Ayodhya: Must Visited Places In Ram Janmabhoomi!

A city with a great history and religious implications, Ayodhya is situated in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. According to the heroic Ramayana, Ayodhya is supposed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, the 7^th avatar of Lord Vishnu. There are different places to visit in Ayodhya which entails famous temples, monuments, and holy ghats.

Being thoroughly tied with Hindu mythology, Ayodhya is a protruding pilgrimage place and is visited by devotees during the year. Situated on the banks of the Sarayu River, Ayodhya is a destination that will induce your senses with its surreal surroundings, chanting of prayers, and a devastating aroma of sandalwood and flowers. Around Ayodhya, you can witness spirituality and serenity amidst different religious sites that are like time capsules of the wonderful times of Lord Ram and the Ramayana.

Ram Janmabhoomi

The term “Ram Janmabhoomi,” accurately translates to “Lord Ram’s Birthplace.” It is thought that Ram, the 7^th incarnation of Lord Vishnu, spent his childhood nearby the Sarayu river in Ayodhya, as defined in the Indian heroism known as the Ramayana. Followers of the Hindu religion hold the place of Ram Janmabhoomi in very high esteem and it is one of the best places to visit in Ayodhya.

This sacred situation is considered to be the first of the seven most noteworthy pilgrimages for Hindus, and it is also measured to be one of the best destinations that should be visited throughout the Ayodhya Darshan.

Gulab Bari

In the Ayodhya district, the Gulab Bari has its English translation as ‘rose garden’ but it is more than a garden as it entails different monuments. The Tomb of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula is protuberant among them. Shuja-ud-Daula, the third Nawab of Awadh, died in 1775 AD. The tomb was constructed by Nawab himself throughout his lifetime. During his life, it was used for religious assortments. Its large gate has a well-carved border design which is adorned mainly with a twin fish motif and some other fine attractive elements.

There is a mosque across Gulab Bari that has an Imambara devoted to it. This mosque is adorned with domes and tall minarets. A Hamam can also be seen there which used to be the place for bathing for royal individuals.

Moti Mahal

Constructed in 1743 A.D., the Moti Mahal is a remarkable structure. It is located away from Ayodhya across the district of Faizabad and was home to Nawab Suja-Ud-Daula’s wife Begum Unmatuzzohra Banu who was the Queen at that period. The Palace is a great example of Mughal architecture and the splendor of the structure portrays the rich heritage of the Nawabs in an attractive manner. The beautiful palace has a lot of cultural as well as historical implications. The best time to visit the place is throughout winter when it is enjoyable and you can get a chance to discover the beautiful structure without strenuous yourself from the heat.

Dashrath Bhavan

Built at the location of the innovative palace of King Dasrath, father of Lord Ram, Dasrath Bhavan is a beautiful place where Lord Ram and his younger brothers spent their childhood and their youth. The ambiance of the Bhavan is magical with the sound of dohas performed by the saints and the great artists playing musical instruments heard throughout. The impressive architecture and passive ambiance make this place a must-visit when you are in Ayodhya.

Raja Mandir

This temple is situated on the Saryu River bank. It is enthusiastic to Shri Lord Rama, who was born here as per Hindu mythology. The innovative name of this beautiful temple was ‘Ikshvaku Kachha’ which means a house belonging to Ikshvaku, who was an ancestry of the Solar Dynasty belonging to Suryavanshi, and the originators of Ayodhya city. This temple has been constructed by Rajput King Vikramaditya, who had governed from Ujjaini in the Malwa region throughout the 7th century AD. This is one of the most attractive and photogenic locations in Ayodhya.

Hanuman Garhi

Situated in Sai Nagar, Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple enthusiastic about the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most imperative temples in Ayodhya as it is habitual to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is supposed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site safeguarding Ayodhya.

The major temple has an interior cave adorned with different statues of Lord Hanuman along with his mother, Maa Anjani. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, which rejoice the birth of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman respectively, fascinate thousands of devotees to the Hanuman Garhi.

