Heritage City of Ayodhya : View Through Our Lens

kamalparu
12 hours ago
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Updated: 5 minutes ago

Heritage City of Ayodhya : View Through Our Lens

· Since our posting at Ayodhya, we got opportunity to visit a number of sacred temples, Saryu ghats and monuments which are having religious, historical and heritage importance. Here the holy temples and heritage sites are displayed as viewed through our lens. Hope it may be interesting as well as pleasant to view the heritage and pilgrimage city of Ayodhya through our lens.

Famous Places of Attraction at Ayodhya

1. Shri Ram Janmbhoomi & Ram Temple

Ayodhya, the birth place of Shri Ram Lalla is the sacred city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. A magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Shri Ram has been constructed at his birth place in Ayodhyadham. The temple area is known as ‘Ramkot’. The ‘Pran – Pratishtha’ (Consecration ceremony) held on January 22, 2024. Since then, the Shri Ram Temple has evolved as one of the prominent pilgrimage centre in India. Lakhs of devotees visit this temple daily and the number of visitors is increasing day-by-day.

Shri Ram Lalla Temple , Ayodhyadham
Magnificent Shikhar of Shri Ram Temple
Dhwajarohan Ceremony 25.11.2025
Dhwajarohan Ceremony 25.11.2025
Panoramic View of Shri Ram Temple
Jatayu
Beautifully illuminated Shir Ram Temple

2. Hanumangarhi Temple

A grand temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman is located at top of a mound known as ‘Hanuman kot’. Lord Hanuman is depicted in the form of child (Bal Roop) inside the temple. This is one of the oldest temple of Ayodhya where Lord Hanuman is worshipped since time immemorial.

3. Kanak Bhawan

‘Kanak Bhawan’ literally meaning the ‘Golden Palace’ is an impressive and sprawling building near Shri Ram Temple. It is believed that ‘Kanak Bhawan’ was gifted by queen Kaikeyi to her daughter –in- law Sita as wedding gift. The temple inside building depicts beautiful idols of Lord Ram and Mata Sita. The courtyard inside building is very large. A visit to this place imparts positive vibes.

Beautiful Facade of Kanak Bhawan
Temple inside Kanak Bhawan
Beautiful Images of Shri Ram & Mata Sita
Sprawling Courtyard

4. Ram Ki Pairi & Nageshwarnath Temple

Located at the bank of sacred river Saryu , ‘Ram Ki Pairi’ is a place where devotees take holy bath before visiting the Shri Ram Temple. The flowing shallow water at ghat present a beautiful sight. A laser light show is held daily in the evening at this place. The grand ‘Deepotsava’ is celebrated at Ram Ki Pairi during Deepawali festival.

A very old ‘Nageshwarnath Temple’ dedicated to Lord Shiva is located on the Ram Ki Pairi. A laser light show is held daily in the evening.

Ram Ki Pairi
Ram Ki Pairi
Laser Show at Ram Ki Pairi
Nageshwarnath Temple
Nageshwarnath Temple
Deepotsava at Ram Ki Pairi
Deepotsava at Ram Ki Pairi
Ram Ki Pairi (in a Photo Frame)

5. Naya Ghat

The Saryu Ghat (river bank) adjacent to Ram Ki Pairi is an important pilgrimage site where devotees take ritual dip in the holy river. Boating facility is also available here which is enjoyed by visitors. ‘Saryu Aarti’ is conducted daily in the evening on this ghat which is the main attraction for devotees.

Boats at Naya Ghat
Sacred River Saryu at Naya Ghat
Saryu Aarti at Naya Ghat
Rail Bridge across River
Road & Rail Bridge across River

6. Latamangeshkar Chowk

A large size Veena has been installed at the rotary junction near Ram Ki Pairi which is the most photographed location in Ayodhya. This chowk is dedicated to the melody queen Latamangeshkar and visited by a large number of devotees.

Veena at Latamangeshkar Chowk (Rotary Junction)

7. Guptar Ghat

It is believed that Lord Shri Ram took ‘Jal Samadhi’ in the Saryu river at this location which make it a sacred ghat. Devotees take holy dip here before visiting Lord Shiva & Lord Ram Temples located on the ghat. The idols of Lord Shri Ram, Mata Sita and brother Lakshman depicted inside the temple are very beautiful and impressive.

