to be 24th February, 2024.
Shri Ram Mandir is constructed and managed by Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, formed by the Government of India. The Ayodhya Ram Mandir is the most sacred temple for Hindus. It will contribute to Ayodhya’s development as a cultural and religious temple.
Shri Hanuman Garhi Mandir
Being the protector of Ayodhya, it is believed that Bajrangbali Hanuman ji lived in the Hanuman Garhi Mandir. Mandir has a childhood idol of Lord Hanuman who is sitting on the lap of Mata Anjani. The other name for Shri Hanuman Garhi Mandir is Siddha Peeth Shri Hanuman Garhi.
Devotees visit the Shri Hanuman Garhi Mandir to seek the blessings from Hanuman Ji. It is believed that people take permission from Hanuman Ji from here to visit Shri Ram Mandir. The walls of the mandir are adorned with Hanuman Chalisa, which makes it look even more heavenly.
Sita Ki Rasoi
Located at the north-west side of the Ram Janmabhoomi, it is not a kitchen by its name but a temple devoted to Mata Sita. It is believed that Mata Sita herself used to cook in this kitchen. The utensils and other items are kept here to make it look even more beautiful.
Mata Sita used to cook for five sages and then she earned the name of Mata Annapurna which means the goddess of food. The word Sita Ki Rasoi is engraved on various walls there. It is believed that in the ancient times, three types of dishes were served namely Malpua, kheer, and kadhi.
Swarg Dwar
Also known by the name Ram Ghat or Gateway To Heaven, Swarg Dwar is situated at the north side of the Ram Janmabhoomi. It is related to the Vira Ramesvara’s temple and Rama Teertham. You will find two main temples here which are Badi – Narayana Temple and Rama Temple.
Sarayu River runs along the sides of the Swarg Dwar where devotees bathe. It is believed that Lord Rama took Jal Samadhi in Sarayu River after which, he went to Vaikuntha Dham.
Nageshwarnath Temple
This temple lies at the Ram ki Paidi in Ayodhya. Lord Ram Ji’s son Kush built this temple which is dedicated to Lord Mahadev Ji. The festival Shivratri is celebrated here greatly, and Shiv Barat is also taken out. Thousands of devotees visit the Nageshwarnath temple during Mahashivratri.
Nageshwarnath Temple is built closer to Theri Bazaar. It is one of the most famous temples in Ayodhya. It has a beautiful Mahadwar which is the feet, Sabha Mandapa which is the chest, and it is the main prayer hall in the temple.
Amazing Facts of Ayodhya
Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala Kingdom
Ayodhya was once the capital of Kosala Kingdom, which was ruled by Raja Dasharatha. It was later known as Awadh or Oudh.
Raja Darshan Singh built the line of ghats in Ayodhya
In the 19th century, Raja Darshan Singh did the construction of the lines available in the ghats available near the river Sarayu.
Ayodhya is known for one of the seven sacred cities of Hindus
As Ayodhya is the place where Shri Ram Ji was born, it is one of the seven sacred cities, following Varanasi, Mathura, Haridwar Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka.
Ram Mandir is one of the biggest Temple in India
Inaugurated on 22nd January 2024, Ram Mandir is built in Ayodhya after many conflicts. Being the birthplace of Lord Ram (Janmabhoomi), Ram Mandir is made by expert artisans.
How to Reach Ayodhya?
By Air
Ayodhya Airport which is officially known as the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, in Ayodhya Dham is the airport which serves the Ayodhya as well as Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, India. Visitors can book their Flight tickets for this airport to reach Ayodhya.
By Train
The well maintained station, Ayodhya Railway Junction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India is connected to various cities in India. Visitors can book their train tickets for this station to reach Ayodhya.
By Road
Ayodhya is also connected to various cities in India by road. Buses are available from Varanasi, Lucknow to Ayodhya.
Safety precautions and local guidelines to follow while travelling to Ayodhya
Remember that safety is essential, and following these guidelines ensures a positive and secure travel experience in Ayodhya. Always stay updated on the latest information and make sure that you plan your trip accordingly.
Local Transportation
Follow safety guidelines which are set by the transport authorities. Make sure to maintain physical distancing while using public transportation.
Religious Sites Protocol
Respect local customs and religious practices while visiting temples and sacred sites. Follow dress codes, if required, at the religious places.
Security Awareness
Seek permission before taking photographs, especially in sensitive areas.
Emergency Contacts
Keep a list of local emergency contacts, including the nearest hospital, and police station, or consult if you are a foreign traveler.
Interested to read more about Ayodhya? Visit us at VAMA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which railway station is near Ayodhya?
Ayodhya Railway Junction in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India is connected to various cities in India.
Which airport is closer to Ayodhya?
The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, in Ayodhya Dham is the airport which serves the Ayodhya as well as Faizabad in Uttar Pradesh, India.
How to reach Ayodhya by Bus?
Ayodhya is also connected to various cities in India by road. Buses are available from Varanasi, Lucknow to Ayodhya.