Ayodhya Sri Raghunayaka Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Ayodhya Sri Raghunayaka Temple, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Deity

Sriraman , Amman: Seetha

Introduction

• Ayodhya is believed to be the same as the historical Saketa and present-day Ayodhya.
• An alternate theory suggests that the legendary Ayodhya is a mythical city, and the name “Ayodhya” was assigned to Saketa in the 4th century CE when a Gupta emperor (possibly Skandagupta) moved his capital.
• Other theories propose that:
  • Saketa and Ayodhya were two adjoining cities.
  • Ayodhya was a locality within Saketa.
• Sacred Theertham: Sarayu River.

Puranic Significance

• Ayodhya is 9,000 years old, founded by Manu, the first man in Vedic tradition and the lawgiver of Hindus.
• Atharva Veda describes Ayodhya as “a city built by God, as prosperous as paradise.”
• The Ram Temple is located on the banks of the Sarayu River.
• Creation Legends:
  • Ayodhya was built by Manu, the first citizen of mankind.
  • The Devas built the city for Krishna in His Rama Avatara.
• Notable Kings of Ayodhya:
  • Mandhata, Dilipa, Sagara, Bhagiratha, followed by Dasaratha (grandson of Bhagiratha).
• King Dasaratha’s Story:
  • Had three wives – Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
  • Had four sons through them.
  • If he had only one wife, he still could have had four sons, avoiding future conflicts.
  • His multiple marriages led to his downfall, as he was forced to bow to Kaikeyi’s demands, leading to Sri Rama’s exile and ultimately, his own demise.
• Temple Details:
  • All devotees have access to worship Sri Rama in a sitting form facing north.
  • The newly built Ammaji Mandir is located on the banks of the Sarayu River.
  • Shrines for:
    • Sri Ranganatha and Sri Rama.
    • Mother Sita, three brothers, Anjaneya, and Garuda alongside Sri Rama.
  • This temple allows devotees to worship all deities together.

Beliefs

• Lessons from Rama’s Life:
  • A man should be loyal to his wife, as infidelity leads to destruction.
  • Treating one’s wife with love is considered prayer to Sri Rama.
  • Women should follow Mother Sita’s patience as an ideal.
• Forms of Worship:
  • Offering Tulsi garlands (dear to Sri Rama’s heart).
  • Writing “Sri Rama Jayam” as an act of devotion.
  • Chanting Rama’s name relieves worldly suffering.

Special Features

• Sri Rama is the only king in history who remained completely devoted to one wife, Sita, setting a revolutionary example in the Ikshvaku dynasty.
• Hanuman’s celibacy represents absolute devotion and discipline.
• Thirukkural’s definition of heroism (Peranmai):
  • Not looking at other women with desire.
  • Rama embodied this virtue, gaining divine glory.
• Contrast between Rama and Ravana:
  • Rama remained righteous.
  • Ravana’s lust led to his downfall.
  • His unrighteous desire for Sita ultimately led to his destruction.
  • His wife Mandodari’s sorrow highlights the consequences of his actions, as depicted by Kavichakravarthi Kamban.

Festivals

• Sri Rama Navami (March-April) – Grand celebration of Sri Rama’s birth.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Government of Uttar Pradesh

Nearest Bus Station

Ayodhya

Nearest Railway Station

Ayodhya

Nearest Airport

Ayodhya

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