Ayodhya
Ayodhya is situated on the right bank of the river Ghagra
or Saryu, as it is called within sacred precincts, on
latitude 26o 48’ north and longitude 82o
13’ east in north India. Just 6 km from Faizabad, Ayodhya
is a popular pilgrim centre. This town is closely associated
with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The
ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was
founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For centuries, it was the
capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord
Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient
times was known as Kaushaldesa.
Skand and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of
the seven most sacred cities of India. It was the venue of
many an event in Hindu mythology, today pre-eminently a
temple town, Ayodhya is also famous for its close association with the
epic Ramayana. It is a city of immense antiquity full of
historical significance and sacred temples. The Atharvaveda
described Ayodhya as `a city built by Gods and being
prosperous as paradise itself’. The illustrious ruling
dynasty of this region were the Ikshvakus of the solar clan
(Suryavansa). According to tradition, Ikshvakus was the
eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established 
himself at Ayodhya. The earth is said to have derived its
name `Prithivi’ from Prithu, the 6th king of the line. A few
generations later came Mandhatri, in whose line the 31st
king was Harischandra, known widely for his love of truth.
Raja Sagar of the same clan performed the Asvamedha Yajna
and his great grandson Bhagiratha is reputed to have brought
Ganga on earth by virtue of his penance. Later in the time
came the great Raghu, after whom the family came to be
called as Raghuvamsha. His grandson was Raja Dasaratha, the
illustrious father of Rama, with whom the glory of the Kausala dynasty
reached its highest point. The story of this epic has been
immortalized by Valmiki and immensely popularized by the great
masses through centuries.
himself at Ayodhya. The earth is said to have derived its
name `Prithivi’ from Prithu, the 6th king of the line. A few
generations later came Mandhatri, in whose line the 31st
king was Harischandra, known widely for his love of truth.
Raja Sagar of the same clan performed the Asvamedha Yajna
and his great grandson Bhagiratha is reputed to have brought
Ganga on earth by virtue of his penance. Later in the time
came the great Raghu, after whom the family came to be
called as Raghuvamsha. His grandson was Raja Dasaratha, the
illustrious father of Rama, with whom the glory of the Kausala dynasty
reached its highest point. The story of this epic has been
immortalized by Valmiki and immensely popularized by the great
masses through centuries.
Ayodhya is pre-eminently a city of temples.
Remnants of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam can
still be found in Ayodhya. According to Jain tradition, five
Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya, including Adinath (Rishabhadeva)
the 1st Tirthankar.
The Hanuman Garhi
Situated in the centre 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.
A massive structure in the shape of a four sided fort
with circular bastions at each corner houses a temple of
Hanuman and is the most popular shrine in Ayodhya.
Festivals : Shravan Jhoola Mela (July-August),
Parikrama Mela (October-November), Ram Navmi
(March-April), Rathyatra (June-July), Saryu Snan (October-November),
Ram Vivah (November), Ramayan Mela.
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