Exploring the Spiritual Beauty of Ayodhya: A Three-Day Itinerary
New Delhi: Ayodhya, a city deeply intertwined with the legendary tales of Lord Rama, offers more than just the famous Rama Mandir. Let’s embark on a spiritual journey through some of the significant places associated with Lord Rama in Ayodhya.
Day 1: Begin with Hanuman Garhi
– Location: Around 500 meters from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: Tradition dictates a visit to Hanuman Garhi before the Rama Mandir. The temple houses an idol of Hanuman in Anjani’s lap.
– Opening Hours: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
Day 2: Explore Sita Rasoi and Kanak Bhavan
– Sita Rasoi:
– Location: Approximately 1 km from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: An ancient kitchen associated with Sita, where she used to cook.
– Opening Hours: Open throughout the day.
– Kanak Bhavan:
– Location: 1 km from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: Gifted to Lord Rama by Mother Kaikeyi, it’s the personal palace of the deities.
– Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM, 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Day 3: Serenity at Sarayu Ghat and Nageshwar Nath Mahadev
– Sarayu Ghat:
– Location: 2 km from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: Ayodhya boasts 14 ancient ghats, each with its own sacred importance.
– Special Occasion: Witness the evening Aarti from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
– Nageshwar Nath Mahadev:
– Location: 2 km away.
– Significance: Dedicated to Lord Shiva, believed to be built by Lord Kush, son of Rama.
Bonus Sites:
1. Mani Ram Das Chavani:
– Location: 1 km from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: Features Valmiki Ramayana inscriptions on its walls.
2. Ram Lala Sadan:
– Location: 1 km away.
– Significance: Ayodhya’s first temple in Dravidian style dedicated to Lord Ranganatha (Vishnu).
3. Dashrath Mahal:
– Location: 700 meters from Rama Mandir.
– Significance: Constructed by King Dashrath, housing idols of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Bharata.
4. Rang Mahal:
– Location: 1 km away.
– Significance: Saints consider this the abode of Sita’s companion.
Conclusion:
In concluding our enchanting journey through Ayodhya, one can’t help but feel the spiritual resonance that permeates every corner of this sacred city. From the devotion-inspiring Hanuman Garhi to the echoes of Sita’s ancient kitchen, and the serene embrace of Sarayu Ghat, Ayodhya is a tapestry woven with the threads of divinity. As you follow this three-day itinerary, you’ll find yourself immersed in the timeless aura that defines Ayodhya—a city where every stone is a storyteller, and every step is a pilgrimage. May your spiritual odyssey continue to unfold, leaving you enriched with the essence of Lord Rama’s divine grace.