Temple Complex at Guptar Ghat
Temples at Guptar Ghat
Beautiful Images of Shri Ram, Mata Sita & Brother Lakshman
Description about Guptar Ghat
Sacred River Saryu during monsoon
Canopy at Guptar Ghat
Illuminated Temples of Guptar Ghat

8. Dasrath Mahal

Located between Shri Ram Temple and Hanumangarhi, Dasrath Mahal is believed that this is the palace of Maharaja Dasrath. The façade is very colourful and attractive.

9. Mani Parvat

Located near Ayodhyadham Railway station, Mani Parvat is a hillock which is the highest point in Ayodhya. Panoramic view of Ayodhya as well as the Ram Temple can be sighted from hilltop. Beautiful idols of Mani Bhagwan, the hill God, along with Lord Ram, Lakshman, Mata Sita and Lord Hanuman imparts divinity to devotees visiting this temple.

As per legends, the hill is believed to be a fragmented part of ‘Dronagiri’ which Lord Hanuman was carrying through aerial route to save the life of wounded Lakshman ji.

Images of Mani Bhagwan, Shri Ram, Mata Sita, Brother Lakshman, & Lord Hanuman
Beautiful View of Shri Ram Temple Complex from Mani Parvat
Monkey drinking water from tap

10. Adinath Temple (Jain Temple)

The sacred city of Ayodhya is also the birth place of 05 Tirathankars – Bhagwan Rishavdev(1^st), Bhagwan Ajitnath (2^nd) ,Bhagwan Abhinandannath (4^th), Bhagwan Sumatinath (5^th) and Bhagwan Ananthnath (14^th).

A colossal statue of the 1^st Tirathankar Rishavdev (also known as Aadinath), popularly called ‘Badi Murti’ , depicted inside the Jain Temple constructed at his birth place. The grand statue is about 31 feet high and made of marble.

Another nearby temple depicting large statue of Bharat, the eldest son of 1^st Tirthankar Rishavdev.

Badi Murti - Bhagwan Rishavdev

11. Church of North India

A small, beautiful church elegantly painted in red & white colour located inside Ayodhya Cantonment, is one of the oldest church of North India. It is believed that it was constructed around 1862 when Ayodhya Cantonment was established by the British. The church is made of bricks and represent traditional Gothic style architecture. Prayer is held in the morning of Sunday. The church complex is very peaceful and having lots of greenery.

12. Gulab Bari

‘Gulab Bari’ (or ‘Garden of Roses’) is a heritage monument at Ayodhya. It is the tomb of Shuja-ud-Daula , the Nawab of Awadh (1754 – 1775). During his period, Ayodhya ( formerly known as Faizabad) was the capital of Awadh. It is said that the tomb was constructed by the Nawab himself during his lifetime.

The mausoleum is constructed with Lakhori bricks. It stands at the centre of gardens at all four sides known as ‘Charbagh’.The flowers of Gulab (Rose) is prominently planted in these gardens from which it derives its name as ‘Gulab Bari’. A Lion Capital is also placed near the entrance of this complex.

Tomb of Shuja-ud-Daula
Main Entrance to Gulab Bari
Lion Capital in front of main entrance
Array of Gulab Plants

13. Bahu Begam Ka Maqbara

An impressive tomb of queen of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula, the 3^rd Nawab of Awadh. It is a fine specimen of Awadhi style architecture. The actual name of queen was Ummat-uz-zohra Begam popularly known as ‘Bahu Begam’.

It is said that the construction of mausoleum completed in year1816. It’s height is about 42 m which makes it a grand monument. It is surrounded by gardens. The entrance gate is very high with large wooden doors.

14. Queen Heo (of Korea) Memorial Park

A memorial park dedicated to Queen Heo Hwang – ok popularly known as Princess Suriratna is located near Ram Katha Park. As per legends, the princess of Ayodhya was married to King Suro of Korea in c. 48 AD. In her remembrance, a park has been developed with an image of Queen Heo has been installed. The park has some structures in Korean style which are beautiful.

14. Queen Heo (of Korea) Memorial Park

Statue of Queen Heo
Korean Style Canopy
Canopy made of Marble

Excursion :

15. Chhapiya Temple

A magnificent temple dedicated to Shree Swaminarayan. The temple is located in Gonda district at the birth place of Bhagwan Swaminarayan. It is about 50 Km from Ayodhya. The temple is made of marble and very beautiful.

16. Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary

Located at about 40 Km from Ayodhya, in Gonda district, it is a wetland which is winter home for large number of migratory birds. A number of water birds could be sighted during winter season. It is a Ramsar site since 2021. Migratory birds such as Northern Shovler, Red-crested Pochard, Gadwall, Euresian Coot, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Cotton Teal etc.