Ayodhya, the birthplace of Ram has now acquired national prominence given the history and sequence of events that preceded its construction. It has now become a must-visit destination for not just devout Hindus, but also tourists from all over the world, registering a heavy footfall daily. Manu Shrivastava traces Ayodhya’s architecture, culture and how it gained significance in the course of history. Apart from the being a centre of cultural and religious activities and structures, Ayodhya also has many spots for nature lovers that includes the quiet-flowing Saryu River.
Ever since the Ram Temple was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ayodhya has become the talk of the town and the centre of attention for people all over. This ancient city, located on the banks of the Saryu river in the state of Uttar Pradesh, is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism. And now, with the grandeur of the Ram Temple, Ayodhya has become a must-visit destination for not just devout Hindus, but also tourists from all over the world.
Ayodhya has a rich and varied history that dates back thousands of years. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya as the eldest son of King Dashrath and Queen Kaushalya. The epic tale of Ramayan revolves around Ayodhya and its surroundings, making it a significant place in Hindu culture.
The city has seen many rulers and dynasties come and go, each leaving their own mark on Ayodhya’s architecture and culture. From being the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kosala or Kosaldesh to being ruled by various dynasties including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, Ayodhya has a diverse cultural heritage that is reflected in its monuments and structures.
Ram Rajya or the grandeur of the kingdom was epitomised under the rule of prominent kings namely Ikshvaku, Prithu, Harishchandra, Sagar, Mandhata, Raghu, Bhagirath, Dileep, Dashrath and Ram. Famous epics like Ramayan and Shri Ramcharitmanas also detail the grandeur of Ayodhya which has, over the years, garnered interests from historians, archaeologists, pilgrims and travellers.
The Ram Janmabhoomi
One of the most prominent landmarks in Ayodhya is the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, which houses the newly constructed Ram Temple. The complex also includes other significant structures like Sita Rasoi, Hanuman Garhi, and many more. It is believed that this spot was the exact location where Lord Ram was born.
Hanuman Garhi temple, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, who played a vital role in Lord Ram’s life. The statue depicts a young Lord Hanuman sitting in the lap of his mother Anjani. The temple is located about one km from Ayodhya Railway Station, and it is believed that ‘Pavan Putra’ Hanuman lived here to guard Ayodhya.
Notably, Ramkot, which is the site of an ancient citadel resting on an elevated ground is also the main place of worship in Ayodhya. Pilgrims and devotees visit the sacred site throughout the year and on auspicious occasions such as Ram Navami, Lord Ram’s day of birth.
A series of ghats or steps on the bank of Saryu River, known as Ram Ki Paidi, serve as a place for devotees to take a dip in the holy river, perform rituals, offer prayers and atone for their sins. The Ram Ki Paidi is also a spectacle of lights and colours, especially during the evening, when thousands of lamps are lit and floated on the river, creating a mesmerising sight.
For those interested in history and architecture, Ayodhya has plenty to offer. The city is home to many ancient temples and structures like Kanak Bhawan, one of the finest temples in Ayodhya, which is said to be the place where Lord Ram and his brothers spent their childhood.
Kanak Bhawan lies to the North-East of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex and it is believed that Kaikeyi gifted this place to Sita after her marriage to Lord Ram. Later, Vikramaditya renovated the bhawan where the sanctum or the garbhgrih has idols of Lord Ram and Sita.
Ancient temples, biodiversity
One of the oldest temples in Ayodhya known as Treta Ke Thakur or Tretanath Temple, located at a distance of two km from the railway station, is where Lord Ram performed the Ashwamedha Yagya after his victory over Ravan. It is believed that the idols in this temple were brought here from the original temple that once stood on the bank of the holy Saryu river.
