Ayodhya, located on the banks of the Saryu River, is famous for being the birthplace of the Hindu god Ram. Dashratha, Ram’s father, founded the city, according to Hindu legend. Ayodhya, a Hindu pilgrimage site, has been in the crosshairs for the previous two decades for a variety of religious and political reasons. Hanuman Garhi, a large four-sided fort; Nageshwarnath Temple, believed to have been erected by Kush, Ram’s son; the Ramkatha Museum, and Dashrath Mahal are among the top attractions. Four Jain Tirthankars were also born in Ayodhya.
Places to Visit in Ayodhya
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Shri Ram Janmabhoomi temple is revered as the motherland of the Hindu god, Shri Ram. It is extremely important to Hindu believers. Ayodhya is preparing for the historic consecration of the Ram Temple on January 22. The event is projected to attract a large number of visitors in the following month.
- Hanuman Garhi Temple
Another stop on the Ayodhya tour is Hanuman Garhi, a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman and a well-known shrine in the city. It is believed that before visiting the Ram temple, one should first visit the Hanuman temple, followed by the Ram temple. The temple is built on a hill and has a stairway of 76 steps. The temple contains several idols of Lord Hanuman and his mother Anjani. The temple attracts a high number of visitors on Hanuman Jayanti, Lord Hanuman’s birthday. Devotees decorate a 6-foot-tall Hanuman statue with flowers and fruits to show their devotion.
- Kanak Bhawan
The Kanak Bhawan, located northeast of the Ram Janmabhoomi, is one of the most spectacular and well-known temples in Ayodhya. According to the Ramayana, this mansion was given to Mata Sita as a wedding gift by Lord Ram’s stepmother, Kaikeyi, after her marriage to Lord Ram. The garbhagriha houses Lord Rama and Mata Sita idols.
- Gulab Bari
This 18th-century mausoleum can be found in the district of Faizabad’s Vaidehi Nagar locality. Gulab Bari was once Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula’s tomb, the Nawab of Faizabad, also known as Oudh/Awadh. This Nawab-styled structure also boasts a lush green garden and magnificent fountains, as well as many different varieties of flowers. It is currently protected as national heritage and is included in the Act on Ancient Monuments, Archaeological Sites, and Remains.
- Choti Chawni
Choti Chawni, also known as Valmiki Bhavan, is a white marble palace that has been artistically sculpted. This amazing construction contains 34 heritage caverns, including 12 Buddhist caves to the south. There are 17 Hindu caves in the center and 5 Jain caves to the north. The Kailash temple in the palace contributes to the palace’s beauty and tranquillity. The palace is a marvel to behold and is a must-see.
- Nageshwarnath Temple
Ram ki Paidi is home to the Nageshwarnath temple. The temple was built by Kush, Lord Ram’s son. Kush was bathing in the Saryu River when he lost an armlet, which was subsequently discovered by a Nag-Kanya who fell in love with him, according to folklore. Kush erected this shrine for her since he was a devout follower of Lord Shiva. Shivratri attracts a large number of devotees, and the Shiva baraat is a highlight of the celebration. The temple’s brilliant and colorful interiors are eye-catching.
- Treta Ke Thakur
Treta Ke Thakur, located at Naya Ghat in Ayodhya, houses many idols of Ram, Lakshman, Sita, Hanuman, Bharat, and Sugreev. The lovely idols were carved from a single block of black sandstone. King Kullu is reported to have built Treta Ke Thakur about 300 years ago. The temple is located in the same location where Lord Rama performed the famed Ashwamedh Yagna, according to the scriptures. The most intriguing feature about the temple is that its doors are only opened to the public once a year on Ekadashi during Kartik month. The temple is decked, and there are festivities.
- Sita Ki Rasoi
Mata Sita is said to have cooked at the Sita Rasoi, which is located to the north-west of Ram Janmabhoomi. It is close to Ram Janmabhoomi and has been converted into a sacred temple where ancient vessels are displayed. Annapurna, or the goddess of food, is Mata Sita. The tradition of feeding the destitute is still practiced today, and free food is supplied. On the other side, elaborately adorned idols of Ram-Sita, Lakshman-Urmila, Bharat-Mandavi, and Shatrughan-Srutakirti can be found.
When Should You Visit Ayodhya?
