Temples in Ayodhya
Ayodhya is the Adipuri or the primary metropolis of Vishnu. It’s believed to be sitting on the chakra of Vishnu. Rulers of Suryavansha or photo voltaic dynasty dominated from right here for eons. Even in the present day, many royal dynasties throughout India hint their lineage to this dynasty. Â In fact, essentially the most well-known king is Sri Ram, whose story we all know as Ramayana. Ayodhya Temples have fun the dynasty and all of the distinguished guests right here.
Historic metropolis is as soon as once more in highlight for the grand Ram Temple that has been constructed after a battle of 500+ years.
I had the chance to check town because it has been described within the Ayodhya Mahatmya of Skanda Puran. This additionally gave me a chance to create a map of Ayodhya, for which I walked throughout its streets, similar to my ancestors would have walked as soon as.
Now, that many pilgrims are visiting Ayodhya, here’s a listing of distinguished temples in Ayodhya which you could see. For detailed info, tales, and auspicious dates, consult with my guide Ayodhya Mahatmya.
Sarayu
Ayodhya is an historic metropolis located on the banks of river Sarayu, that originates from the Lake Mansarovar close to Kailash Parvat. It’s situated the place the river meets Gharghara and Tamasa rivers, in a means defining it coordinates firmly.
Sarayu is the most important Tirtha at Ayodhya. It’s a river that has seen town by the ages. Keep in mind it was there earlier than Sri Ram and  has flown since Sri Ram took Jal Samadhi in it.
Banks of Sarayu are lined with varied ghats similar to the ghats of Varanasi. The essential locations to see listed below are:
Ram ki Paidi – The place Diwali Deepotasava is well known
Swargadwar – coronary heart of Ayodhya, you’ll be able to attend the night Arti of Sarayu.
Sahastradhara – Lakshman Qila is situated right here. That is additionally the spot the place Lakshman ji went again to his unique type of Shesha. For detailed story learn Ayodhya Mahtmya.
Guptaar Ghat which is little away from town and greatest visited by boat. There’s a royal temple right here together with Guptahari temple. That is the place the place Sri Ram took Jala Samadhi on the finish of his time on earth.
My favourite time to go to the ghats of historic rivers is early morning. That is when you’ll be able to see town waking up and lots of sadhus taking their tub within the river. Pandits are getting ready for the day when they’ll assist many pilgrims with totally different Pujas and Tarpans.
Do discover the assorted Jhandas which can be like manufacturers utilized by totally different pandits. That is to tell their Yajamana or shoppers, the place they’re situated on the ghats.
It’s also possible to see the younger boys diving into the river to choose cash thrown by the pilgrims.
Essential Temples in Ayodhya
1. Sri Ram Mandir
The grand new Sri Ram Mandir on the birthplace of Sri Ram is clearly the primary purpose most individuals in the present day go to Ayodhya. It’s a temple that has been rebuilt at its rightful place after a battle of 500 years involving many generations of our ancestors.
I’m but to go to this temple although I’ve visited the place earlier than the temple many occasions.
Benefit from the blessings of Sri Ram Lalla Virajman.
2. Hanumangarhi
It’s mentioned that when Sri Ram determined to return to Vaikuntha, he left Ayodhya within the care of Hanuman ji. He’s since then sitting on prime of the hill now known as Hanumangarhi.
It’s a small however stunning temple. From its rooftop you get a very good view of Ayodhya in addition to temples of Ayodhya. I really feel a robust presence of Hanuman Shakti on this temple.
Brilliant yellow laddus are provided to Hanuman ji. He’s additionally current within the type of many monkeys who will attempt their greatest to take the laddus from you.
If doable, sit and be part of the Ram Dhun that’s sung on this temple.
3. Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan actually means the golden mansion. This temple is believed to be the palace of Sita ji, that was gifted to get by Kaikeyee. The construction is new however a board on the temple tells you in regards to the renovations completed to it, some courting again to the time of Sri Krishna. The final main one being completed by the queen of Orchha. Keep in mind Orchha additionally treats Sri Ram as Raja Ram.
After I visited, this was essentially the most nicely worshipped temple in Ayodhya. It’s great to sit down and take heed to the Ram Bhajans being sung. Additionally, you will be taught the origin of widespread Ram Stutis.
The temple is constructed extra like a Haveli. I discover it very peaceable and spiritually charged.
You need to have meals at Kanak Rasoi situated simply exterior the temple.
4. Valmiki Mandir
Valmiki ji gave us Ramayana. His 24,000 verses not simply advised us the story of Sri Ram as his modern however additionally they turned the inspiration for generations of writers to take inspiration from.
In Ayodhya Valmiki Temple celebrates the Adi Kavya – the primary poetic saga of the world on its partitions. It has all of the 24,000 shlokas written on its partitions.
It’s also possible to discover the distinctive Sita Ram financial institution on the primary ground of this temple. You should purchase in addition to deposit the Ram Nam Lekhan Japa books right here. Lekhan Japa can also be a type of Sadhana.
You discover Ramcharitmanas written on the partitions of Tulsi Manas Mandir in Varanasi.