This temple is located at Naya Ghat in Ayodhya. The temple is constructed in Nagar-style of architecture comprising the shikharas and has idols of Lord Ram, Devi Sita, Ram’s brothers Lakshman, Bharat and Shatrughan, and Rishi Vashishtha, made from single black sandstone. Interestingly, the Treta Ke Thakur Temple opens for devotees only one day in the year on the auspicious occasion of Kartik Shukla Ekadashi which falls around October or November.
Apart from the being a centre of cultural and religious activities and structures, Ayodhya also has many spots for nature lovers. The Saryu river, which flows through the city, offers a serene and peaceful ambience for a boat ride. The city known for religious tourism is now developing a bird sanctuary at Samdha Lake in an effort to draw nature enthusiasts.
Once the work is complete which includes clearing the lake of encroachments, planting trees, etc. to restore the lake to its original form, the site will promote bird watching. Samdha Lake is spread over 67 hectares and located 15 km from the city. In fact, the local development authority has plans to restore and revive the more than hundred water bodies in the zone.
Some of the birds found in the region are Common Myna, Eastern Cattle Egret, Indian Pied Starling, etc. which are regularly spotted in the area especially the hotspots that include Guptar Ghat, Ramayan Theme Park, Ram Janki Mandir, Saryu Majha, etc. Once the lake restoration work – incorporating sustainable material and practices – is complete, migratory birds along with local birds could be seen here.
Mythology and tales
Ayodhya is one of the most sacred and ancient cities in India, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also a prominent destination for pilgrims and history lovers, as it has many temples, monuments and attractions that showcase the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Many structures and temples in the city are preserved in time, telling tales from Hindu mythology.
The Nageshwarnath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and located at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya, is believed to have been made by Lord Ram’s son, Kush. Legend says that Kush lost his armlet in the Saryu river and found it in the possession of a Nag Kanya, or a snake princess, who had fallen in love with him. The temple is one of the oldest in Ayodhya, and has a unique architecture, with a dome-shaped roof and a spire. The temple also hosts an annual fair, which attracts thousands of devotees and visitors. Shivratri is celebrated with pomp and fervour when processions are carried out.
The sacred Guptar Ghat located on the bank of the holy Saryu River is another must-visit destination in Ayodhya for the devout. It is believed that Lord Ram took jal samadhi here. The ghat is a series of steps that were built in the 19th century by king Darshan Singh. There are many temples around the ghat such as the Narasingh Temple, Sita-Ram Temple and shrines such as the Chakrahari and Guptahari shrines.
Apart from its historical and religious significance, Ayodhya also has some interesting trivia associated with it. Ayodhya is believed to be one of the seven holiest cities in Hinduism. It is also believed that Ayodhya was once the capital of the legendary king Raja Manu, who is said to be the first king of the human race.
The holy city is also known as Saket, which means a place of peace and tranquility. It is believed that Lord Ram’s rule was so just and righteous that it brought peace everywhere. Even today, Ayodhya has a serene and peaceful environment, making it an ideal place for spiritual seekers.
History in the making
The developments in Ayodhya following the Pran Pratisthan ceremony undertaken by PM Narendra Modi on 22 January 2024 have been significant. The ceremony, which marks the consecration of the deity, was attended by a large number of people, including prominent personalities from the film industry and over 7,000 guests, including 3,000 VVIPs, priests, donors, and politicians. The ceremony was scheduled to take place under the guidance of Pandit Laxmikant and during the auspicious Abhijeet Muhurat.
Additionally, several tent cities were developed to accommodate thousands of devotees who attended the ceremony. The event was highly anticipated, and various media platforms teamed up with Doordarshan to cover the ceremony and keep subscribers informed about the latest developments. The Pran Pratisthan ceremony and the inauguration of the Ram temple have been significant events, drawing attention and participation from across the country and beyond.
The economic diversification plans for Ayodhya after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony include leveraging the potential of temple tourism to drive economic growth and infrastructure development in the region. The inauguration of the Ram temple is expected to significantly boost religious, with an estimated 100 million people expected to visit the Ram temple in Ayodhya annually. This surge in tourism is touted to improve connectivity, infrastructure development, and economic opportunities for the local community.
