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 at this time, many royal dynasties throughout India hint their lineage to this dynasty. In fact, probably the most well-known king is Sri Ram, whose story we all know as Ramayana. Ayodhya Temples rejoice the dynasty and all of the outstanding guests right here.
Historical 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 the town because it has been described within the Ayodhya Mahatmya of Skanda Puran. This additionally gave me a possibility to create a map of Ayodhya, for which I walked throughout its streets, identical to my ancestors would have walked as soon as.
Now, that many pilgrims are visiting Ayodhya, here’s a checklist of outstanding temples in Ayodhya which you can see. For detailed data, tales, and auspicious dates, check with my ebook Ayodhya Mahatmya.
Sarayu
Ayodhya is an historical 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 approach defining it coordinates firmly.
Sarayu is the most important Tirtha at Ayodhya. It’s a river that has seen the town by way of the ages. Bear 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 numerous ghats identical to the ghats of Varanasi. The vital locations to see listed here 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 the 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 historical rivers is early morning. That is when you’ll be able to see the town waking up and lots of sadhus taking their bathtub within the river. Pandits are getting ready for the day when they’ll assist many pilgrims with completely different Pujas and Tarpans.
Do discover the assorted Jhandas which are like manufacturers utilized by completely 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 select cash thrown by the pilgrims.
Major Temples in Ayodhya
1. Sri Ram Mandir
The grand new Sri Ram Mandir on the birthplace of Sri Ram is clearly the primary cause most individuals at this time 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 lovely temple. From its rooftop you get a great view of Ayodhya in addition to temples of Ayodhya. I really feel a powerful presence of Hanuman Shakti on this temple.
Vivid yellow laddus are supplied 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 concerning the renovations performed to it, some relationship again to the time of Sri Krishna. The final main one being performed by the queen of Orchha. Bear in mind Orchha additionally treats Sri Ram as Raja Ram.
After I visited, this was probably the most properly worshipped temple in Ayodhya. It’s great to take a seat and hearken to the Ram Bhajans being sung. Additionally, you will be taught the origin of common Ram Stutis.
The temple is constructed extra like a Haveli. I discover it very peaceable and spiritually charged.
You have 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 informed us the story of Sri Ram as his modern however additionally they grew to become 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 flooring of this temple. You should buy 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 group has a fantastic 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. Through the medieval invasions, it was secretly saved hidden is waters of Sarayu after which put in on this temple.
The vigraha is just lovely and you’ll really feel that could be a properly 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 lovely temple has an historical 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 keep 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. Which means that Sri Ram would have spent his childhood right here.
Now, it’s an ashram, additionally known as Akhada. I keep 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 embellished 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. It is a massive 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 crucial Jagrit temples of Ayodhya.
9. Chhoti Devkali
It is a small temple with lovely photos of Devi carved on the partitions. It’s believed that this Devi got here to Ayodhya with Sita Ji. Which means that 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 truth 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 fantastic Murti of Chakreshwari Devi.
Temples Round Ayodhya
1. Nandigram
Nandigram is little on the outskirts of the town of Ayodhya, about 22 kms away. That is the place the place Bharat lived exterior the town limits of Ayodhya for 14 years when Sri Ram was in exile. Small temples rejoice 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 publish 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 searching for a Solar temple in Ayodhya. Nonetheless, I discovered it little away from the town, on the 14 Kosi yatra marg, on solution to Nandigram.
There’s a pond known as Surya Kunda with a small temple devoted to Surya right here. Pandit ji right here informed me that many individuals come right here to deal with illnesses which are usually mentioned to be cured by Solar.
There’s Girija Kund near this.
3. Bilvahahari and Dashrath Samadhi
Ayodhya had seven historical Murtis of 4 armed Vishnu. Of which solely one in all Chakrahari stays, which may be seen at Guptaar ghat. Nonetheless, the locations of those seven are nonetheless recognized. One in all that is Bilvahari.
Situated 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 residing 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 fantastic 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 had been piled up. Sita Kund is situated near it.
5. Ashrams and Akhadas
6. Birthplace of Queen Hue – the princess of Ayodhya who grew to become the queen of Korea
7. Gumnami Baba Samadhi – As per one concept Gumnami baba is none apart 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.
