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"Ayodhya is not merely a city, it is a living scripture where each stone whispers the glory of Lord Rama."

Ayodhya is situated on the banks of the holy river Sarayu, which is located in the Faizabad district of the state of Uttar Pradesh. The old city is about 135 kilometers east of the capital Lucknow and about 190 kilometers from the holy city of Varanasi. Since Ayodhya is close to the Maharshi Valmiki International Airport and the Lucknow Airport, this holy and important city is easily accessible by all modes of transport, namely road, rail and air.

Importance:

• Considered as one of the seven Moksha-Puris (cities believed to grant liberation).
• The place is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, the 7th avatar of the divine Lord Vishnu.
• Revered as the setting of the great epic Ramayana.
• One of the most sacred and important pilgrimage sites for Hindus, it is famous for its holy temples, ancient ghats and holy holy lakes.
• It represents religion, sacrifice, devotion, and divine royal power.

Mythology and Legend:

• Ayodhya was the capital of the Kosala kingdom and was ruled by King Dasharatha, father of Shri Rama.
• The name "Ayodhya" means "invincible" or "invincible".
• It is defined as a city built by the gods in the Ramayana, Vedas and Puranas.
• It is believed to have been founded by Manu, the ancestor of man in Hindu mythology.
• Lord Rama grew up here before embarking on his 14-year exile.

Interplay of architectural design and spiritual aesthetic principles:

• Today the site is occupied by the magnificent Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, which itself is a magnificent work of classical Hindu temple design inspired by the great Nagara style.
• The temple is adorned with magnificent stone carvings, domes and magnificent pinnacles.
• The city retains its magical charm due to the presence of many temples, some of which are major, such as Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhavan, Nageshwarnath Temple, and many others that add to its charm.
• Holy ponds or tanks like Brahma Kund, Suraj Kund, and Ram Ki Paidi add to the overall sanctity of the place.

Typical Features:

• Ram Janmabhoomi Temple: A magnificent temple has been built at the very spot believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama, one of the main characters of Hindu mythology and worship.
• Hanuman Garhi is a grand and fortified temple of Lord Hanuman, who is revered as the protector of the holy city of Ayodhya.
• Kanak Bhavan: Believed to have been a gift from Queen Kaikeyi to Sita after her marriage.
• Ram Ki Paidi: A chain of ghats on the Sarayu River, used for religious bathing.
• Evening Aarti at Sarayu Ghat: A devotional performance of mantras, lamps and drums.
• The city is filled with spirituality, devotional songs and a unique atmosphere.
• The streets are filled with the presence of numerous ashrams, several Sanskrit schools and holy saints.
• Festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali have the unique power to transform the entire city into a grand and divine festival filled with joy and celebration.

Weather Note:

• Summer (Apr-Jun): Hot and dry; temperatures can soar above 40°C.
• Monsoon (Jul-Sep): Pleasant but occasional heavy showers.
• Winter (Oct-Mar): Best time to visit; cool and ideal for temple tours and riverfront walks.

Famous Food & Local Delicacies:

• Ayodhya offers sattvic (pure) cuisine: Kachori-sabzi, Puri-Aloo, and Laddoos.
• Don’t miss Samosas, Malai Gilori, Banana Chips, and Jalebi.
• Ayodhya Prasad Thali is a soul-satisfying platter served in temples and dharamshalas.
• Desi Chai, Lassi in kulhad, and fresh sugarcane juice are popular sips.

Nearby attractions:

• Nageshwarnath Temple: Dedicated to Shiva, started by Kush (son of Rama).
• Mani Parvat is an impressive hill that is generally considered to be part of the Sanjivani mythological hill, a monument of cultural and mythological significance.
• Guptar Ghat: Believed to be the place where Lord Rama performed Jal Samadhi.
• Faizabad: Lucknow's twin city with historic Nawabi buildings and colonial atmosphere.
• Sitakund, Lakshman Ghat and Sugriva Kund.

Travel tips and tricks to help you:

• Come here early in the morning or evening to experience spiritual peace and aarti.
• Dress appropriately; avoid wearing leather items in the temple premises.
• Opt for local guides to put the historical context into perspective.
• Respect the temple traditions and maintain silence in the sanctum sanctorums.
• Buy souvenirs from Ayodhya like Ram idols, holy books and local handicrafts.
• Steer clear of plastic; the city promotes cleanliness and devotion.

Things to do:

• Visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple and see for yourself.
• Take a boat ride on the Sarayu at sunrise.
• Join the mesmerizing Ganga Aarti ceremony performed at the famous Ram Ki Paidi.
• Watch cultural programs at Ramkatha Park.
• Participate in a Bhajan Sandhya at Hanuman Garhi.
• Walk through Ramayana-themed murals and virtual galleries.

Devotees' beliefs:

• Ayodhya is the place where Lord Vishnu was born as Rama, the incarnation of Dharma.
• It is believed that just by visiting Ayodhya, one gets peace, deep devotion and inner strength.
• Worshipping here washes away many long-standing sins.
• They come to seek the darshan of Rama for guidance, direction and healing.

Bonus points:

• The Ram Janmabhoomi Prana Pratishtha on 22 January 2024 was a grand spiritual success.
• The temple will become a hub for Ramayana heritage tourism across the world.
• The place is famous for its many Ramlila shows, which bring the ancient epic to life for the audience in a vivid way.
• The Ayodhya Deepotsav festival creates a historic Guinness World Record by lighting up the sky with millions of twinkling lamps on Diwali every year.

"In Ayodhya, faith is not taught; it is felt with every breath, every mantra and every step on its sacred ground."

Ayodhya is a breath-taking intersection of divine remembrance and unwavering, eternal devotion among its many visitors and residents. The sweet power of the words "Jai Shri Ram" reverberates eerily in its atmosphere, this holy city is an eternal reminder of the values ​​of religion, the rich heritage and the essence of unity that binds individuals for generations.

Visit Ayodhya, not as a tourist, but as a pilgrim, and let the city awaken the Ram within you.