Archive for the ‘Ayodhya’ Category
October 18th, 2011 | 
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This ancient city is believed to be the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The holy book of Hindus- the Ramayana- says, the city was founded by Manu. Later, it became the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty. Lord Rama was the most celebrated King of this dynasty. Known as ‘Kosaldesa’ in ancient times, the place has been described as “a city built by gods and being as prosperous as paradise itself”, in the Atharvaveda. From the time immemorial, this place has been noted for the performance of various rituals and Yajnas, including ‘Asvamedha Yajna’.
From the epic and puranic ages, Ayodhya rose to prominence again in the 6th century B.C,the times of Buddha. Situated just about 10 Km from the district headquarters of Faizabad, Ayodhya is a city of temples of several religions. Various faiths have grown and prospered simultaneously and that also in different periods of time in the history. Jain traditions, for example, consider that five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya including Rishabhadeva, the first Tirthankar. Don’t miss the remnants of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Jainism, that can still be found in Ayodhya.
Places To Visit
Nageshwarnath Temple
The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendor.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat
The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an ancient monastery.
Treta ke Thakur
This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 300 years ago the Raja of kulu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai Hokar of Indore during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.
The Hanuman Garhi
Situated in the center of the town, this temple is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. Legend has it that Hanuman lived here in a cave and guarded the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. The main temple contains the statue of Maa Anjani, with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap. The faithful believe that all their wishes are granted with a visit to this holy shrine.
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Raghunath Ji Ki Chhowni is an important place situated in Ayodhya. Raghunath Ji Ki Chhowni is more commonly known as Badi Chhawani, in Uttar Pradesh.
It was constructed by Baba Raghunathdas Ji, about 200 year ago, for saints. The saints using Lashkari Tilak live here and they do Puja and Bhajan.
The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city. Nothing apart from Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya is as mesmerizing as Ramkot. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad. The place evokes same sentiments and emotions among the followers as Ram Janambhoomi, on `Ram Navami’, the day of Lord’s birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April). In fact, it is the most frequented religious place in Ayodhya.
This the same place where Lord Rama was bestowed with the kingdom and kinship of ‘Koshala’.