Bahu Begum ka Makara

At a distance of 8 km from Ayodhya Junction, Bahu Begum ka Maqbara is a mausoleum situated on the Maqbara Road around Faizabad. It is one of the most prevalent heritage places in Uttar Pradesh and among one the best tourist places in Ayodhya.

Bahu Begum ka Maqbara is the tomb of Begum Unmatuzzohra Bano, the beautiful wife of Nawab Suja-ud-Daula. The mausoleum was custom-made by Nawab Suja-ud-Daula in memory of his loving and beautiful wife. It was built in 1816 at a whopping amount of three lakh rupees in an attempt to reconstruct the grandeur of the Taj Mahal. Hence it is prevalently known as the ‘Taj Mahal of the East’. It is the tallest monument in Faizabad and is better known for its wonderful architectural design.

A pleasing example of Awadhi architecture, the Bahu Begum ka Makbara has three domes, complicatedly designed interiors, and marvelously done walls and ceilings.

Kanak Bhawan

The ‘Kanak Bhawan’ is the major, religiously one of the most significant and architecturally and aesthetically constructed temples enthusiastic to Lord Ram and his heavenly consort Sita. It is situated in the pilgrim holy town of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Also better known as Sone ka Ghar meaning house made of gold, there are pictures of Lord Ram and Sita wearing crowns made of gold here.

Sita Ki Rasoi

Located on the north-western side of the Ram Janmanhoomi in Ayodhya’s Rajkot, Sita ki Rasoi is supposed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself. Constructed fairly close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred place is now an astonishing temple housing some parade vessels. One among the two kitchens admired in Sita’s name, this Sita Ki Rasoi is a basement kitchen.

The other end of the temple cites the luxuriantly clothed and overstated idols of Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan and their beautiful wives Sita, Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakirti. Worshipped as the Goddess of Food, Sita is also better known as Goddess Annapurna. Thus, the beautiful temple follows this tradition by proposing free food. Travelers can also donate any amount of money to charity here.

Nageshwarnath Temple

The Nageshwarnath Temple, constructed in the name of the local god, Lord Nageshwarnath, is next to the Theri Bazaar in Ayodhya and is enthusiastic to him. Traditionally, it is supposed to have been established by Kush or Kusha, the son of Lord Rama.

Throughout the festivals of Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi, also better known as Pradosh Vrat or Pradosh Vratam, in Southern India, the Nageshwarnath Temple attracts different devotees. However, even though this hallowed place has been well-preserved since 750 AD, the present temple is believed to have been renovated in 1750 by Naval Rai, Safar Jung’s minister. According to legend, Kush came around a Shiva devotee called Naga Kanya while bathing in the local bathhouse and spoke with him. Upon determining that the latter had fallen in love with him, he constructed this Shaiva shrine for Naga Kanya to commemorate the occasion.

Best Time to Visit Ayodhya

The weather is most agreeable in Ayodhya, all during the year. There are occasional heat waves and cold breezes throughout the peak of the summer and winter seasons. Although, to visit the best time is between October to December, both for its weather and the festivities.

How to Reach? 

By Air: Lucknow International Airport is the closest Airport to Ayodhya. Individuals can also arrive from Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Varanasi Airports.

By Train: Faizabad and Ayodhya are the main railway stations of the district and are well-connected to almost all foremost cities and towns. By Rail route, Ayodhya is nearly 130 km, from Lucknow, 171 km. from Gorakhpur, and 196 km from Varanasi. By Rail route, 164 km. from Gorakhpur, approximately 165 km from Prayagraj, and around 190 km from Varanasi.

By Road: Services of Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses are accessible 24 hours a day, and it is very easy to arrive here from all locations. The city is nearly 130 km from Lucknow, nearly 200 km from Varanasi, around 160 km from Prayagraj, and nearly 140 km. from Gorakhpur and approximately 636 km from Delhi. Buses are frequently accessible from Lucknow, Delhi, and Gorakhpur. Buses are also accessible from Varanasi, Prayagraj, and several other places as per their schedule.

Conclusion 

Being an early city with a great Hindu culture and tradition, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is one of the most admired pilgrim cities around India. The above-cited places will assist you to experience the ancient myths and artistic heritage of Ayodhya.

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