Shri Ram Janambhoomi - Ayodhya Ji

 

                                                                        Jai Shri Ram!!!

I am staring this blog with "Jai Shri Ram" as this is the only sound that is coming from my heart. It was the chanting that could be heard as we enter the main temple complex for darshan. 

                                     Temple view 

This is a pictural depiction of the Temple. It has been placed at multiple places in Ayodhya. I took this picture near Lata Mangeshkar Chowk. 

For me, the top places to visit are: Shri Ram Janambhoomi Mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Ram Ki Paidi, and Sarayu Aarti. 

It is believed that Hanuman Mandir should be visited before Ram Mandir. The sound and light show is at the Ram ki Paidi. And before the Sarayu Aarti, boating can be done in Sarayu River. This will make the trip complete in itself.  

Ram Ki Paidi has a laser show in the night at 7 pm. This is a perfect place for evening visit. During the day, people take bath in this place as water from Sarayu river is pulled here and is not more than 4 ft deep. The bottom is also cemented and completely safe. There are separate changing rooms for males and females, which makes it convenient for everyone to take a dip in the holy and pristine Ganga water. 

Lata Mangeshkar Chowk

This is just next to Ram Paidi. There is a beautiful picture of legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar ji at this Chowk. 

God Sun - This is placed just next to Lata Mangeshkar Chowk.  

The Sarayu River 

I have heard since childhood that Lord Rama after leaving Ayodhya crossed a river. This is no other than River Sarayu. I was blessed to visit this place. Now a days, there are numerous boats in which boat ride can be taken for 15 -20 minutes for Rs 100 per person. Imagine if an atheist like me can join hands, anyone will after visiting this holy place. 

I took bath in Sarayu River. It was a pleasure to feel that we can take a dip in the same river where Lord Rama himself crossed the river on his way to the forests. 

There is an entire Ramayan telecast everyday. However, during the time I could see only the laser show but missed the Ramayana telecast as the white screen was not fully open. But it was still mesmerizing and a must-visit for every Indian. The sound effects itself are quite powerful and energizes one and all. 

I visited Kanak Bhawan and attended the Aarti at 9:00 pm. It is said that this was gifted to Sita Mata by her Mother-in-Law. 

The directions and sign boards are clear and everything can be covered on foot. I used a mix of walking and e-rikshaw.  

As we entered Ayodhya, we could see these lamps on the road side. There are placed in symmetry and look quite nice.  

I am also sharing a detailed list of the places to visit as shared by our hotel, for easy reference. 

In Ayodhya, there are two railway stations. One is Ayodhya Railway station, which is around 2 Kms from the temple complex and around all major sight-seeing places. The other one is at Ayodhya Cantt, which is around 7 kms away.