Ayodhya (Thiru Ayodhi Divya Desam)

1. Vasudev or Vasudeo Ghat:

• Manu landing in Ayodhya after deluge: Vasudev Ghat is associated with the legend of Matsya Avatara of Lord Vishnu. The Matsya Avatara carried the boat of Vaivaswata Manu during the great deluge. When the waters of the deluge receded, everything got swept of and Manu landed in Ayodhya.

Vasudev Ghat is one of the oldest ghats of Ayodhya. Vasudev Ghat is no more a bathing ghat because river Sarayu has receded northwards and dried up the place. However, the legend of the ghat still remains. Pilgrims still visit this sacred site and perform rituals.

2. Ram Ghat:

Ram Ghat is also one of the oldest ghats of Ayodhya. Like the Vasudev Ghat the bathing ghat is no more there because river Sarayu has receded northwards. Now the entire place is renovated and the Ram Ki Paidi region is now popularly known as Ram Ghat.

3. Janaki Ghat:

Janaki Ghat is also an old ghat existing near the Ram Ghat.

4. Swargadwar Ghat, Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi:

• Sri Rama returning to his divine abode: When the time of departure arrived for Sri Rama, he adorned the dress of brahmachari, took Kusha grass in his hands and walked towards Swargadwara. His brothers followed him. The residents of Ayodhya followed him. The vanaras and rakshasas knowing of his departure through spies also followed him. Sri Rama instructed Vibhishana to stay back and rule the rakshasas. Sri Rama instructed Hanuman to stay back as long as the name of "Rama" is sung. Sri Rama instructed Mainda and Dwivida to stay back and guide the vanaras, since they are immortal. He told all the rest to follow him. The celestials watched this great departure from the heaven. When Sri Rama reached Swargadwara, Lord Brahma eulogized him as the Supreme Soul. Sri Rama abandoned his body and entered the abode of Vishnu (with his brothers). As Lord Vishnu, Sri Rama told Brahma to bestow higher Lokas to his followers who were devoted to him. Lord Brahma told about Santanika Loka which he decided to bestow them. Lord Brahma then took them to another Tirtha known as Gopratara Tirtha where the residents of Ayodhya abandoned their bodies and attained salvation. (Since Sri Rama departed to his divine abode in this Tirtha, it is known as Swargadwara Tirtha or the "Gateway to Heaven". It is a supreme tirtha where Snana, Dana and Dhyana attain great merit.).
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 6)

• Chandradeva performing penance: Knowing the greatness of Swargadwara, Chandradeva performed penance there and secured the grace of Lord Vishnu. Chandradeva installed an image of Lord Vishnu and worshipped it. The image became known as Chandrahari.
• Chandra Sahashra Vrata and Udyapana (performed when a man's life spans thousand moons, i.e. 83 years and 4 months)
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 3)

Swargadwar is the main ghat of Ayodhya. Due to the sanctity of the place, people come here for Snana (Bathing), Dana (Charity),Dhyana (Meditation), Bhajana (Devotional Singing) and Puja (Worship). Swargadwar is specially famous for performing Pinda Dana (Rite for the deceased persons). Mundan Samskar (Tonsure ceremony) is also done here. Naya Ghat and Ram Ki Paidi are relatively new constructions. When river Sarayu receded northwards making the ghats dry, a new ghat (Naya Ghat) was built in 1960s. The place was further renovated later in 1980s with a flight of steps (called Paidi), gardens etc., and took the form of the present Ram Ki Paidi. Ram Ki Paidi is thus a series of newly-constructed bathing ghats of Ayodhya. Pilgrims come here for bathing, performing pujas and also engaging in devotional practices. The entire area is now called Ram Ghat. Pilgrims often bathe in this place before going for darshan of the temples.

5. Sarayu Mandir and Aarti:

The Aarti of the holy river Sarayu is held near the Naya Ghat.

6. Ahalyabai Ghat:

• Sri Rama performing yagna: According to legend Sri Rama performed a yagna here.

The Ahalyabai Ghat is near the Tretanathji (Treta Ke Thakur) temple.