Ayodhya, located on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River, is not your typical city. Millions of people around the world hold a special place in their hearts for Ayodhya. Ayodhya holds this position of prominence because it is one of the Hindus’ seven sacred cities, also known as Hindu Teerth. Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kasi (Varanasi), Kanchi (Kanchipuram), Avantika (Ujjain), and Dvaravati (Dwarka) are the other six.
According to Hindus, Rama, one of the most renowned Hindu deities, was born in Ayodhya. This relationship can be found in the renowned Indian epic poem Ramayana. The city is well-known for its rich cultural and historical significance, and it welcomes pilgrims, history buffs, and spiritual searchers.
Though individuals can visit Ayodhya at any time of year, there are certain periods of year when discriminating visitors should plan their visit. The experience is genuinely wonderful during these times.
- When the weather is just perfect
Ayodhya is best visited between October and March because of the weather. This is because the weather during these months is typically cool and pleasant, allowing for comfortable outdoor exploration. Temperatures range from 10 to 25 degrees Celsius during the winter months. In comparison to the summer months, when going outside means being exposed to intense heat and seasonal rains, the winter months are much more relaxing and gentle on the body.
- Travel to Celebrate Festivals
Visitors might also go to Ayodhya during festivals. The city of Ayodhya celebrates Diwali and Ram Navami in great style. The city comes alive with spectacular celebrations. Diwali at Ayodhya is an experience not to be missed. Ram Navami, which occurs in April, commemorates Rama’s birth and is considered an auspicious time to visit Ayodhya.
- Ramayana Circuit Yatra
The Indian government has devised a one-of-a-kind rail journey that connects India and Nepal. This is the Ramayana Circuit Yatra, which was recently introduced. The journey includes stops in Delhi, Ayodhya, Janakpur (Nepal), Sitamarhi, Buxar, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Shringverpur, Nashik, Hampi, Rameshwaram, Kanchipuram, and Bhadrachalam. Wait for the Indian Railways’ next schedule announcement.
Best Hotels in Ayodhya
Apart from the Ram Mandir, the city is also adorned with architectural beauties like the Hanuman Garhi, Ramkot, and the Kanak Bhawan. Each of these architectural wonders narrate tales of devotion and mythology. Pilgrims throng the revered ghats along the river. While there aren’t a lot of high-end hotels in the city, there are mid-range to budget hotels that one can check out. Here is a list of hotels you can consider if you are planning to visit the city.
- The Ramayana Hotel
The Ramayana Hotel is one of the city’s newest and most popular hotels. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms, so you won’t have to worry about staying cool even in the summer. The in-house pure-vegetarian restaurant Naivedyam is well-known for serving delicious vegetarian fare during your stay.
- Saket Hotel
This hotel is only a short walk from the railway station. Because of its ease of access, it is one of the most convenient places to stay in the city. The hotel is a mid-range facility with rooms to meet all budgets. This centrally placed hotel makes it easy for guests to view the city’s historical and religious sites.
- Krishna Palace
If Shree Ram Janam Bhoomi is your main attraction, you should consider staying at this hotel. It is only six kilometers away from the holy spot and Hanuman Garhi. The hotel is also about half a kilometer from Ayodhya Cantt Railway Station, making it very handy for visitors. Visitors can also make use of complimentary private parking at the hotel.
- Shane Awadh Hotel
It is one of the most popular hotels in Ayodhya. The hotel is modern, comfortable, and has excellent service. According to numerous tourists, the hotel’s hospitality is excellent and ranks among the best in the city. The hotel is ideal for guests of all ages.
- Awantika Hotel
This hotel is only 0.45 miles from Faizabad Bus Station, making it a convenient choice for those traveling by bus to and from Ayodhya. The hotel has only nine rooms, but they are all well-equipped, comfortable, and in high demand. The latter is due to the property’s close proximity to Faizabad Junction.
- Tirupati Hotel
This hotel is one kilometer from Faizabad Junction and is close to the city’s major tourist attractions. The accommodations are comfortable, and the staff is courteous and efficient. This hotel also offers 24-hour room service.
Conclusion
To summarize the blog, we can say that Ayodhya truly is beautiful, and people come from all around to discover it. The Ayodhya tour will take you to spiritually significant locations, providing an opportunity for spiritual growth and personal awareness.
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