The recent inauguration of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on 22nd January 2024 has turned this small region of Uttar Pradesh into one of the sacred Indian cities.
Few surveys claim that when the Kashi Vishwanath corridor was inaugurated, Varanasi’s tourism scenario was heightened similarly after the holy ‘Pranpratistha’ ceremony in Ram Mandir Ayodhya has turned into one of the pilgrim-city of India, where devotees will come for the ‘Darshan’ of Ramallah in Ram Janmabhoomi – Ayodhya.
Why Does the Historical Significance of Ayodhya Attract Foreigners?
From ancient times, Ayodhya has been famous to foreigners for its historical, religious, and cultural heritage. On the banks of the Sarayu River, Ayodhya has always been a popular destination for historians, tourists, pilgrims, and devotees across the world. Ayodhya is fascinated by foreigners due to its rich historical aspects and mythological significance.
As a legendary city of India, Ayodhya also holds a sacred tag as Lord Ram, who was the hero of the Indian Holy Book – Ramayana, was born in this city. The Hindu devotees believe that Lord Ram was a legendary king who spread the values of justice, promise, honesty & equality during his ruling period.
Moreover, the Indian epic – Ramayana described Ayodhya as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty, where once Raghuvanshi kings – Dasharatha and Rama established justice for all.
Unfortunately, in 1528, Mughal ruler – Babur came to Ayodhya and founded a mosque, destroying the ancient temple, which was considered the birthplace of Lord Rama. From 1855 to 1992, both Hindus & Muslims were involved many times in clashes or movements based on the controversy that the area of the mosque was the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama. In 1992, in December, the riots between the Hindu Mob and the Muslim Mob led to the collapse of the Babri mosque. In the dreadful riots of 1992 in Ayodhya, almost 2000 people were killed. Then, the prolonged riots between the two religions, the involvement of Hindu Prime Ministers, and civil appeals of Hindu devotees to the Supreme Court started an in-depth investigation in 2018. After a long hearing in the Supreme Court in 2020, Indian Prime Minister – Narendra Modi conducted Bhoomi Pujan at the demolition site of Babri Masjid.
After that, in 2024, on 22nd January, Ram Mandir is inaugurated in the sacred city – Ayodhya.
Top Sites in Ayodhya:
Ram Janmabhoomi:
According to the Indian epic – Ramayana, Lord Rama was the 7th manifestation of Lord Vishnu. The sacred Ram Janmabhoomi on the river of Sarayu is one of the most prioritized places in Ayodhya, where Hindu devotees come from different corners of India, as well as from the world.
Hanuman Garhi:
The temple of the Hindu God – Lord Hanuman, is Hanuman Garhi, which is located in Sai Nagar in Ayodhya. In the 10th century, this sacred temple was founded.
Kanak Bhawan:
In Tulsi Nagar, Kanak Bhawan was established in the northeastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in 1891. This holy temple was dedicated to the 7th manifestation of Lord Vishnu – Lord Rama and his wife – Goddess Sita. For Hindu devotees, Devi Sita was not only the heroine of the Indian epic Ramayana but also for her pious character
Nageshwarnath Temple:
In Ayodhya, Nageshwarnath Temple is located at the Theri Bazar. The historical or mythological significance of Nageshwarnath Temple lies in the identity of its founder. The Hindu devotees believe that the son of Lord Rama-Kush founded Nageshwarnath Temple.
Treta Ke Thakur:
Treta Ke Thakur temple is one of the glorious religious and mythological heritage in Ayodhya. In Naya Ghat of Ayodhya, Treta Ke Thakur accommodates the idols of mythological Hindu deities – Lord Ram, Lord Hanuman, Lakshman, Bharat, and Sugreev. The specialty of these statues lies in the sculpture, as all these idols are made of single black-tinted sandstone.
Treta Ke Thakur temple was founded by King Kullu almost three hundred years ago. According to the mythological references, Lord Rama conducted ‘Ashwadmedha Yagya’ in this place after defeating Ravana.
Conclusion:
Based on the information-rich discussions on Ayodhya, there is no doubt that a large number of Hindu temples, idols of mythological Hindu Gods, and the Ram Janmabhoomi on the bank of Sarayu River turn Ayodhya into a sacred city for pilgrims. So, as a Hindu devotee, you must feel the ancient sacred charm of Hindu religion in Ayodhya. Above all, tourists who are devoted to the Hindu religion for its pristine ideals must like Ayodhya as one of the popular destinations for pilgrims.