7. Sahashradhara or Lakshman Ghat:

• Lakshmana returning to his divine abode: When his time of departure came near, Sri Rama called Kala and discussed with him about his departure. He resolved to punish anyone who saw their discussion. During that time sage Durvasa came and asked for food immediately. Lakshmana informed Sri Rama (for the fear of the curse of the sage). Sri Rama sent of Kala and fed sage Durvasa extending his hospitality. As a punishment he abandoned Lakshmana. Lakshmana went to the bank of river Sarayu and after taking bath, meditated on the consciousness. Adisesha appeared there piercing the ground in thousand places. Indra and devas also appeared there. Indra told Lakshmana about his divine nature and narrated the glory of the Tirtha. Since Adisesha pierced the ground in thousand places and lit it with the crest-jewel of his hood, the place became known as Sahashradhara Tirtha. Indra took Lakshmana to his divine abode.
• Annual festival: Shravana Shukla Panchami
• Holy bath: Vaishakha
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 2)

There is a temple of Sri Lakshmanji near the ghat.

8. Papamochana Ghat or Gola Ghat:

• Narahari becoming free of sins: A brahmin named Narahari fell in bad company and committed many sins in life. Once he came to Ayodhya in the company of some good people and took bath in a Tirtha. He became free from his sins and went to Vishnu Loka. The Tirtha became known as Papamochana Tirtha.
• Holy Bath: Magha Krishna Chaturdashi
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 2)

There is a temple of Lord Rama here known as Papamochana temple.

9. Jhunki Ghat:

Jhunki Ghat is probably named after a saint who meditated here. Sadhus come to this place for meditation.

10. Rinamochana Ghat:

• Sage Lomasha becoming free of debts: A sage named Lomasha came to Ayodhya and during his pilgrimage took bath in a Tirtha. After this bath he became free from his debts. He proclaimed the glory of the Tirtha which became known as Rinamochana Tirtha.
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 2)

Rinamochana Ghat is the place where devotees bathe to get free of the three debts in life (Rina is debt and mochana is becoming free).

11. Raj Ghat:

Raj Ghat is a comparatively new ghat in Ayodhya. This ghat has the statue of Jain Tirthankara Rishabhadeva. There is also a temple of Sita-Rama in this ghat.

12. Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra Ghats:

Kaushalya Ghat, Kayikeyi Ghat and Sumitra Ghat are named after the queens of Dasharatha.

13. Brahma Kunda Ghat:

• Brahma worshipping Lord Vishnu: Brahma heard that Lord Vishnu is stationed in Ayodhya. He came there and performed its pilgrimage. Then he created a Kunda and worshipped Lord Vishnu. The Kunda became known as Brahma Kunda. The devas took bath in that Kunda and became pure. They asked about it to Lord Brahma in wonder. Lord Brahma narrated the glory of the Kunda to them.
• Annual festival: Karthika Shukla Chaturdasi
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 2)

14. Chakratirtha Ghat:

• Vishnu Sharma performing penance: A brahmin by name Vishnu Sharma performed austere penance in Ayodhya worshipping Lord Vishnu and reciting the Dwadasakshari Mantra (Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya). Three years elapsed. One day when the brahmin eulogized Lord Vishnu, the Lord appeared before him and gave him the boon. The Lord created a Tirtha there with his Sudarshana Chakra and brought the waters of river Ganges. This Tirtha became known as Chakratirtha. Vishnu Sharma established an image of the Lord there for worship after his name. The image became known as Vishnuhari.
• Annual festival: Karthika Shukla Dashami to Poornima
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 1)

15. Guptar Ghat:

• Lord Vishnu performing penance secretly: Once in a battle between the asuras and the devas, the asuras defeated the devas. The devas started fleeing. Hara stopped the devas and took them to Lord Vishnu in the milky ocean along with Brahmadeva. There, Hara started eulogizing the Lord. Lord Vishnu became pleased and said that he will perform penance secretly to increase the strength of the devas. Thereafter the Lord came to the bank of river Sarayu to perform his penance. The place where the Chakra of the Lord fell became known as Chakrahari. The place where the Lord performed his penance secretly became known as Guptahari. Due to the penance of the Lord, the devas gained strength and defeated the asuras. Thereafter, the devas came to Guptahari and worshipped the Lord. Lord Vishnu granted them the boon of protection and narrated the glory of that place.
• Annual festival of Guptahari: Kathika (Poornima)
• Annual festival of Chakrahari: Margashirsha Shukla Ekadasi
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 6)

• Lord Rama bestowing higher abodes to the residents of Ayodhya: When the time of departure of Sri Rama came, he went to Swargadwara. The residents of Ayodhya as well as the vanaras and rakshasas devoted to him followed him. He gave up his body there and returned to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Thereafter, as Lord Vishnu Sri Rama told Brahmadeva to bestow higher Lokas to the residents of Ayodhya since they are devoted to him. Brahmadeva told that he will bestow them Santanika Loka. Thereafter Brahmadeva took them to Gopratara Tirtha. The residents gave up their bodies there and attain the higher Loka.
• Holy Bath: Karthika
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 6)

Guptar Ghat is far away from the cluster of other ghats in Ayodhya. It is around 15 km from Ayodhya. This place has immense spiritual significance. There is a temple of Gupta Hari here.

