Ayodhya - Intertwined with the Epic Ramayana

Ayodhya is a city situated on the banks of the Sarayu river in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is the administrative headquarters of the Ayodhya district as well as the Ayodhya division of Uttar Pradesh, India. Ayodhya became the top tourist destination of Uttar Pradesh with 110 million visitors in the first half of 2024, surpassing Varanasi.

The settlement was historically known as Sāketa until it was renamed to Ayodhya during the Gupta period.The early Buddhist and Jain canonical texts mention that the religious leaders Gautama Buddha and Mahavira visited and lived in the city. The Jain texts also describe it as the birthplace of five tirthankaras namely, Rishabhanatha, Ajitanatha, Abhinandananatha, Sumatinatha and Anantanatha, and associate it with the legendary Bharata Chakravarti. From the Gupta period onwards, several sources mention Ayodhya and Saketa as the name of the same city.

 

The legendary city of Ayodhya, popularly identified as the present-day Ayodhya, is identified in the epic Ramayana and its many versions as the birthplace of the Hindu deity Rama of Kosala and is hence regarded as the first of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.The Ayodhya dispute was centered on the Babri mosque, built 1528–29 under the Mughal emperor Babur and said to have been built on top of a Hindu temple that stood at the birth spot of Rama. In 1992 a Hindu mob demolished the mosque, provoking riots throughout the country. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India announced the final verdict that the land belonged to the government based on tax records. It further ordered the land to be handed over to a trust to build the Ram Mandir which was consecrated in January 2024. It also ordered the government to give an alternate five acre tract of land to the Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board to build the mosque.

Ayodhya history is intertwined with the epic Ramayana, one of the most revered texts in Hindu mythology. According to legend, Ayodhya was founded by the legendary king Manu, but it was Lord Rama's divine presence that elevated the city to celestial heights. As the heir to the throne of Ayodhya, Rama's life journey from exile to triumphant return embodies the timeless principles of righteousness, duty, and devotion that continue to inspire humanity. It served as the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. The city gained eternal fame as the birthplace of Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and the hero of the Ramayana.

 

An ancient town, Ayodhya is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus, revered because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. In traditional history, Ayodhya was the early capital of the kingdom of Kosala, though in Buddhist times (6th–5th century bce) Shravasti became the kingdom’s chief city. Scholars generally agree that Ayodhya is identical with the town of Saketa, where the Buddha is said to have resided for a time. Its later importance as a Buddhist center can be gauged from the statement of the Chinese Buddhist monk Faxian in the 5th century ce that there were 100 monasteries there (although he cited 100, Faxian probably did not mean that exact number, just that there were many monasteries). There were also a number of other monuments, including a stupa (shrine) reputed to have been founded by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka (3rd century bce).

The Kanauj kingdom arose in Ayodhya, then called Oudh, during the 11th and 12th centuries ce. The region was later included in the Delhi sultanate, the Jaunpur kingdom, and, in the 16th century, the Mughal Empire. Oudh gained a measure of independence early in the 18th century but became subordinate to the British East India Company in 1764. In 1856 it was annexed by the British, and the annexation and subsequent loss of rights by the hereditary land revenue receivers provided one of the causes of the Indian Mutiny in 1857. Oudh was joined with the Agra Presidency in 1877 to form the North-Western Provinces and later the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, now Uttar Pradesh state.

 

What Is Ramayana:

 

Ramayana, shorter of the two great epic poems of India, the other being the Mahabharata (“Great Epic of the Bharata Dynasty”). The Ramayana was composed in Sanskrit, probably not before 300 BCE, by the poet Valmiki, according to widely accepted Hindu tradition. Two major Indian festivals celebrate events from the Ramayana: Dussehra marks the protagonist Rama’s victory over the antagonist Ravana, and Diwali marks Rama’s return home from exile.

It describes the royal birth of the god Rama in the kingdom of Ayodhya (Oudh, regarded as part of what is now Uttar Pradesh state, India), his tutelage under the sage Vishvamitra, and his success in bending Shiva’s mighty bow at the bridegroom tournament of Sita, the daughter of King Janaka, thus winning her for his wife. After Rama is banished from his position as heir to the kingdom through a palace intrigue, he retreats to the forest with his wife and his favorite half brother, Lakshmana, to spend 14 years in exile. There Ravana, the 10-headed demon king of Lanka, carries off Sita to his capital while her two protectors are busy pursuing a golden deer sent to the forest to mislead them. Sita resolutely rejects Ravana’s attentions, and Rama and Lakshmana set out to rescue her. After numerous adventures, they enter into an alliance with Sugriva, king of the vanar (monkeys), and, with the assistance of the monkey-general Hanuman and Ravana’s own brother, Vibhishana, they attack Lanka.

