Ayodhya is 220 kms from Varanasi and well connected by road and rail network. Ayodhya is a legendary spiritual centre on the banks of river Saryu that attracts the pilgrims with its serene ghats and countless temples. Ayodhya is counted as one of the seven sacred cities in Hindu religion. Being the birthplace of Lord Rama and the five of Jainism’s 24 Tirthankara’s, this land has many mythological and sacred bonds. According to the epic Ramayana, Ayodhya was home to the Ikshvaku dynasty, from which Lord Rama, the most illustrious of its rulers is said to have descended. The buzz of life as usual, fervour of visiting devotees, chiming temple bells and melodious chanting, all offer Ayodhya a singular spiritual ambience. Home to countless multi-faith temples, as many Dharamshalas (hermitages) and Akhadas (resting places for sadhu), the place is further enlivened by the presence of all manner of supplicant, sage, scholars and such like.
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi is one of the most popular temples in the region. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman used to live here to protect Ayodhya. Set amidst shops selling religious articles and besan laddoos, visitors are required to park a short distance away and take a walled-in flight of over 70 steps to reach the temple. The sanctum is stocked with profusely painted pillars, brackets, and stucco figures. The main temple houses a statue of Mata Anjani and Bal Hanuman seated on her lap.
Tulsi Udyan
Tulsi Udyan is a garden dedicated to Goswami Tulsidas. Located on the national highway the garden was previously known as Victoria Park and had an idol of Queen Victoria at the centre. In 1960 it was renamed Tulsi Udyan and an idol of Goswami Tulsidas was installed.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
The museum houses an outstanding collection of rare paintings, ivory articles, photographs and antiquities which are all connected with the life of Lord Rama.
Nandigram (Bharat Kund)
It is believed to be the site where Bharat, the brother of Lord Rama did tapasya (deep meditation) for his return from exile and ruled the kingdom of Kosala on Lord Rama’s behalf. It is presently a peaceful and serene place to spend some moments in tranquility and practice meditation away from the chaos. People also come here to perform the shraddh ceremony (prayers for departed ones) and also take a dip in the Kund. It also facilitates guesthouses with basic amenities.
Things to do in Ayodhya
Mokshdayni walk
Weave through lanes with traditional akhadas, step into tucked away temples, along serene ghats and unmatched Ayodhya’s monumental and spiritual heritage before joining a motley crowd for the Saryu Aarti at sunset. The walk is offered as part of a day-trip as well as an overnight stay.
Parikramas
Religious circumambulations are a necessary part of Hindu worship; the devotees of Lord Ram who visit here undertake the parikramas which are as follows:
Antargrahi Parikrama: Shortest and completed in one day, the devotee is required to take a holy dip in Saryu and walk through Ram Ghat, Sita Kund, Mani Parvat, Brahma Kund and finally reach Kanak Bhawan.
Panchkoshi Parikrama: Circuit of 16 kms as it means, the circumambulation begins from Chakratirtha and moves to Naya Ghat, Ram Ghat, Saryu Bagh, Holkar-ka-pura, Dashrath Kund, Jogiana, Ranopali, Jalpa Nala and Mahtabagh.
Chaturdashi Koshi Parikrama: A journey of 45 kms, the parikrama is done during the auspicious Akshaya Navami and has to be completed in one day.
Saryu Aarti
Catch this beautiful honoring of the Saryu River at Saryu Ghat. Join an increasing footfall of regulars and visitors at the riverside steps while the priests arrive and light brass lamps, often in trying windy moments, as a loudspeaker belts out hymns. This is followed by gentle clapping, conch blowing, gong beating, lamp swirling and fervent chanting.