Tourist places in and around Ayodhya

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.

The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the ancient citadel of Ramkot reputed Have been built by king Vikramaditya the foe of Sakas. It stood on elevated ground in the western portion of the city. The ole ramparts have long disappeared, but the mound remains, and on it stand a number of large temples Foremost among these is the Hanuman Garhi, a massive structure in the shape of a four- sided fort with circular bastions at each angle. It is said that long ago a great saint known as Abhayaram lived here. His fame had spread far and wide. Nawab Shujauddaula's son suffered from leprosy, which was pronounced incurable. He was ultimately oured by Abhayaram, the renowned seer. The Nawab, being pleased with the spiritual powers of the saint, got this important temple constructed. The finishing touch was, however, given by Tikitrai, the minister of Assffuddaula. More than five by Tikitrai, the minister of Assffuddaula. More than five hundred saints live in this massive temple. The main function of the temple is celebrated on the chaturdash of Krishnapaksh in the month of Kartic.

The sacred shrine of Lord Hanuman is housed in a fortified structure, in the heart of the town. It can be reached by a flight of 76 steps and devotees belive that their wishes are fulfilled by the deity.

Janmabhumi etc

The famous temple of Janmabhumi is also situated in Ramkot. The ancient temple reputed to have been built by the king Vikramaditya was razed to ground by Babar and a mosque was constructed in its place with its materials. The present temple of Janmabhumi is within the boundary of the mosque on a small raised platform. After the construction of the mosque sainal Ramdas is said to have chosen a small place north to the old temple for his meditation. This place is known at Janmasthana. According to the Ayodhya mahatmiya, the fasting on the day of Rama Navami, visiting the place with devotion, giving alms and performing pilgrimages and sacrifices, frees a man from the transmigration of his soul. The Sita- Rasoi or the kitchem of Sita in nearby. Is is situated north- west of the birth place. According to the Ayodhya Mahatmiya Parasurama was released from the crime of destroying the Kshatriyas when he visited this spot and paid homage to it.

The ancient building of the famous Kanak- bhawan temple was destroyed by Saiyad masud Gazi. The Rani of Tikam garh has erected a new building, which is exquisitely beautiful. To the south of this fine building is Ratnasinghasan marking the place where Ram was installed after his return from exile. The Tulasi Chaura, marking the place where Tulasidas wrote his celebrated Ramayana, is close to the Dantdhavan kund. It is a pity that no befitting memorial has been constructed so far. A small dilapidated building stands to remind the people of the name of the great saint and poet. The Bara Asthan, the head quarters of a fraternity called the Bara Akharam the Rang Mahal, Anand Bhawan, the temple of Amar das, as well as numerous smaller temples and shrines are just close by.

Kanak Bhawan (sone-ke-Ghar)

It was built in 1891, by Vrishbhanu Kuvari and is of the finest temples of the town. It enshrines beautiful images of Rama and sita.

Nageshwarnath Temple: It is the only shrine of Lord Shiva in Ayodhya. According to legends the shrine was built by Kush, the son of Lort Rama.

This has images of Sri Rama and Sita wearing gold crowns. It is also known as Sone-ke-Ghar.

Ramkot

This ancient citadel with temples and maths (monasteries) is the main site of pilgrimage in Ayodhya. A large number of devotees visit the site during the celebrations of Ramnavami (Mar/Apr), the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.

The chief place of worship in Ayodhya is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot, which stands on an elevated ground in the western part of the city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout the year, this sacred place attracts devotees from all over India and abroad, on `Ram Navami', the day of Lord's birth, which is celebrated with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of Chaitra (March-April).

Sri Ramjanma Bhoomi

The makeshift shrine of Lord Rma is set on one of the most disputed religious sites in the world. It is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rma and iscovered by king Vikramaditya.

Ram ka Paidi

It is one of the most impressive ghats on the river Saryu.

Guptar Ghat

The beautiful bathing ghats were built by Raja Darshan singh in early parts of 19th century. A palace atop the ghats has a sita-Ramk temple. Lord Rama is said to have entered the river on his final Journey to heaven and his last rites were performed at the Swargadwar Ghat.

Treta ke Thakur

The temple marks the site where Lord Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yagna.

Jain Shrine

Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of five Jain tirthankars. Kesari singh, the treasurer of the Nawab of Faizabad built five temples to marks the sacred sites. Other places of interest Brahma kund, Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Qulia, Angad Tila, Birla Temple, Tulsi smarak Bhawan, Kaleramji ka Mandir, Gurudwara Brahma Kund, Ram Katha Museum, and Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan etc.

Swarg Dwar

According to mythology, Lord Rama is said to have been cremated here.

Mani Parbat and Sugriv Parbat

The first of these ancient earth mounds is identified with a stupa built by the Emperor Ashoka, while the second is believed to be an ancient monastery.

Treta ke Thakur

This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajnya. About 300 years ago the Raja of Kullu built a new temple here, which was improved by Ahalyabai Hokar of Indore during 1784, at the same time the adjoining Ghats were also built. The initial idols in black sandstone were recovered from Saryu and placed in the new temple, famous as Kaleram-ka-Mandir.

Nageshwarnath Temple

The temple of Nageshwarnath is said to have been established by Kush the son of Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet, while bathing in the Saryu, which was picked up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. As she was a devotee of Shiva, Kush erected this temple for her. It is said that this has been the only temple to have survived till the time of Vikramaditya, the rest of city had fallen into ruins and was covered by dense forests. It was by means of this temple that Vikramaditya was able to locate Ayodhya and the sites of different shrines here. The festival of Shivratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendour.

Other places of interest

Rishabhadeo Jain Temple, Brahma Kund, Amawan Temple, Tulsi Chaura, Laxman Quila, Angad Tila, Shri Rama Janaki Birla Temple, Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, Ram ki Paidi, Kaleramji ka Mandir, Datuvan Kund, Janki Mahal, Gurudwara Brahma Kund, Ram Katha Museum, Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan, are among other places of interest in Ayodhya.

Faizabad (7 km)

The historic town set on the left bank of the Ghaghara River was the the first capital of Nawabs of Avadh. It developed during the reign of safdar Jang, the second Nawah (1739-54) and the town further prospered under his successor Shuja-ud-Daula, who built the chhota calcutta fort and many othe magnificent buildings here. Bahu Begam, the wife of Shuja-ud-Daula was a woman of great distinction and rank. Most of the Muslim buildings of Faizabad are attributed to her. From the date of Bahu Begum's death in 1815, till the annexation of Avadh, the city of Faizabad gradually fell into decay. The glory of Faizabad finally ecipsed with the shifing of capital from Faizabad to Lucknow by Nawab Asaf-ud-Dauta. Today, Faizabad is the district headquarters and is an important historical and religious centre. It is a fine base to visit the sacred city of Ayodhya.