Ayodhyā

Birthplace of Śrī Rāma · Sarayū river, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhyā on the Sarayū is revered as the capital of the Ikṣvāku kings and the birthplace of Śrī Rāma. The new Śrī Rāma Janmabhūmi temple was consecrated in January 2024 and draws very large numbers of pilgrims.

Other important shrines include Hanumān Gaṛhī, where Hanumān is worshipped as the guardian of the city, and Kanak Bhavan, associated with Sītā. Pilgrims bathe at the Sarayū ghats. Rāma Navamī and the Dīpotsava lamps at Dīpāvalī are the great festivals; October to March is the best season.

The Rāmāyaṇa describes Ayodhyā as a prosperous city ruled by King Daśaratha. Tradition says that when Rāma returned after fourteen years of exile and the defeat of Rāvaṇa, the people lit rows of lamps to welcome him — one of the stories behind Dīpāvalī.

Uttar Pradesh · Śrī Rāma · Rāma Navamī · Dīpotsava

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