World Tourism Day 2023: Ayodhya Preparations for the consecration ceremony of Lord Ramlala are being finalized rapidly. The whole world will witness this grand event in January 2024. After this, Ayodhya will be the center of attraction for Ram devotees and tourists from all over the world. In view of this, hotels etc. other facilities are being developed rapidly to accommodate the arrival of crores of devotees from all over the world every year. There has been a significant increase in the number of devotees in Ayodhya since the construction work of Ram temple started. In such a situation, tourists can visit many other religious places in Ayodhya along with seeing Ramlala Virajman and the construction site of Ram temple. They will get a wonderful feeling after coming here. From the beautiful evening view on the Saryu coast to many other religious and attractive places, the pleasure of your trip will increase manifold. Lucknow is the easiest and convenient place to reach Ayodhya, which is connected to all major places of the country by rail, road and air. Apart from this, travelers can reach Ayodhya directly by various trains and buses.
Hanuman Garhi: Pawanputra protects Ayodhya as Kotwal
This temple dedicated to Pawanputra Hanuman is located at a distance of one kilometer from Ayodhya Railway Station. This temple was built by Vikramaditya, which is today famous as Hanumangarhi. It is believed that Pawanputra Hanuman protects Ayodhya as a Kotwal while living here. Before going to Ram temple, one should visit Lord Hanuman temple. Hanuman’s mother Anjani lives in the temple, with young Hanuman ji sitting in her lap. This temple of Hanuman ji is situated on a high mound in front of the royal gate. You will have to climb 76 stairs. One specialty of this temple is that the relics brought after the victory from Lanka are also kept here. There is a special ‘Hanuman Nishan’ in the temple, which is a flag about four meters wide and eight meters long.
Ram Ki Paidi: Take benefit of virtue by taking bath in Saryu river, beautiful view will fascinate you
Ram Ki Paidi is a series of ghats on the banks of river Saryu. Devotees believe that bathing in the Saryu river here brings virtue. The river bank presents a mesmerizing sight especially in the milky light of night. Devotees come to this ghat to take a dip of faith in the holy river.
Treta Ke Thakur: Famous as the temple of Black Ram
Located near the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya, the Thakur Temple of Treta has several idols including those of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat and Sugriva. These statues have been carved from a single black sandstone. It is also famous by the name of Black Ram temple. These sculptures belong to the era of King Vikramaditya. It is said that this structure is situated on the same ground of the famous Ashwamedha Yagya performed by Lord Rama. The temple was again given a facelift in the 1700s by the then Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar. It is open to the public only once a year on the day marked as Ekadashi.
It will be a wonderful feeling to visit Chhoti Chhawni Bhawan.
Chhoti Chhawani Bhawan, also known as Valmiki Bhawan or Maniramdas Chhawani, is a magnificent structure in Ayodhya, built entirely of white marble. This place full of beauty is definitely worth seeing. The number of caves of the small cantonment is 34, 12 in the south are Buddhist, 17 in the center are Hindu and 5 in the north are Jain, so it is an important and detailed architectural talent.
Chhoti Devkali Temple: Belief associated with Sita Mata
Located near Naya Ghat, this temple is related to many legends of the Hindu epic Mahabharata. It is believed that Mother Sita had come to Ayodhya with the idol of Goddess Girija after her marriage with Lord Ram. It is believed that King Dasharatha built a beautiful temple and installed this idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Mother Sita used to worship here every day. Presently it is dedicated to Goddess Devkali and that is why it got this name.
Mani Parvat: The belief is related to Sanjivani herb.
It is believed that Hanuman ji was carrying a huge mountain with Sanjivani herb to Lanka for the treatment of injured Lakshman, when some part of it fell on the way. The hill formed from this, which is 65 feet high, is known as Mani Parvat.
Tulsi memorial building is very special
It is believed that Tulsi Smarak Bhavan, established in the memory of 16th century saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, is the place where Tulsidas composed Ramcharita. Ayodhya Research Institute is also located in this complex, which has a collection of works written by Goswami Tulsidas. It is used to add importance to the study and importance of literary, cultural and spiritual information about Ayodhya. The center also displays Ramayana arts and crafts and has daily recitations of the Ramayana.
Guptar Ghat: Lord Ram took water samadhi
Situated on the banks of river Saryu, this is the place where Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi. After this, he attained Vaikuntha and descended to heaven as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Raja Darshan Singh had it built in the first phase of the 19th century. Here Ram Janaki Temple, Purana Charan Paduka Temple, Narasimha Temple and Hanuman Temple can be seen on the ghat.
Bahu Begum’s Tomb: Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city
The tomb of Bahu Begum is popularly known as the Taj Mahal of the East. The mausoleum dedicated to Begum Unmatujohra Bano, wife and queen bride of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, is the tallest monument here and is famous for its non-Mughal architectural brilliance. A panoramic view of the entire city can be seen from its upper part. This is a wonderful example of Awadhi architecture. There are three domes in the tomb of Bahu Begum. It has exquisitely designed interiors and intricately constructed walls and ceilings. This complex is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The gardens in front of the complex are beautifully maintained. This place is an excellent tourist destination.
Dantdhavan Kund: Belief associated with Lord Ram
Dantdhavan Kund is present near Hanumangarhi. This place is also called Ram Datoun. It is believed that Lord Shri Ram used to clean his teeth with the water of this pond. If you are going to Ayodhya, then definitely visit this pond also.
Saryu River: Amazing view during Deepotsav
Saryu river is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts like Vedas and Ramayana. Devotees come here on various religious occasions throughout the year to take a dip of faith in this river. It is believed that bathing in Saryu river also brings blessings of Lord Shri Ram. The view here is worth seeing during the festival of lights.
how to reach ayodhya
air shaft: Lucknow International Airport is the nearest airport, which is 152 kilometers from Ayodhya. Ayodhya is about 158 kilometers from Gorakhpur airport, 172 kilometers from Prayagraj airport and 224 kilometers from Varanasi airport.
railroad track: The main railway station of Ayodhya district is well connected to almost all the major metros and cities. By rail route it is 128 km from Lucknow, 171 km from Gorakhpur, 157 km from Prayagraj and 196 km from Varanasi. Ayodhya is 135 km from Lucknow, 164 km from Gorakhpur, 164 km from Prayagraj and 189 km from Varanasi by rail route.
Road route: Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation’s services are available 24 hours. It is very easy to reach here from all small and big places. Ayodhya is at a distance of 172 km from Lucknow, 138 km from Gorakhpur, 192 km from Prayagraj and 244 km from Varanasi via bus route.