AYODHYA: Apart from the
Ram temple
, various places hold
spiritual significance
in
Ayodhya
. Here is a list of temples and pilgrimage sites near the
Ram Lalla Temple
that you should not miss when visiting Ayodhya.
Chandrahari Temple
The deity of Lord Chandrahari was consecrated by Chandradeva, the moon-god, attracted by the glory of Ayodhya Dham. The temple is located on the banks of the sacred Sarayu River near Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya and was renovated by King Vikramaditya centuries ago.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Situated at Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya, this temple 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, picked up by a Nag-Kanya who fell in love with him. Kush erected this temple for her, and it remained in good shape until the times of Vikramaditya.
Ratnasimhasan
Located near Kanak Bhawan, this temple is believed to be the place where Lord Ram was coronated. An idol of Lord Ram and his wife Sita, made of black stone, is worth seeing here. Lord Ram, Sita, Laxman, Bharat, Shatrughna are seated on a throne decorated with gems in the shadow of Kalpavriksha, with idols of Jambvant, Vibhishan, Guru Vashishtha, Vishwamitra, Sugriv, and Angad in the vicinity.
Hanuman Garhi Temple
Also known as Siddha Peeth Shri Hanuman Garhi, this historical temple devoted to Lord Hanuman is located 1 km from Ayodhya and was built in the 10th century. The unique deity of Lord Hanuman protects Ayodhya from the day he was given residence at Hanuman Garhi.
Sita Koop
It is a historic well (Sita koop) near the temple that dates back to ancient times.
Kanak Bhavan
To the north-east of Ram Janam Bhumi, Ramkot, in Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan is one of the finest and famous temples. Gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei after her marriage to Lord Ram, it was renovated by Vikramaditya and later by Vrish Bhanu Kunwari. The main idols in the sanctum are of Lord Ram and Devi Sita.
Mattgajendra
The temple of Lord Matgajendra, also known as the Kotwal of Ayodhya, is associated with the time when Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya. Matagajendra, son of Hanuman and Vibhishana, stayed in Ayodhya to serve Lord Rama.
Sapt Sagar
Mentioned in mythological texts, this pond near Saptasagar in Ayodhya was built by Maharaja Dasharatha. It is known as Chhoti Devkali today and has been a center of faith, with marital rituals performed here.
Deokaali
Associated with tales from the Ramayana, this temple near Naya Ghat was constructed by King Dashrath for an idol of goddess Girija Devi brought by Mother Sita after her wedding with Lord Rama.
Surya Kund
Located at Chaudah Koshi Parikrama Marg, this big tank surrounded by ghats, 4 km from Ayodhya, was constructed by the Suryavanshi rulers to pay obeisance to the Sun god.
Sahastradhara or Shri Lakshman Mandir
Sahasradhara Tirtha, east of the Papamochana Tirtha, is a holy spot where Lakshmana chose to end his earthly lilas. It offers unlimited merits to those who worship it in the prescribed manner. The ancient Lakshmana Temple on the banks of Sahasradhara Tirtha marks the spot where Lakshmana sat and meditated before returning to Saket Dham.
Shri Gupthari
The last place of Shri Ram's Leela, where Shri Ram completed his pastimes and entered Saryu Ji along with all the living and non-moving creatures of Ayodhya, reaching his supreme abode.
Nirmali Kund
To the west of Ayodhya, Nirmalkund in Shri Saryujal is a daily pilgrimage spot where Tirtharaj Prayag comes to take a bath.
Shri Manorama teerth
Situated on the other bank of Shri Saryu Ji, it is the confluence of Manorama river and Saryu, with a temple of Shri Ram. King Dasharatha performed the Putrakameshti Yagya here.
Bilvahari
On the banks of Sarayun river, 16 kilometers east of Ayodhya, Bilvahari ji's place provides freedom from the triad of debt by bathing and donating. There is no fear of the enemy by having darshan.
Nandigram and Bharatkund
Situated 18 kilometers south of Ayodhya, this is where Shri Bharat ji established Ramcharan Paduka and fasted for fourteen years. When Shri Ramchandra ji returned to Ayodhya after killing Ravana, he first met Bharat ji here.
Vasishtha Kund
In the western direction of the birthplace, there is a pond named Vashishtha Kund where Lord Shri Vashishtha resides along with Arundhati.
Shri Punyahari
One kilometer west of bilvahari ji, Punyahari is a pilgrimage spot where taking a bath frees people suffering from diseases.
Mani Parvat
West of Vidyakund is a mountain named Maniparvat, brought by Garuda ji on the orders of Ramchandra ji for the visit of Shri Janaki ji. Merely seeing this mountain brings complete attainments.
Vidya Kund
In the east direction of the birthplace, Vidyakund is where Shri Guru Vashishtha ji taught Chaturdash Vidyas and Chaushat Kalas to Ramchandra ji. Here, one attains success in chanting all the mantras of Saur, Shaiva, Ganesha, Vaishnav, Shakta.
With inputs from Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust's official website (www.srjbtkshetra.org)
English (US) ·