AYODHYA – TOP 14 THINGS TO DO IN AYODHYA

TOP 14 THINGS TO DO IN AYODHYA

The historic town of Ayodhya, once a somnolent backwater riverside destination in Uttar Pradesh, is a hive of activity with the resurgence of its religious heritage. What served as the centerstage of the epic happenings of Raja Dasharatha’s rule of the kingdom of Kosaladesh, as depicted in the Ramayana, is all set to become a major pilgrimage hub along the lines of holy Varanasi and the twin towns of Vrindavan and Mathura.

1. Visit the spanking new Ram Mandir sited at the Supreme Court- released Ram Janmabhoomi after centuries of dispute. Interface with the locals on the redevelopment of Ayodhya as a primary centre for the worship of Lord Rama.

2. Pay your respects at Hanumangarhi Temple situated near the Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir on the hillslopes of Ramkot. It is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the primary protector of Ayodhya. Pilgrims have to first visit the Hanuman Mandir to get the revered monkey god’s permission to worship at the Ram Mandir. Do keep a look out for the beautifully illustrated interiors and exteriors of this ancient temple perpetually thronged with pilgrims, particularly on Tuesday, his special day. The shrine is beautifully illuminated on Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami when it’s all lit up.

3. Let your steps bring you to the beautiful complex of the Kanak Bhawan Temple which is home to one of the finest temples dedicated to the worship of Shri Ram.

4. Spend quality time at the venerable Nageshwarnath Temple close to the famous Ram-ki-Pairi. Local lore has it that it was established by Lord Rama’s son, Kush. Legend has it that while bathing in the Saryu River Kush lost his armlet, which was found by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him.  Kush raised a temple here to Shiva of whom she was a devotee. Lord Shiva here is seen with his neck adorned by the legendary serpent king Vasuki. The temple witnesses large throngs of Shaivites during the annual Maha Shivaratri festival. An unmissable part of the festivities is the merry Shiv Baraat or wedding procession which takes to the streets of Ayodhya to an adoring line-up of devotees

5. Go through the ritual purification dip at the Saryu River, one of the divine Sapt Gangas, or Seven holy Gangas. Nestled by its banks are Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya, which were part of the Awadh, the kingdom of the Nawabs. The Saryu along with the Tamasa rivers embraces the lazy sprawl of holy sites between the northern and southern borders of the city. The legend goes that the Saryu was brought to Ayodhya by the Sage Vasishtha at the request of devotees; the sage is said to have drawn the waters from Lake Mansarovar, where Lord Brahma is supposed to have deposited Vishnu’s tears of joy. On Ram Navami, lakhs of devotees gather by the Saryu to take the ritual bath in celebration of Shri Ram’s birthday.  Do stay on for the spectacular evening aarti by the river.

6. Festivities enacted by the holy waters of the river gather a special energy and spiritual vibe that resonates with visitors and devotees alike. An unmissable spectacle is the annual celebration of Deepotsav, with a fantastic display of illumination of 22.23 lakhs of diyas on the eve of Diwali.  Ayodhya established a new Guinness World Record of over 22 lakh lighted diyas on the banks of the Saryu River during the seventh edition of the Deepotsav setting a new Guinness World Record for lighting the highest number of lamps all together in one place. Do stay on for the lavish Rama Pattabhishek parade of the idols of Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxman through the streets of Ayodhya.

7. Ayodhya has deep roots in the staging of the annual Ram Leela. Ram Leela productions are held all over Ayodhya in the run-up to Dussehra during Navratri celebrations as well as on Ram Navami. You should make a point of attending a performance at the Tulsi Smarak Bhavan.

8. A must-visit is the Tulsi Smarak Bhavan, a major cultural hub in Ayodhya. It hosts religious ceremonies and prayer meetings, and a variety of cultural performances all year round. It also houses the Ayodhya Shodh Sansthan/Research Institute with a world-class library which serves as a repository for some very rare texts available related to the life and times of Shri Ram. Do check out the permanent display of arts and crafts inspired by the Ramayana. The spiritually inclined get much comfort here in the daily recitals of Ramkatha are also held at the institute along with a year-round Ram Leela. Another good spot to explore here is the Ramkatha Museum.

9. Head out for the sacred Mani Parbat with its collection of shrines. It is the venue of the annual Shravan Jhula Mela Festival held during the rainy season.

10. Join the throngs at the iconic Ram ki Pairi Ghat, about 3km away from town. A ritual purification dip here holds special spiritual merit. Meditation or dhyana on the ghats and giving alms to the poor (daan) adds more power to the significance of this ritual.

11. Lakshmana Ghat is revered for being the spot for Shri Ram’s brother committed jal-samadhi He is said to have given up his life to the holy waters of the Saryvu.

12. Find your way to the crowded Guptar Ghat a short distance from town. This deeply revered spot near the Saryu is where a sorrowful Shri Ram committed jal-samadhi while grieving over the deaths of his wife Sita and his brother Lord Lakshmana. The legend goes that on entering the gates of Vaikunth Shri Ram transformed into his avatar as Lord Vishnu.

13. Another reverential spot that draws you to the Saryu is Swarg Dwar Ghat, where Shri Ram was cremated after his untimely demise. It is located between Sahastradhara and the Nageshwarnath temple.

14. Discover Ayodhya’s Korean connection at the Queen Heo Hwang-ok Memorial Park. The memorial commemorates Princess Suriratna, of Ayodhya, who travelled to South Korea in 48 CE and on her marriage to King Kim Suro of the Karak Clan of the Gaya Kingdom came to be known as Queen Huh Hwang-ok. Thousands of South Koreans visit Ayodhya to pay their respects to the queen who began her life as a princess of Ayodhya. The memorial was first inaugurated in 2001 in Ayodhya.