Ram Mandir, Ayodhya located in U.P., is the birthplace of Shri Ram and one of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism. The city’s holiness and sacredness date back to the Ramayana.
It was a prominent city in ancient India. However, in the modern period, the city has been at the center of a controversy briefed below. Yet, the devotion to Shri Ram doesn’t decrease. Now, our site will guide you to the spiritual heart of India, Ayodhya.
What is the history of Ayodhya?
Ayodhya is the Ram Janmabhoomi in past times. Lord Ram took birth here in Taretayug. Additionally, Ram performed all the Ramleela of his childhood in Ayodhya. Raja Dashratha and Rani Kaushalya were his parents. Raja Dashratha had 3 wives and 4 sons. Thereafter, Shri Ram married Mata Sita, the princess of Janakpur. But, after some time Shri Ram had to move to the forest for 14 years as ‘Vanvaas’. This happened all because of two promises Raja Dashratha made to Mata Kaikeyi. To rephrase, she wanted her son Bharat’s coronation as the king of Ayodhya.
As a result, Maryada Purushotam Shri Ram along with Mata Sita, and Laxaman Ji went to the forest. At last, after 14 years, when he came back from Sri Lanka after killing Ravana, Bharata coronated him as king. Finally, Shri Ram ruled the state designated “Ram Rajya”.
Case of Ram Mandir Ayodhya
The Ayodhya case is a longstanding dispute in India. The dispute was all about a plot in Ayodhya. Hindus believed it was the birthplace of Lord Rama. Whereas, Muslims considered the location to be Babri Masjid. The argument started back in the 16th century when Mir Baqi built the Babri Masjid on the orders of Babur. However, Hindus believed that the mosque was not in its location. Instead, it took the place of a temple. The temple of Lord Ram was demolished for constructing the Masjid.
In 1949, idols of Shri Ram and Mata Sita were placed at the location of the Mosque, triggering the dispute. Moreover, the case had heard in Allahabad High Court and then delivered to the Supreme Court. In 2019, the Supreme Court decided in the favour of temple. Thereafter the construction of Ram Mandir Ayodhya in August 2020 and is Still progressing.
Interestingly, the inauguration of the temple was on 22 January 2024.
Time, Rituals and Festivals
The timings of Ram Mandir are from 7 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 9 PM. Moreover, the preferred months to visit the Ram Mandir Ayodhya are from October to March. Also, Main temple timings are from 6 AM to 12 PM & 2 PM to 8 PM. Daily rituals to be performed are such as Mangal Aarti, Bhog Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, and Shyam Aarti.
Some of the greatly celebrated festivals in Ayodhya are:-
Ram Navami – The birth of lord Rama, celebrated on the 9th day of Chaitra Month.
Dussehra – It is the day on which we celebrate the victory of lord Rama over Ravana.
Diwali – It is one of the 2 major festivals of Sanatan. On this day Shri Ram returned to Ayodhya.
Nearby Attractions
Ram Mandir Ayodhya is not only the temple to visit but also many other attractions are there:-
Hanuman Garhi – A temple dedicated to lord Hanuman in Ayodhya.
Nandigram – A temple of Lord Ram’s father, King Dasaratha in Ayodhya.
Treta ke Thakur– This temple is also for Shri Ram other than Ram Mandir Ayodhya.
Sarayu River – It is a river that flows through Ayodhya. Taking a bath in the Sarayu River is a symbol of blessings.
Kanak Bhavan– It is a temple where Shri Ram and Mata Sita are worshipped.
Furthermore, these are just a few attractions of Ayodhya. The city is full of rich cultural heritage and historic monuments.
How to reach
Recently, the connectivity of Ayodhya and Ram Mandir has expanded. All the transports are available to access Ayodhya. By air, Lucknow International Airport (135kms) is the nearest one and the other is Varanasi International Airport (210kms)
By train, Ayodhya Junction Railway Station is the point to reach Ayodhya. Moreover, by road, bus services, taxis, and cabs are available. Also, the Lucknow-Ayodhya highway connects Ayodhya to Lucknow. Similarly, the Varanasi- Ayodhya highway links Ayodhya to Varanasi.
Winding up
To sum up, Ayodhya is a city that embodies the spiritual heart of India. It is a fascinating destination for pilgrims, tourists, and scholars. The sacred city is the hub of many temples, festivals, and traditions. Now, Ram Mandir Ayodhya made the city more astounding.
At last, plan your visit to Ayodhya and make it easy with the above information.
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