1. Hanuman Garhi:

• Hanuman protecting Ramkot: According to legend, Hanumanji protected Ramkot (the fort of Rama) by residing in this place in a cave.

Hanuman Garhi is a fort-temple of Sri Hanumanji on a hillock. The pilgrims need to ascend around 70 steps to reach the shrine. The archway at the base of the steps is beautiful. Previously many sadhus used to stay here and meditate in this place. Hanuman Garhi is a very popular temple of Ayodhya. Pilgrims often have the darshan of Hanumanji before visiting other temples of Sri Rama.

- Hanuman Garhi is located around 1 km from the railway station.

2. Sugreev Tila:

Sugreev Tila is a small hillock near Hanuman Garhi with the image of Sugreevji.

3. Angad Tila: Angad Tila is similarly a small hillock near Hanuman Garhi in the name of Angad.

4. Ram Janambhoomi:

• Sri Rama incarnating: Ram Janambhoomi is said to be the place where Sri Rama incarnated.

So, this place is like the spiritual heart of Ayodhya. There was an ancient temple here which is said to have been destroyed by Babar during his invasion. A new temple is being built. The main purpose of the incarnation of Sri Rama was to slay Ravana and establish Dharma in the world. Ravana disturbed the worship and penance of sages whose wisdom formed the foundation of Sanatana Dharma. Ravana was so powerful by his boon that no one could match his strength. So the incarnation of Sri Rama was needed to eliminate the acts of Adharma of Ravana and also establish Dharma in the world by his personal example. So Ram Janambhoomi is like the place of birth of Dharma itself. On one side of Ram Janambhoomi are the ghats of river Sarayu and on the other side the palace-temples.

- Ram Janambhoomi is located close to Kanak Bhavan (a few hundred meters away).

5. Dasharath Mahal:

• Sri Rama growing up: Dasharath Mahal is the place where Sri Rama grew up amd performed his Bal Leelas.

Dasharath Mahal is the palace of king Dasharatha. This place is of immense spiritual significance because Sri Rama grew up here and performed his Bal Leelas in this place. Coupled with its spiritual significance, the palace itself is grand with large arched gateways and beautiful designs. Dasharath Mahal contains within it the beautiful sentiment of the fatherly love of king Dasharatha towards child Rama. This is augmented by the motherly love of Kaushalya and other queens.

- Dasharath Mahal is located very close to Hanuman Garhi.

6. Kanak Bhavan:

• Sita-Rama staying together: Kanak Bhavan is the place where Sita-Rama stayed together.

Kanak Bhavan or "Golden Palace" is a famous palace-temple of Ayodhya. It is said that queen Kaikeyi gifted this palace to Devi Sita during her marriage. So this is the place where Sri Rama lived with Devi Sita after his marriage. There is a beautiful image of Sita-Rama inside this palace temple. Entering this palace chamber, the devotees chant the names of Sita-Rama before the image.

- Kanak Bhavan is located very close to Dasharath Mahal.

7. Valmiki Ramayana Bhavan:

Valmiki Ramayana Bhavan is dedicated to Maharshi Valmiki and is specially loved by sadhus and saints. There is an image of Maharshi Valmiki inside this temple along with Lava and Kusha who first sang the Ramayana. The whole of Valmiki Ramayana is engraved on the walls of the temple. So this Bhavan as if reverberates with the slokas of Ramayana. Satsangs on Ramayana, recitation of Ramayana etc. are performed here. There is a library and a book stall inside on the first floor of the Bhavan.

8. Choti DevKali Mandir:

• Devi Sita worshipping goddess: Choti DeviKali Mandir is said to be the temple where Devi Sita worshipped goddess Girija Devi which she brought to Ayodhya after her marriage.

King Dasharatha built a temple for Girija Devi. The temple now houses the image of DevKali. The word Choti is prefixed to differentiate it from another DevKali temple in Ayodhya known as Badi DevKali.

- Choti DevKali Mandir is located close to Ram Ki Paidi.

9. Tulsi Udyan:

• Sant Tulsidas starting Ram Charit Manas: It is said that Sant Tulsidasji started composing the Ram Charit Manas from here.

Tulsi Udyan is a beautiful garden built by the Government of India and dedicated to Sant Tulsidas. During Tulsi Jayanti, Ram Charit Manas is recited here.

- Tulsi Udyan is located 1.5 km from the Ayodhya Railway station.

10. Ram Katha Sangrahalaya:

Ram Katha Sangrahalaya is a museum depicting the excavated artefacts of an old temple found in Ram Janambhoomi, as well as dramatic representation of Ramayana in different traditions of India. There are beautiful statues and pictures related to the life of Sri Rama in this place. This place thus gives a feeling of the holy life of Sri Rama as depicted in Ramayana.

11. Treta Ke Thakur:

• Sri Rama performing Ashwamedha yagna: It is said that Sri Rama performed the Ashwamedha yagna in this place.

Treta Ke Thakur temple is an old temple of Ayodhya where Sri Rama is worshipped as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The temple has the images of Sri Rama, Devi Sita, brothers Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna, guru Vasistha and others. This temple has been renovated by the Maharaja of Kullu and later by Ahalyabai Holkar, the queen of Maratha. This temple opens only once in a year, during Karthik Shukla Ekadasi. The Ahalyabai Ghat is near this temple.

- Treta Ke Thakur is located close to Ram Ki Paidi.

12. Nageshwar Nath Mandir:

• Kusha building this Shiva temple: According to legend, Kusha the son of Sri Rama himself had built the original Nageshwar Nath Mandir.

Nageshwar Nath Mahadev Mandir is a very old temple of Lord Shiva. This temple is one of the main structures which survived the ravages of time till king Vikramaditya arrived in Ayodhya. Seeing this temple and getting guidance from saints, the king rebuilt Ayodhya. Near the Nageshwar Nath temple is an old temple of Sri Rama containing his idol curved out of black stone (Ram Panchatayana). It is said that this idol was preserved by the pujaris when the original Ram Janambhoomi temple was destroyed by Babar.

- Nageshwar Nath Mandir is around 8 km north of Ram Janambhoomi and close to Ram Ki Paidi.

1. Birla Mandir:

Birla Mandir is a comparatively new temple in Ayodhya. It has a beautiful ambience of green gardens and a silent atmosphere conducive to meditation. Inside the temple are the images of Sita-Rama-Lakshmana in white marble. On the walls of the temple are beautiful pictures depicting different events related to Ramayana.

- Birla Mandir is very close to the Ayodhya Railway station.

2. Vasishtha Kund:

• Ashrama of sage Vasishtha: Vasishtha Kund is the place where the ashrama of sage Vasishtha was said to be located.

Sri Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrughna attended the gurukula here.

- Vasishtha Kund is located near the Birla Mandir.

3. Mani Parvat:

• Devi Sita sporting: Mani Parvat is a hill which is said to be the place where Devi Sita sported with her companions.

The beautiful view of Ayodhya can be enjoyed from this hill. There is a shrine with the images of Sita-Ram. Lord Buddha is also said to have meditated in Mani Parvat. There are some remains of the ancient Buddhist monasteries here.

1. Surya Kund:

• King Ghosha worshipping Suryadeva: King Ghosha of the Solar race went for hunting in the forest. His hands became infested with worms which is an inauspicious sign. The king became devoid of pride. With the guidance of holy men, he took bath in a Kunda. His body became full of divine splendour. Ghosha eulogized the Sun God reciting its stotra. The Sun god appeared before him and gave him an idol for worshipping. Ghosha installed that idol. The Kunda became known as Ghosharka Kunda.
• Holy Bath: Sundays, Bhadrapada or Magha Shukla Shasthi, Pausha Sundays specially on seventh day.
(Ayodhya Mahatmyam - 7)

This Kunda is dedicated to Surya deva. Sunday is a special day for taking bath in this Kunda.

- Surya Kund is located 6 km from the main city of Ayodhya.

2. Nandigram (Bharat Kund):

• Bharata taking padukas of Sri Rama: Bharata went to Chitrakoota to supplicate Sri Rama to return to Ayodhya. Sri Rama declined and told Bharata to rule the kingdom with the guidance of the ministers. The sages also requested Bharata to accept the words of Sri Rama. Bharata finally agreed and requested Sri Rama to touch with his feet two padukas (sandals) decorated with gold. Bharata bowed before the padukas and returned to Ayodhya. Before returning he told Sri Rama that he will enter fire if Sri Rama delays his return after fourteen years.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 112)

• Bharata going to Nandigrama: Bharata went to Nandigrama. He lived like an ascetic wearing bark garments and matted hairs. He coronated the padukas (sandals) of Sri Rama as the king. Then he ruled the kingdom worshipping those padukas. He kept informing every affair of the kingdom to the padukas.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Ayodhya Kanda - 114)

• Bharata creating Kunda: Bharata created the Bharata Kunda at Nandigrama, where he lived like an ascetic and ruled Ayodhya for fourteen years when Sri Rama was in forest exile.
(Ayodhya Mahatmya - 9)

• Hanuman meeting Bharata after forest exile: Sri Rama sent Hanuman to Shringaverapura to communicate his welfare to Guha, the king of the Nishadas. Then, told Hanuman to ask Guha about Bharata and the way to Ayodhya. Thereafter going to Ayodhya, to enquire about the welfare of Bharata and inform him about the different incidents that happened during his forest exile, and that Rama is coming to him with Vibhisana and Sugreeva. Thereafter told Hanuman to find out the intention of Bharata from his facial expression. If Bharata wanted to rule the entire kingdom, let him have it. As commanded by Sri Rama, Hanuman assumed a human form and left for Ayodhya. Crossing Prayaga, the confluence of rivers Ganga and Yamuna, Hanuman reached Shringaverapura. He met Guha and gave the news of Sri Rama. On the way, Hanuman saw Ramatirtha, and rivers Valukini, Varuthi, Gomati, Bhima as well as forest of Sala trees. Then reaching Nandigrama, Hanuman saw Bharata living in a hermitage like an ascetic, and ruling the kingdom placing the wooden sandals of Sri Rama. Hanuman informed him about the arrival of Sri Rama. Bharata fainted in joy. Then regaining his balance, Bharata embraced Hanuman. Bharata said that in return for this news he will give him a hundred thousand cows, hundred villages and sixteen girls of good conduct as wives. Bharata then told Hanuman to narrate the story of Sri Rama in the forest. Hanuman narrated all the incidents that happened in the forest and told him that Sri Rama is currently residing in the hermitage of sage Bharadwaja. Bharata was overjoyed to hear about Sri Rama.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 125 to 126)

• Sri Rama meeting Bharata after forest exile: Bharata commanded Shatrughna to make arrangements for receiving Sri Rama at Ayodhya. Shatrughna levelled the ground from Nandigrama to Ayodhya and sprinkled parched grains and flowers over it. He decorated Ayodhya with beautiful flags as also the buildings on the way. He sprinkled fragrant colours, garlands and flowers on the royal highway. All the mothers proceeded to Nandigrama. Bharata made arrangement to give a royal reception to Sri Rama at Nandigrama with royal parasols, soldiers, brahmanas, musicians etc. Sri Rama arrived there in the Pushpaka Vimana along with Devi Sita, Lakshmana, Vibhisana, Sugreeva and others. Bharata saluted Sri Rama. Sri Rama embraced him. Then Bharata received Devi Sita and Lakshmana. Bharata embraced the vanara chiefs like Sugreeva, Jambavan, Angada and others. The vanaras changed their forms as humans and enquired about the welfare of Bharata. Bharata embraced Sugreeva and told him that he is the fifth brother. Then Bharata greeted Vibhisana. Thereafter, Shatrughna offered his salutations to Sri Rama. Sri Rama offered his salutations to his mothers and the royal priests. The citizens of Ayodhya shouted the victory of Sri Rama. Bharata placed the sandals of Sri Rama before his feet and said that he is returning the sovereignty of Sri Rama today. Bharata said that as a keeper he has enhanced the treasury, granary and other possessions ten-fold. Seeing the affection of Bharata for his brother, Vibhisana and the vanaras shed tears. Then Sri Rama reached the hermitage of Bharata in the Pushpaka Vimana and told the aerial car to return to Kubera.
(Valmiki Ramayana - Yuddha Kanda - 127)

Nandigram has the Bharat Kund which is mentioned in Ayodhya Mahatmya. It has a Hanuman Bharat Milan Mandir. It has an ancient Bharat Mandir where Sri Rama is said to have met Bharata after forest exile. Apart from that it has the Bharat Gufa were Sri Bharata used to meditate.

- Nandigram is located around 25 km from the main city of Ayodhya.