Ayodhya: The City of Lord Ram

Nestled in the lap of river Saryu, blooms the city of Ayodhya- the land where myth, history and piety of thousands converge. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, the dharma bhoomi of the Ikshavaku clan, Ayodhya contains in itself the many shades of devotion.

Ayodhya Through the Ages 

The history of Ayodhya goes back well in time. Besides the Hindu epic Ramayana, various historical texts have mentions of Ayodhya. Certain Jain and Buddhist texts include references to the settlement of Saketa, which was an important part of the Kosala Mahajanapada. Historians believe this was the same as Ayodhya, stretching its vibrant history to thousands of years ago. 

Besides the Hindus, Ayodhya is also a site of special reverence for the Jains who believe it to be the birthplace of Adinath, the first Tirthankara. Adinath and Ram are held to be the scions of the same clan. Such is the mosaic of faith and purity of this place that different pieces of devotion come together to form the image of Ayodhya. 

Certain accounts like those of Chinese traveller Fa-Hien, who visited India in the 5th century AD during the reign of Chandragupta II, mention the presence of dilapidated Buddhist structures in Saketa. While no grand Buddhist remains in the region have survived the ravages of time, it has always been a place where syncretism has prospered. 

The connections between Ayodhya and Saketa gained further strength during the Gupta period and the city assumed great socio-economic importance. 

Faizabad, situated in Ayodhya district, saw the rise of Nawabi culture as the capital of Awadh. According to some legends, Saket was christened after the demise of Faiz Baksh, a prominent courtier of the Nawab. The foundation of this city of Faizabad was laid down by Saadat Ali Khan, the first Nawab of Awadh. Faizabad lost its importance to Lucknow when Nawab Asaf-ud-Daula made it his capital. Under the four generations of Saadat Ali Khan, Faizabad rose to new heights in the realm of art and culture. 

No wonder, the entire region of Ayodhya today is an amalgam of Awadhi culture with influences from multiple religions. Nestled in it is a treasure trove of history that can easily captivate anyone. 

Ram’s Beloved: Ram Janmabhoomi 

Ayodhya and Ram are synonymous. If either one is mentioned, you cannot help but think of the other. Ramanaya’s episode where Lord Ram is leaving his dearest Ayodhya with Sita and Lakshman for the 14-year Vanvaas and the entire town pouring out of their homes to stop him, is very well known. It would be wrong to say that the same sentiment does not thrive in the heart of the city’s residents even today. 

The Ram Janmabhoomi is one of the holiest places of Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, the avatar of God Vishnu, a part of the Hindu trinity. As the Maryada-Purshottam, he is the embodiment of justice, honesty and dedication to the truth. Lord Rama is worshiped with the hope to emulate his virtues and the entirety of Ayodhyay reverberates with a deep devotion towards him. The entire landscape is dotted with beautiful structures dedicated to the Lord that bring out the scenes from Ramayana to life. 

The grand Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, the foundation of which was laid down by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is currently under construction and will soon open its gates to devotees from all over the world. 

Various scenic temples and monuments of Ayodhya enamour any visitor with their france and simplistic chance. 

Ram Ki Paidi

Ram Ki Paidi or the series of Ghats along the river Saryu capture the slice of life of Ayodhaya perfectly. These Ghats are the living-breathing monuments that occupy a special place in the lives of the city’s residents who come here for everything usual and mundane. The Guptar Ghat, Lakshman Ghat and Janki Ghats are some of the ghats held in high reverence. 

The most important Ghat is the Swarg Dwar or the Ram Ghat. According to Hindu beliefs, Lord Ram was cremated here and many flock it everyday to purify their souls of worldly sins. The stretch between the Sahastradhara and the Nageshwarnath temple is popularly known as Swarg Dwarg. Each step at Ayodhya, unfolds a new tale that speaks of its enormous sacred importance.

Nageshwarnath temple

According to the legends, the Nageshwarnath temple was built by Lord Ram’s son Khush. The story goes that one day, the prince lost his armlet in the river Saryu which was then discovered by a Nag-Kanya who got enamored by him. Since she held great reverence for Lord Shiva, the prince in turn established the temple for him. The current structure of the temple was erected by Naval Rai, Safdar Jung’s minister. Today, the temple is flocked by devotees of Lord Shiva and the festival of Shivratri is celebrated there with much pomp.

Hanuman Garhi

Located in the heart of the city is the Hanuman Garhi, a temple dedicated to Hanuman. The temple’s location symbolizes the significance of Hanuman to the tale of Ramayana. It is believed that Hanuman used to reside here as a guard to Ayodhya, the abode of his beloved Lord Ram. The temple is located just 1 km away from the Ayodhya Dham Junction and is an important holy site that is always filled with devotees, respecting the deity and trying to gain a piece of his love for Lord Ram. 

Ayodhya Jain Temples

In Jainism, the 24 Tirthankaras are extremely revered beings whose lives are to be emulated by the followers of the religion. One of the five important events in the lives of these Tirthankaras is the birth or the Janm Kalyanak. The Jains believe Ayodhya to be the birthplace of five Tirthankaras, including Adinath, the first one and hence, it holds a special importance for them. 

To mark the pious and joyous birth of the Tirthankaras in Ayodhya, the treasurer of the Nawab, Kesari Singh, constructed five temples dedicated to each of them. These temples have been an important congregation place for the Jain community and add to the beauty of Ayodhya’s syncretism. 

