Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya – The Temples

Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya – The Temples

Presiding Deity is called as Rama / Chakravarthy Thirumagan / Raghu Nayagan. He was found to be in sitting posture facing north. Mother is called as Seetha. Vimanam is called as Pushkala Vimanam. The temple where the Alwars did their Mangalasasanam on the Lord Vishnu is not found now since they are destroyed by the Muslim Kings.

There are several temples, places and shrines related to Rama, Dasrath, Sita Lakshmana and Hanuman in the ancient town of Ayodhya. They are listed below;

Sri Rama Janma Bhoomi:

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).

Janma Bhoomi Karyalaya: 

This is the place where the work is going on for the construction of Sri Rama mandir. There is a model of the temple is exhibited. Pillars with carvings, designed ceiling material, doors and all the designed stones to the sides of the walls are ready.

Ammaaji Temple:

The Ammaaji Temple is a temple built embracing South Indian architecture, at a much later date, at Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu river. Ranganathar and Rama are enshrined here. Rama is enshrined in a seated posture facing north. Worship services are conducted here by South Indian Sree Vaishnava priests. 

Kanaka Bhavan:

It is believed that Kanaka Bhavan is the palace of Sri Rama. It was built by queen of Tikamgarh, Virshbhanu Kumari in 1891. After climbing few steps, a big hall having Lord Rama’s Paduka (Foot Prints) can be found. This was the place from where Rama climbed into the chariot, to leave Ayodhya for Vanavasa. Sanctum is situated in another mandapam. Sanctum houses Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana. There are two sets of idols can be seen here, one is the main idol and the other was worshipped by Sri Krishna.

Hanuman Thekri:

On the shore of Sarayu river, a small temple for Anjaneya is found which is called as "Hanuman Thekri", where he is found in Vishwaroopa Kolam. But only his head is found outwards.

Hanuman Gadi:

This is a temple for Hanuman and it is most popular temple of Ayodhya. The temple is in center of the town. One has to climb about 70 steps to reach the main sanctum. There is a statue of Anjana Devi with Bala Hanuman on her lap. Legend says Hanuman stays here and guards the Ramkot. 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 faithful belief is that all the wishes are granted with a visit to the temple.

Theerthams:

There are number of Theerthams in and near Ayodhya. Below are some of the Theerthams in and around Ayodhya:

1. Paramapadha Pushkarani

2. Sarayu River.

3. Nageswara Theertham

4. Vaidaheeya Theertham

5. Surya Theertham

6. Ratha Theertham

7. Indra Theertham

Swargdwar:

The strip of land from Sahasradhara to Nageshwarnath temple is commonly denoted as Swargdwar. The buildings on the Ghat facing the river were mainly built during the reign of Nawab Safdar Jung and his Hindu minister Naval Rai, who is credited in in particular for their construction. The buildings and the Ghats offer a fine view. In recent years the river bed has shifted northwards, leaving the Ghats, therefore the new Ghats were built around 1960 along with the new bridge. The 'pairi' as it is popularly known offers an excellent view from the bridge.

Mani Parvat:

It stands about 65 feet high and some scholars think it to be Buddhist origin. According to legends it was while Lord Hanuman was carrying the hill bearing the Sanjeevini Booti (herb) for Lakshmana wounds from Himalayas on way to Lanka a portion broke off and fell at Ayodhya and this is that very mound.

Sugriva Parbat:

Sugriva Parbat is believed to be an ancient Buddhist monastery.

Guptar Ghat:

Guptar Ghat contains a series of fine well - maintained Ghats which were built by Raja darshan Singh in the 1^st half of the 19^th century. On top of the Ghats a palace was built which comprises a Sita -Ram temple in the centre of the courtyard. The shrines of Chakrahari and Guptahari exist here with a small Narasimha temple.

Suraj Kund:

Suraj Kund is situated at about 3 Kms from Ayodhya. It is a large tank with Ghats built around by the rulers of Surya Vamsa, as a homage to the sun god.

Treta ke Thakur:

This temple stands at the place where Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yajna. About 300 years ago the Raja of Kulu 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 Sarayu 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 Sarayu, 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 Shivaratri is celebrated here with great pomp and splendor.

Dasrath Bhavan:

Dasrath Bhavan is the place where in Raja Dasaratha believed to reside with his kith and kin. Now the place houses a temple, which depicts Ram, Sita and Lakshmana as the chief deities. Though the shrine is not much bigger in size, its environ provide such serene and tranquil feeling that the devotee would be able to sense the presence of the supreme power.

Other Places of Interest:

·        Rishbadev 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 Ji

·        Ram Katha Museum

·        Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan