Ayodhya, on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is one of Hinduism's seven holiest towns. Ayodhya is an important location in the Hindu epic Ramayana because it is thought to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The birthplace of four of Jainism's 24 Tirthankaras (religious gurus), this sacred village beckons travellers with its tranquil ghats.

Ayodhya has been surrounded by controversy for over a decade, thanks to its abundance of monkeys, the hum of tourists, and an overall spiritual air. It was the epicenter of the 1992 Indian riots over the Babri Masjid controversy. The mosque, which was supposedly erected on the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, became a source of conflict for Hindus and Muslims alike. In 2005, a terrorist assault took place near the Ramlalla Temple in Ayodhya.

Despite the controversy, Ayodhya offers tourists a wealth of color and spirituality and has established itself as an important spiritual center. The traffic-free lanes of Ayodhya, the site of multifaith temples, are interesting enough to justify a visit.

History of Ayodhya

The city of Ayodhya is well known as the setting for the Hindu mythical epic Ramayana. Saint Manu, the creator of mankind, is said to have established the city and given it to the Ikshvaku clan to reign. Ayodhya was the capital of Kosala during the time, and was controlled by King Dasaratha, a descendant of Ikshvaku. It's worth noting, however, that historians have interpreted Ayodhya's existence as an urban center with structures and palaces, as described in the Ramayana. However, discoveries near modern-day Ayodhya suggest that it lived in a rudimentary state. As a result, the city of Ayodhya in the Ramayana is thought to be fictitious.

According to local legend, following Lord Rama's ascension to heaven, Ayodhya remained desolate and was subsequently resurrected by King Vikramaditya of Ujjain in 50 BCE. Lord Rama's son Kusa, according to the great Kalidasa's Raghuvamsa, was the one who spearheaded Ayodhya's restoration.

Ayodhya is mentioned in several stories, including the Brahmanda Purana and the Garuda Purana, as one of India's "most sacred and principal towns" and "one of the holiest destinations for Hindus." According to Jain tradition, five Tirthankaras were born at Ayodhya: Rishabhanatha (first), Ajitanatha (second), Abhinandananatha (fourth), Sumatinatha (fifth), and Anantanatha (fourteenth).