5. Kaleram Mandir
This small temple constructed by the Maratha neighborhood has a ravishing vigraha in black Saligrama stone. It’s mentioned that that is the unique Murti of Ram Janamasthan temple, that was put in by the king Vikramaditya who rebuilt Ayidhya about 2000 years in the past. Throughout the medieval invasions, it was secretly stored hidden is waters of Sarayu after which put in on this temple.
The vigraha is solely stunning and you may really feel that could be a nicely worshipped murti of Sri Ram Parivar.
That is additionally the place of Vishuhari of the seven Vishnu Murtis in Ayodhya.
6. Nageshwar Natha Shiva Mandir
Within the abode of Vishnu, Shiva can’t be distant. This stunning temple has an historic Shivalinga together with temples devoted to Shiv Parivar like Ganesha and Parvati. It’s believed that this Shivalinga was put in by Kush, the son of Sri Ram.
I bear in mind this as a colourful temple with pretty wooden carvings throughout. It’s situated near Kaleram Mandir.
7. Bada Sthan or Dashrath Mahal
This temple cum Ashram is seen from a distance resulting from its ornate colourful gate. That is believed to be the palace of Dashrath Maharaj, the daddy of Sri Ram. Because of this Sri Ram would have spent his childhood right here.
Now, it’s an ashram, additionally known as Akhada. I bear in mind listening to Ram Dhun being sung right here one night. This singing has been happening uninterrupted right here since 1998.
The within continues to be adorned like a palace exhibiting colourful grandeur. The temple is devoted to Ram Rajsabha.
It’s situated at a walkable distance from Hanumangarhi.
8. Badi Devkali
Devkali is the kuladevi of Sri Ram and Ikshvaku Vamsha. This can be a giant temple with a big pond round it. The devi right here is Trigunatmak or representing the three gunas in a single Murti.
After I visited, I discovered it as one of the Jagrit temples of Ayodhya.
9. Chhoti Devkali
This can be a small temple with stunning photos of Devi carved on the partitions. It’s believed that this Devi got here to Ayodhya with Sita Ji. Because of this she was in Mithila and after Ram Janaki Vivah she got here to Ayodhya and has been right here since then.
10. Adinath Jain Mandir
First Jain Tirthankar Adinath Rishabhdev ji was additionally born in Ayodhya. In reality he belonged to the identical photo voltaic dynasty as Sri Ram.
There’s a Digambar jain temple that has his grand Pratima. It additionally has a ravishing Murti of Chakreshwari Devi.
Temples Round Ayodhya
1. Nandigram
Nandigram is little on the outskirts of town of Ayodhya, about 22 kms away. That is the place the place Bharat lived exterior town limits of Ayodhya for 14 years when Sri Ram was in exile. Small temples have fun the assembly of Hanuman and Bharat right here throughout that point.
That is additionally the place the place Tarpan are carried out. Learn our detailed submit on – Nandigram
2. Surya Kund and Surya Mandir
Surya Dev or Solar has an inherent reference to Ayodhya. The dynasty that dominated from right here is named Suryavansha or the photo voltaic dynasty. I used to be looking for a Solar temple in Ayodhya. Nevertheless, I discovered it little away from town, on the 14 Kosi yatra marg, on approach to Nandigram.
There’s a pond known as Surya Kunda with a small temple devoted to Surya right here. Pandit ji right here advised me that many individuals come right here to deal with illnesses which can be usually mentioned to be cured by Solar.
There’s Girija Kund near this.
3. Bilvahahari and Dashrath Samadhi
Ayodhya had seven historic Murtis of 4 armed Vishnu. Of which solely one in all Chakrahari stays, which might be seen at Guptaar ghat. Nevertheless, the locations of those seven are nonetheless identified. Certainly one of that is Bilvahari.
Positioned near this small temple is a temple which is believed to be the place the place the Raja Dashrath took samadhi.
Different Ayodhya Temples To See
- Treta ke Thakur Mandir
- Roosi Mandir – the dual temples with bow and arrows carved on their prime.
- Char Dham Mandir
- Birla Mandir
- Mari Mata Mandir at Guptaar Ghat
- Ahilya Bai Holkar Mandir
- Sarayu Mandir devoted to the dwelling Tirtha Sarayu Mata
- Mantreshwar Mahadev Temple at Janaura on the 14 Kosi Parikrama Marg.
Different Issues to See in Ayodhya
- Raj Sadan – the residence of royal household of Ayodhya. It has a ravishing Darshaneshwar Mahadev temple in its premises.
2. Koshal Sangrahalya or museum in Avadh College Premises
3. Worldwide Ram Katha Sangrahalya or Museum and Artwork Gallery
4. Mani Parvat the place it’s believed the jewels that got here with Sita ji have been piled up. Sita Kund is situated near it.
5. Ashrams and Akhadas
6. Birthplace of Queen Hue – the princess of Ayodhya who turned the queen of Korea
7. Gumnami Baba Samadhi – As per one concept Gumnami baba is none aside from Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose.
8. Kautak Sthan Gurudwara at Brahma Kunda
9. Jata Kund
We are going to quickly write detailed posts on a few of these locations in Ayodhya.