The Ramayana is thought to have been orally told when first composed and to have been written much later, possibly leading to several deletions from and additions to the original story. Its present form, the Ramayana consists of some 24,000 couplets divided into seven books called kandas (“happenings”). Each kanda is named for the theme or location of the events it describes: Balakanda (Book of Youth), Ayodhyakanda (Book of Ayodhya), Aranyakanda (Book of the Forest), Kiskindakanda (Book of the Monkey Empire), Sundarakanda (Book of Beauty), Yuddhakanda (Book of War), and Uttarakanda (Book of Further Events, an epilogue considered by some to be a later addition). The Ramayana, which belongs to the mahakavya genre of Sanskrit literature, features as dramatis personae humans, celestial beings, shape-shifting asuras (demons) known as rakshasas, and a variety of anthropomorphic creatures.

The Ramayana and Lord Rama:

The Ramayana narrates the tale of Lord Rama's exile, his battle against the demon king Ravana, and his eventual return to Ayodhya after 14 years. The significance of Ayodhya as the birthplace of Lord Rama has made it a focal point of devotion and pilgrimage for millions of Hindus worldwide.

 
Historical significance of Ayodhya:

Beyond its mythological significance, Ayodhya is also a site of historical importance. It was a thriving centre of trade, culture, and spirituality during ancient times. Over the centuries, Ayodhya witnessed the rise and fall of several dynasties, including the Mauryas, Guptas, and Mughals, each leaving their imprint on the city's architectural and cultural landscape.

 

Ram Janmabhoomi–Babri Masjid Conflict:

Ayodhya was in the headlines again in October 2023, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the inauguration of a new, grand Ram Mandir (Hindi: “temple”) was just a few months away. Modi presided over the consecration (prana pratishtha) ceremony on January 22, 2024. Extensive arrangements were made for the inauguration, including the dispatch of invitations to thousands of spiritual leaders, saints, and eminent personalities from different fields. The planned inauguration and the invitations drew mixed reactions from various people and political parties, and differences of opinion were seen even within political parties and religious groups. While the four Shankaracharyas—religious heads of Hindu monasteries in Dwarka, Gujarat; Jyotirmath, Uttarakhand; Puri, Odisha; and Shringeri, Karnataka. Expressed concerns about holding the consecration ceremony when the temple construction is not yet complete, other religious leaders, like Shashikant Das and Mahant Narayan Giri, called the ceremony “an event of great fortune,” explaining that what matters is that the sanctum sanctorum, or the garbhagriha(“womb room”), of the temple is ready.

 
The temple complex, spread over an area of 70 acres (28 hectares), is expected to be built in phases; the first phase was completed in time for the consecration ceremony. The main temple will have a total area of 57,400 square feet (5,330 square meters) and will have three floors and 12 gates. Experts in the hospitality sector expect the new temple to create thousands of jobs in Ayodhya and its neighboring towns. Pop. (2001) 49,417; (2011) 55,890.


On a site significant to both Hindus and Muslims was a Mughal-era mosque, the Babri Masjid, which was destroyed in 1992 amid interreligious tensions. After a 2019 Supreme Court verdict granting the site to Hindus, a new Ram temple was built, opening on January 22, 2024. Ayodhya lies on the Ghaghara River, locally known as Sarayu or Sarju, just east of Faizabad in south-central Uttar Pradesh state.
 

Despite the town’s great age, there are few surviving monuments of any antiquity. Close to the modern town are several mounds marking the site of ancient Ayodhya. These have not yet been adequately explored by archaeologists. The Babri Masjid (“Mosque of Bābur”) was built in the early 16th century by the Mughal emperor Bābur on a site traditionally identified as Rama’s birthplace and as the location of an ancient Hindu temple, the Ram Janmabhoomi. Because of its significance to both Hindus and Muslims, the site was often a matter of contention. In 1990, riots in northern India followed the storming of the mosque by Hindu nationalists intent on erecting a temple on the site; the ensuing crisis brought down the V. P. Singh-led National Front government at the center. Singh, who did not support BJP president L.K. Advani’s Rath Yatra (“Chariot Tour”) from Somnath to Ayodhya in September–October 1990, was forced to resign after the BJP withdrew support for his government and he lost a vote of no confidence in November 1990. Two years later, on December 6, 1992, the three-story mosque was demolished in a few hours by a crowd of Hindu nationalists. It was estimated that more than 2,000 people died in the rioting that swept through India following the mosque’s destruction. An investigative commission led by Manmohan Singh Liberhan, a retired judge, was formed in 1992 but did not issue a report until 2009. The report, when it finally appeared, caused an uproar because it blamed several leading figures from the pro-Hindu BJP for the mosque’s destruction. A court ruling in 2010 divided the land between Hindus and Muslims, but that decision was overturned in 2019 by the Supreme Court, which entrusted the site exclusively to Hindus and directed the state to grant an alternate site in Ayodhya to the Sunni Waqf Board, an Indian regulatory body for assets designated under Muslim law for religious or charitable purposes, which had claimed possession of the Babri Masjid.

