Ayodhya Sri Raghunayaka Temple, Uttar Pradesh

Address

Ayodhya Sri Raghunayaka Temple, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh.

Diety

Sriraman , Amman: Seetha

Introduction

According to one theory, the legendary Ayodhya city is the same as the historical city of Saketa and the present-day Ayodhya. According to another theory, the legendary Ayodhya is a mythical city, and the name “Ayodhya” came to be used for the Saketa (present-day Ayodhya) only around the fourth century, when a Gupta emperor (probably Skandagupta) moved his capital to Saketa, and renamed it to Ayodhya after the legendary city.[Alternative, but less likely, theories state that Saketa and Ayodhya were two adjoining cities, or that Ayodhya was a locality within the Saketa city. Theertham : Sarayu River

Puranic Significance

The city of Ayodhya is 9,000 years old and was founded by Manu, the first man in the Vedas, and law-giver of the Hindus. … Today it is predominantly a religious city with its historical significance and sacred temples. The Atharvaveda described Ayodhya as “a city built by God and being prosperous as paradise itself. The Ram temple is built on the banks of Sarayu. It is also said that Ayodhya was built by Manu, the first citizen of mankind. It is also said that the Devas built the city for Krishna – Rama Avatara. Mandadha, Dhilipan, Sakaras and Bhagiratha are some of the kings who adored the throne of Ayodhya followed by Dasaratha, grandson of Bhagiratha. He married three wives, Kausalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra and had four sons through them. Had Dasaratha had only wife, even then he could have had four sons thus avoiding catastrophic developments later. The multiple marriages made him bow before Kaikeyi and also paying a huge price – his death. In a particular section of the temple, all have access to worship Rama. Here, Sri Rama graces in a sitting form facing north. A new temple, Ammaji Mandir is now built on the banks of Sarayu. There are shrines for Sri Ranganatha and Sri Rama here. Mother Sita, three brothers, Anjaneya and Garuda are with Sri Rama in the shrine. This is a shrine where the devotee can worship all together.

Beliefs

The lesson of Rama Charita: Man should ever be true to the wife in conjugal life. He cannot be infidel to her because that itself would lead to his end. Treating the wife lovingly is prayer to Sri Rama. Women should follow Mother Sita and develop patience. Offering Tulsi garland dear to Rama’s heart and writing ‘Sri Rama Jayam’ is a fitting prayer commitment to Him. We should also chant His name ever. It relieves us from worldly sufferings.

Special Features

In the royal history of India where marrying more than one woman was a free licence to kings, establishing their supremacy, Rama, till today, is a solitary example committed heart and soul to Sita alone, a revolution he introduced in his own Ikshvahu dynasty. We also see a high degree of celibacy in Hanuman. Real heroism (Peranmai) according to Tirukkural lies in not looking at other women with a mischievous eye. Rama lived that truth. This quality brought special glory to Rama. On the other hand, Ravana’s eyes fell on the wives of others. Mandodhari’s hurt heart, caused his destruction. His unrighteous look at Sita claimed his life, which is evident from the lamentations of Mandodhari portrayed by Kavichakravarthi Kamban.