Ayodhya, a town in northern India that is known as a sacred city and the birthplace of Rama in Hinduism and as a historical centre of Buddhism. It is regarded as one of the seven sacred cities of the Hindus. Mainly because of its association in the great Indian epic poem Ramayana with the birth of Rama and with the rule of his father, Dasharatha. Historically known as Saketa, the early Buddhist and Jain canonical texts mention that the religious leaders Gautama Buddha and Mahavira visited and lived in the 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. In this blog you would find all free things to do in Ayodhya.
Listed below are some of the free things to do in Ayodhya :
1.Ram Janmabhoomi
Source:https://volzero.com/news/view/ayodhyas-ram-mandir-a-deep-dive-into-the-architectural-marvel
Translating to Ram’s Birthplace, the Ram Janmabhoomi is believed to have been the birthplace of the Hindu deity, Lord Ram. According to the Indian epic Ramayana, Ram, Lord Vishnu’s seventh manifestation, is said to have grown up along Ayodhya’s river Sarayu. Located in the ancient city of Ayodhya, Ram Janmabhoomi is a highly revered site for Hindu devotees.
2.Hanuman Garhi
Source:https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman_Garhi_Temple
Located in Sai Nagar, Hanuman Garhi is a 10th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God, Hanuman. It is one of the most important temples in Ayodhya as it is customary to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived at the temple site guarding Ayodhya.
3.Nageshwarnath temple
Source:https://travelsetu.com/guide/nageshwarnath-temple-tourism/best-time-to-visit-nageshwarnath-temple
Established in the name of the local deity, Lord Nageshwarnath. The Nageshwarnath Temple is located adjacent to the Theri Bazaar in Ayodhya. It is believed to have been set up by Kush or Kusha, Lord Rama’s son.
4.Kanak Bhavan
Source:https://travelsetu.com/guide/kanak-bhawan-tourism
The Kanak Bhawan is established towards the northeastern corner of the Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. Constructed in 1891, this temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar. It is a holy site dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Rama and his wife, Goddess Sita.
5.Sita Ki Rasoi
Situated on the north-western side of the Ram Janmanhoomi in Ayodhya’s Rajkot. Sita ki Rasoi is believed to be an ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself. Built quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi, this sacred site is now a temple housing some exhibit vessels. One among the two kitchens revered in Sita’s name, this Sita Ki Rasoi is a basement kitchen.
6.Tulsi Smarak Bhavan
Source:https://www.trawell.in/uttar-pradesh/ayodhya/tulsi-smarak-bhawan-museum
Established in the memory of 16th-century saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas. The Tulsi Smarak Bhawan is believed to have been the place where Tulsidas composed the Ramcharita. In addition to the massive library which is a storehouse of rich literature, the Smarak also houses a research centre. It is called the ‘Ayodhya Research Sansthan’.
7.Raja Mandir
Source:https://www.thrillophilia.com/attractions/ram-raja-temple
Located on the banks of river Sarayu in Guptar Ghat. Raja Mandir in Faizabad has been associated with numerous mythological stories time and again. The temple houses stunningly carved idols of many Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Which are ornamentally clad in silken fabrics and rich jewellery.
8.Treta Ke Thakur
Source:https://www.seawatersports.com/places/uttar-pradesh/treta-ke-thakur
It is situated along the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya. The Treta Ke Thakur Temple houses numerous idols including that of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat and Sugreev. These statues are said to have been sculpted out of a single black sandstone.
9.Moti Mahal
Source:https://www.holidify.com/places/ayodhya/moti-mahal-sightseeing-120826.html
The Moti Mahal is a spectacular structure. It is situated away from Ayodhya in the district of Faizabad. It was home to Nawab Suja-Ud-Daula’s wife Begum Unmatuzzohra Banu who was the Queen at that time. The Palace is a fine example of Mughal architecture. The grandness of the structure portrays the rich heritage of the Nawabs in a beautiful manner. The palace has a lot of cultural as well as historical significance. The best time to visit the place is during winters when it is pleasant and you can get a chance to explore the beautiful structure.
10.Dashrath Bhavan
Source:https://rishikeshdaytour.com/blog/dashrath-mahal-ayodhya/
Located in the heart of the city, in Ramkot Ayodhya, in Faizabad. Dashrath Bhavan is the original residence of King Dashrath- the ruler of Ayodhya and father to Lord Sri Ram. Popularly known as Bada Asthan or Badi Jagah, Dashrath Mahal houses magnificent shrines of King Ram.
11.Ram Katha Park
Source:https://www.navhindtimes.in/2020/12/02/nationalnews/light-and-sound-show-at-ram-katha-park/
Ram Katha Park is a beautiful park in Ayodhya, housing open-air theatres and well-kept lawns. Spread over a vast area of land, it is a popular venue for the devotional programmes, cultural performances, religious events, dance, poetry and katha recital sessions.
12.Guptar Ghat
Source:https://ayodhya-visit.com/tour/guptar-ghat/
Situated on the banks of river Sarayu, also known as Ghaggar, Guptar Ghat is a revered site in Faizabad near Ayodhya. With a flight of steps leading to the holy river, this ghat was once the neighbour of the colonial Company Gardens, which is now known as the Gupta Ghat Van.
13.Sri Maniram Das Chavani
One can identify Valmiki Bhawan in Ayodhya at Mani Ram Das Ji Ki Chavani road easily. The name of the road is a self guide to an important temple called Sri Maniram das Chavani. This is a settled place of saints. There are temples of Lord Sri Ram and his consort Seetha and others. The attractive Ram Darbar temple is located inside this Chavani. Tourists going to Ayodhya may have busy or tight schedules and may not have time enough to visit Chavani road. However if time permits this spot should be visited.
FAQS
What is famous in Ayodhya to buy?
Shopping. Ayodhya Market: Ayodhya Market is the heart of the city’s shopping scene. It is located in close proximity to various temples and religious sites and is perfect for purchasing a wide variety of products. You can purchase puja materials like incense sticks, flower garlands, and diyas (oil lamps).
What is the famous dish of Ayodhya?
Bedai Poori or Bedami Poori is a popular North Indian dish and a must-have in Ayodhya. This savoury delicacy combines the flavours of traditional spices and lentils. Offering a unique taste that is both hearty and satisfying.
Conclusion
Ayodhya used to be the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. It has an average elevation of 93 metres (305 feet). It is believed to be the birthplace of Bhagwan Shri Ram. Ayodhya has been regarded as the first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites for Hindus.
Listed above are some of the major sights and landmarks of Ayodhya that should be visited as these places will embrace you in your divine journey.
Each destination is unique in its own way and I would highly recommend anyone whether it’s a religious devotee or an explorer to make time to visit them.
Check Out Relevant Articles –
30 best must see places in Ayodhya
Best Time to Visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir
Written By – Ceyon Roshan
Edited By – Kirti K.