Situated at a distance of 135 kms from Lucknow, Ayodhya is a small town located on the banks of the river Saryu. The place holds great religious significance symbolising inner peace and spiritual upliftment. Ayodhya, being the birth place of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and being one of the seven sacred places in India, attracts visitors from all across the country.
The town is well connected to Lucknow by road and offers you the much needed respite from the din of the everyday life. Your trip to Lucknow will not be an enriching one without a visit to Ayodhya, the popular pilgrim hub, with its various places of interest, a glimpse of which you will get by the following briefing on the town.
The Hanuman Garhi: This temple, owing to its popularity draws visitors in big numbers and is located in the middle of the town. The temple is accessible by a flight of 76 steps and Hindu mythology has it that Lord Hanuman resided in a cage there, guarding the Janambhoomi or Ramkot. It is a glorifying piece of architecture in the form of a four sided fort with spherical bastions adorning all the corners. The temple has the statue of Maa Anjani with Bal Hanuman seated on her lap.
Kanak Bhawan: This famous temple housing the idols of Lord Ram and Sita, adorned with gold crowns is also known as sone-ka-ghar. You must visit this temple on your visit to Ayodhya as it is a reflection of the fine architecture of the bygone times.
Ramkot: The citadel of Ramkot, which stands on a raised platform, is the main place of worship in the holy town of Ayodhya. Located in the western part of the town, and owing to its sanctity, it draws visitors in big numbers. Here, Ram Navami, the day that marks the birth of lord Ram, is celebrated with great fervour and excitement. The temple receives visitors from all parts of the world on this sacred day.
Swarg Dwar: As per the Hindu mythology, this site is revered as being the place where Lord Rama is believed to have transformed himself into Lord Vishnu before having left for Vaikunth.
Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat: Mani Parbat is an earth mound, having a close resemblance with the stupa constructed by the Emperor Ashok. Sugriv Parbat, on the other hand, is an ancient monastery revered for its architectural sophistication, making it a must visit place on your visit to the holy town of Ayodhya.
Treta ke Thakur: This site holds significance for being the place where Ashvamedha Yagna was performed by Lord Rama. The Raja of Kulu got a temple constructed at the site around 300 years back, better known as ‘’Kaleram ka Mandir’’. It houses theexquisitely carved idols of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshman and Bharatin black sandstone.
Nageshwarnath Temple: According to the mythology, this temple was established by Kush, the son of Lord Rama. The myth that goes into the making of this temple states that Kush, while taking a dip in the river Saryu, lost his armlet which was retrieved by a Nag-Kanya,who fell in love with him. Kush got this temple built for her as she was an ardent worshipper of Lord Shiva. Thus the festival of Shivratri marks the advent of festivities galore with all pomp and show at this temple.
Other places of Interest: Beside the above mentioned places, the sacred town of Ayodhya is also home to sites that will keep you fascinated and continue to hold your attention such as Rishabhadeo Jain temple, Brahma Kund, Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Quila, Angad Tila, Ram Katha Museum, Janki Mahal and Tulsi Smarak Bhawan.These historical sites will continue to enchant you with their glorifying architecture coupled with their religious implications.
The holy town of Ayodhya, enjoying close proximity to Lucknow, should be high on your list of preferred getaways when you plan a visit to the city of Nawabs. You can always look forward to a visit to Ayodhya for the immense tranquillity, inner peace, and solace that comes with the outing.
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