 

 

The Sanctity of Pilgrimage:

For millions of devotees, Ayodhya is not merely a destination; it is a sacred pilgrimage that nourishes the soul and kindles the flames of devotion. The Ram Janmabhoomi, believed to be the very spot where Lord Rama was born, serves as the spiritual nucleus of Ayodhya. Here, amidst the echoes of ancient hymns and the fragrance of incense, pilgrims offer their prayers and seek blessings for spiritual fulfilment and divine grace.

 
Iconic landmarks & a legacy of Architect:

 
Ayodhya is home to numerous temples, shrines, and historical monuments that reflect its rich heritage. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, situated at the site believed to be Lord Rama's birthplace, is the most revered shrine in Ayodhya. Ayodhya's architectural heritage is a testament to its illustrious past and cultural richness. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, with its majestic spires and intricate carvings, stands as a symbol of devotion and resilience, echoing the aspirations of millions who yearn to connect with the divine. Beyond the temple precincts, Ayodhya's labyrinthine lanes are adorned with vibrant shrines, ancient ghats, and timeless monuments, each narrating a story of faith and resilience that has endured through the ages.

 
Other landmarks in Ayodhya:

Hanuman Garhi: A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known for its towering statue of the monkey god and panoramic views of Ayodhya.

Kanak Bhawan: A beautifully adorned temple dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, famous for its ornate architecture and exquisite idols.

Dashashwamedh Ghat: A sacred bathing ghat on the banks of the Sarayu River, where pilgrims gather to perform rituals and ceremonies.

Nageshwarnath Temple: An ancient Shiva temple believed to have been established by Kush, Lord Rama's son.

The Ram Mandir: Its made entirely of stone and has 360 pillars in the Nagar style. The temple is 380 feet long, 250 feet wide, and 161 feet tall, and has 392 pillars and 44 doors. The ground floor depicts Lord Ram's life, and the first-floor features Lord Ram's Darbaar, which is made from pink sandstone from Rajasthan. The temple's foundation is made from sacred soil from 2,587 religious’ sites, including the Golden Temple, Jhansi, and Bithoori. The temple also incorporates soil and water from Thailand.

The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol in the temple's sanctum sanctorum is made from a special rock called Shaligram, which is estimated to be 60 million years old.

 
Cultural Heritage:

Ayodhya's cultural heritage extends beyond its religious significance. The city is known for its vibrant festivals, including Ram Navami, Diwali, and Kartik Purnima, which are celebrated with great fervour and enthusiasm. These festivals showcase Ayodhya's rich traditions, music, dance, and culinary delights, attracting visitors from all walks of life.

 

 
The Journey Continues:

As Ayodhya continues to inspire devotion, pilgrimage, and scholarly inquiry, it remains a timeless symbol of India's spiritual and cultural heritage. Whether you're a devout pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or a seeker of spiritual wisdom, Ayodhya welcomes you with open arms, inviting you to embark on a journey of discovery and reverence in the land of Lord Rama.

In the sacred precincts of Ayodhya, where the past mingles with the present and the mundane melts into the mystical, every step is a revelation, every moment a communion with the divine. As pilgrims and seekers tread the hallowed pathways of this ancient city, they are reminded of the eternal truth that lies at the heart of Ayodhya. The truth that love, faith, and righteousness will forever illuminate the path to enlightenment and inner peace.

 

Transportation Option:

Road - Ayodhya is connected by road to several major cities and towns, including Lucknow (130 km (81 mi)), Gorakhpur (140 km (87 mi)), Prayagraj (160 km (99 mi)), Varanasi (200 km (120 mi)) and Delhi (636 km (395 mi)).

A direct bus service has been started between Ayodhya and Janakpur (birthplace of Sita), in Nepal as a part of Ramayana circuit.

Rail - The city is on the broad gauge Northern Railway line on Pandit Din Dayal Upadhyay Junction and Lucknow main route with Ayodhya Junction and Faizabad Junction (Ayodhya Cantt) railway stations.

Ramayana Circuit Train : Special Train that runs from Delhi to main sites of the Ramayana Circuit

Flight - The nearest airports are Ayodhya Airport, 5 km (3.1 mi) away, Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, 134 km (83 mi) away, and Prayagraj Airport, 166 km (103 mi) away