Blog Details

Ayodhya is a city that has significant historical and religious importance, as it is traditionally believed to be the birthplace of the god Ram, or Rama, who is one of the pillars of the Hindu pantheon. Ayodhya is located on the shore of river Sarayu and therefore has great importance and receives a large number of devotees. In this article, let us discuss the 10 places in Ayodhya which are a ‘must see’ for all and will make the spiritual tour immensely appealing.

1. Ram Janmabhoomi

It is known that the Ram Janmabhoomi is considered as one of the most prominent, important places in Ayodhya, for it is believed to mark the birthplace of Lord Rama. They have been dedicated to the gods by millions of Hindus all across the world and this site has been one of the most important places of worship for them. The proponents of a grand temple at the site and the perceived sanctity of the spot to serve the purpose for which it was chosen, make Ram Janmabhoomi an attraction for the lovers of the divine history of Lord Rama.

2. Hanuman Garhi

Sited on the hill top, Hanuman Garhi is a celebrated temple of Lord Hanuman, the religious icon depicted as monkey God and follower of lord Rama. The architecture of the temple is quite fascinating and contains stairs which are about seventy six with a gradual slope towards the sacred chamber. According to the popular Indian mythical story, Hanuman stayed here to guard Ayodhya and its people. Taking a look inside or even around the temple, especially the views of the city and River Sarayu makes it look even more spiritual. Devotees not only visit there for shrines but to feel the energy of this auspicious place. 

3. Kanak Bhawan

Kanak Bhawan, also known as the ‘House of Gold,’ is one of the earliest examples of a palace temple, which boasts of high end architecture and gold plated domes. It is stated that this temple belongs to lord Rama and sita and it is believed that sita was gifted this temple by Queen Kaikeyi on the occasion of her marriage to Rama. Rich detailing in carvings, festive colors and lighting, sacred design and general space architecture raise the sanctity of the place. For the devotees, Kanak Bhawan is a glimpse of the love and devotion so typical of Royal India that welcomed Lord Rama.

4. Nageshwarnath Temple

The Nageshwarnath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya, about which it is said that it was established by Kush himself – the son of Ram. This temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and it is frequented most of the time; however it is specifically thronged during the festival of Shivaratri. The story of the construction of the temple says that Kush, while playing with his sword and armlet, saw it falling in the water of Sarayu. The Nag-Kanya who lifted it out of water became a devotee of Lord Shiva. The temple represents many legends about the city and remains as the evidence of its spiritual formation.

5. Treta Ke Thakur

Treta Ke Thakur is an idol worshipped in a temple that is situated near the bank of the river Sarayu. There are theories about Lord Rama performing the Ashwamedha Yajana, a big Vedic ritual over here. At present, there are very well carved and printed idols of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Bharat at the temple which is based on black sandstone. One can thus visit Treta Ke Thakur and feel elated to be associated with the ways and deformities of the Lord Ram Rules and Regal, while experiencing the antiquity of Indian spiritual history.

6. Sita Ki Rasoi

Another viewable and photographable spot is Sita Ki Rasoi which is considered to be an ancient kitchen of Goddess Sita and is located near the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. This place signified the basic family institution as exemplified by Rama and Sita. The ‘Pooja’ room is all that is left of the kitchen – the room has Gods idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana and Hanuman installed. Sita Ki Rasoi can be an interesting sightseeing spot for the guests and inform them about the life of gods and their moral values showing the definite point of view that simplicity and faithfulness are the major principles of living.

7. Ramkot

Ramkot, a major and an old temple dedicated to Lord Rama is located in the western part of Ayodhya and is built on a small hill. It is a religious place of worship where the fanfare is most manifest during the Ram Navami festival, which is the birth festival of Lord Rama. The colourful festivities and constant flow of peoples also contribute to creating a specific, sacred aura. Ramkot is relevant and recognized by tourists as a place connected with the revered Ramayana, where Lord Rama is worshipped.

8. Guptar Ghat

Guptar Ghat situated on the bank of the river is particularly well-known as the site of Rama’s final returning to his heavenly abode after offering his final prayers by entering into River Sarayu. The ghat is simple and scenic with no architectural marvel but it definitely is a place best suited for self-introspection. Many people believe that the river possesses purifying qualities, so during the pilgrimage, believers cleanse their bodies from sin in this river. The aura and its association with the final journey of Lord Rama makes this place both simultaneously solemn and sacred.

9. The Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat 

Both the small mounds, namely Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat are considered highly historicised and mythodigised. The same is said to contain the remains of a Stupa constructed by Ashoka signifying close links to Buddhism while the other one called Sugriv Parbat got its name from the monarch of the monkeys, Sugriv, in Ramayana. These sites provide beautiful vantage points of Ayodhya and are attended by pilgrims due to its religious and historical association. The eco-tourism here is a mix of both Buddhism and Hinduism that add colours to the cultural map of Ayodhya.

10. Dashrath Bhawan

One more wonderful tourist attraction of Ayodhya is Dashrath Bhawan, which is the palace of the king Dashrath, the father of Lord Rama. This was rebuilt and has currently become the house of gods as a temple whereby some aspects of the palace remain preserved to represent the continued Royal family. This temple has shrines of idols of Lord Rama, his consort Sita, and the brothers of Rama respectively which gives a real life feeling to revisit the Ramayana where people can even embrace the royal feeling of Lord Rama. For those who wish to further explore the history and the progeny of Lord Rama, a visit to Dashrath Bhawan is highly recommended.

The case of Ayodhya provides for a revelatory sojourn interpenetrating mythos, logos, and pathos that signifies a critical paradigm of one up nation building. Every site, whether delicate Ram Janmabhoomi or even sacred Guptar Ghat, offers a distinct view at the myth of Lord Rama and the references of old Indian tradition. Tourism to these religious places not only enhances one’s appreciation of the Ramayana but also helps to invoke emotions connected with the sacred ideas and rituals that the character of Lord Rama represents. If one is in search of mere blessing from the heavens or a sense of spirituality or feeling the history of a land which has been a cradle of spiritualogy in India, Ayodhya is sure to provide a memorable and educative trip.