Enhanced connectivity, development
The Ram Temple inauguration has made Ayodhya more accessible than ever before. The government has announced new flights connecting Ayodhya to major cities in India, making it easier for people to visit this sacred city. The railway department has also introduced new train services that connect Ayodhya to different parts of the country.
Ayodhya also has immense potential for tourism from all over the world. With a significant population of NRI Hindus, it has become a must-visit destination for them as they reconnect with their roots and pay homage to Lord Ram. The city is also attracting tourists from other countries who want to experience the rich culture and heritage of India. The government has also added a GI tag to the besan laddus sold around the Ayodhya Ram Mandir, which is expected to help drive sales up.
The economic diversification plans for Ayodhya after the Pran Pratishtha ceremony at the Ram temple revolve around leveraging the potential of temple tourism to drive economic growth and infrastructure development in the region, while also supporting local communities.
The Ram Mandir
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, set to be the largest temple in India, has several unique features. The temple, built in the traditional Nagara style of temple architecture is constructed in pink sandstone and has the characteristic shikharas or the towering spikes. Spread over 2.7 acres, the temple is surrounded by a courtyard and other smaller shrines of Hindu gods and goddesses.
The Ram Mandir is 161 feet tall and spread over three distinct floors. The first floor is dedicated to Lord Ram and called Shri Ram Darbar, second to Lord Hanuman and third is a museum displaying Ayodhya’s history. The complex is spread over 67 acres and includes a yagnashala or a sacred place to perform yagnas.
The temple has five mandapas in the middle of the garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). Shri Ram Darbar has five halls or pavilions namely, Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthana Mandap, and Kirtan Mandap. Temples of Hanuman and Annapurna are located on the north and south side of the temple.
In all, there are 366 columns or pillars in the temple which have 16 idols each of the ten Dashavataras, incarnations of Lord Shiva, the 12 incarnations of the goddess Saraswati, and the Chausath Yoginis. The temple foundation comprises a 46 ft-thick concrete layer with a 21 ft granite base put for moisture protection.
In terms of accessibility, there are ramps and lifts, pilgrim facility centre which can accommodate over 25,000 people, community kitchen, medical facilities, locker services, etc. The construction has been environment friendly with 70 per cent of the complex being a green space.
Intriguingly, the temple has a time capsule buried 2,000 feet below the ground. The time capsule or the kaal patra carries a message in Sanskrit about Lord Ram and his birthplace Ayodhya and is meant to be preserved for thousands of years.
Historical significance
One of the most iconic and popular places to visit in Ayodhya is the Ram Janmabhoomi, or the birthplace of Lord Ram, which is the site where Lord Ram is said to have been born. The Ram Janmabhoomi has been a subject of controversy and dispute for centuries, as it was also the location of the Babri Masjid, a mosque built by the Mughal emperor Babur in the 16th century. The mosque was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992, sparking communal riots and legal battles.
In 2019, the Supreme Court of India ruled in favour of the construction of a Ram Temple at the site, and handed over the land to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. The trust was set up for the construction and management of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya by the Government of India in February 2020.
The construction of the Ram Temple began in 2020 and was completed in 2024. The entire temple has intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from the Ramayan. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Ram Lalla, or the infant Ram.
The inauguration of the Ram Temple was a historic and auspicious event, as it marked the culmination of a long and arduous struggle for the Hindu community and symbolised the unity and harmony of the nation. The inauguration took place on 22 January 2024 and the temple is set to celebrate its first Basant Panchami on 14 February 2024, which celebrates the onset of spring and the goddess of learning, Saraswati.
Manu Shrivastava is a journalist andlawyer with DraftCraft International and Co-Convenor of #TheWomanSurvivor, #MeTooAtHomeand #MeTooBeyondBorders initiatives.