The Hero of the First War of Independence

Awadh, an essential province of the Mughal Empire and later an independent kingdom under Burhan Ul Mulk Saadat Khan, was annexed by the British in 1856. When the Great Revolt broke out the next year, Ayodhya, now called Faizabad, became a battleground for the war against the British. Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah Faizabadi played an essential role in keeping Awadh from falling into the hands of the English Army. He fought alongside local heroes like Begum Hazrat Mahal and Khan Bahadur Khan with much valour. The proposed Ayodhya mosque will be named after him as an ode to his bravery and dedication towards his homeland. 

The Memories of Two Lovers: The Culture of the Nawabs

The Taj Mahal might be the most well-known example of an eternal love set in stone, but the Ayodhya district too has its own splendid stones etched with a deep romance in the form of the tombs of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and his wife Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano. The Nawab shifted his capital to Faizabad, which is a part of the modern day Ayodhya district and the city saw its heyday during his reign. Shuja-ud-Daula erected various charming structures throughout the area that would delight any tourist or history buff. 

Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula’s resting place, the Gulab Bari is a monument that does justice to its name. As splendid and delicate as a rose, the mausoleum is constructed in the Char Bagh-style. Beautiful arches surround a verandah that overlooks imposing minarets. Running through this architectural marvel are water channels and fountains that lace around the nawab and his mother’s tomb. The Gulab Bari also houses a wide variety of roses that only add to the beauty of the landscape. 

Not only is the mausoleum a site of great historical importance, it is also a religious place held in high respect by the locals. 

The finest building of its time, the Bahu Begum ka Maqbara, is the tomb of the Nawab’s beloved wife. The Nawab had set aside a hefty amount of three lakh rupees for his Begum to ensure that her resting place is fitting for a queen. Bahu Begum was an accomplished woman respected and well-loved by her subjects. No wonder various buildings dotting the landscape of Faizabad are dedicated to her. The imposing dome, intricate stucco work on the ceiling and the minarets that spiral towards the sky are a memorable part of the building. Given the structure's height, the entire landscape of Faizabad is visible from it, almost as if Begum’s watchful eye still lingers over her dear people. The colossal halls of the mausoleum’s complex serve as the venue for Majalis and the royal bride’s memory lives on. 

The Delicacies of Ayodhya

Ayodhya will not only fulfill your soul, but also your stomach. The city offers various delicacies that would surely tingle the taste buds of all foodies. Whether you are a fan of sugary-sweets or piquant street-style snacks, here, you will find it all.

The food in Ayodhya is both simple and remarkable. It's aloo sabzi and kachori combination, or the chaat which is a burst of flavors or the samosa, can be easily found at both street stalls and high-end eateries. When it comes to sweets, do try the ladoo, malpua, rabri and kheer. If you are looking for something more opulent, Ayodhya offers delectable North-indian thalis with a wide range of combinations.

How to reach Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is a very-well connected religious and tourism sport. 

By Air 

Ayodhya Airport

Air travel to Ayodhya now comes with a special charm of its own. The Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, previously known as the Ayodhya airport, only strengthens the bond the city shares with the Lord Ram. It is believed that  Maharishi Valmiki authored the great epic Ramayana, the legend of the scion of Raghu clan, and the airport’s name is an ode to him. Not only does the airport have top-notch facilities like multiple terminals, lounges and check-in counters, its visual appeal ties perfectly with the spiritual culture of Ayodhya. Various elements of the structure contain symbols from the Ramayana. For instance, the seven-pillars supporting the roof of the Terminal 1 are a direct reference to the seven books or Kandas of the epic. It is a harmonious blend of traditional Nagar-style temple architecture with modern elements. Beyond the aesthetic appeal of beautiful murals, a Shikhara-style roof, and detailed engravings, the airport also champions sustainability in multiple ways.  

Ayodhya is situated at a mere distance of 10 kms from the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, making it the most convenient way to reach the city. Apart from this, the Lucknow, Varanasi and Gorakhpur airports also offer direct taxi services to the Ayodhya Dham. 

By Train

The Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station (AY) and the Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) provide easy access to the city. In fact, the Ayodhya Dham Junction located at Dharmakata is situated just 1.2 km away from the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir. Both the railway stations are well-connected through state and national highways. Multiple trains from across the country and cities in Uttar Pradesh offer swift and economic rides to Ayodhya. 

By Bus

The Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation Buses run 24-hours a day and can be boarded from multiple locations. The Ayodhya Naya Ghat Bus Stand is sitatued centrally and is frequented by buses at all times. Furthermore, buses to Ayodhya are easily available from Delhi, Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. 

Accommodation

Besides luxurious hotels and resorts that provide a comfortable stay, Ayodhya also offers multiple Dharmashalas for stay. Not only are these an economic alternative to hotels which provide all basic amenities in minimal pricing, they also offer a chance to experience the religiosity of the Ayodhya Dham. Like hotels, these Dharmashalas can now be booked online without any hassle. 

Ayodhya is a place where devotion, myth, history and everything human comes to life. It is a place that gives you a glimpse into the colorful and vibrant culture of this country. From the sacred Ram Jamnabhoomi to the bustling Saryu Ghats to the exquisite remains of Awadh’s Nawabi culture, Ayodhya has a lot to offer. One can surely discover something new while connecting with the old at each step. Logistically too, it is a wonderful place to visit as it is very well-connected and offers all the facilities required for a smooth travel. 

Since a lot of these places are important religious sites, visitors should dress appropriately. For instance, it is advisable to wear footwear that is comfortable to walk in on narrow roads and east to take-off, given that any sort of footwear is not allowed within the temples. 

Come to Ayodhya with an open heart and let the patchwork of saintly beauty, spirituality and vivid culture take over you.