Ayodhya

Often referred to as the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya is deeply entrenched in Hindu mythology and spirituality. Nestled along the banks of the sacred Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya stands first among the seven most sacred pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The name "Ayodhya" itself is deeply intertwined with the Ramayana in which it was known as the capital of the ancient Kosala Kingdom. The Ramayana immortalized Ayodhya through its association with the epic tale of Lord Rama. This ancient city holds immense significance for millions of Hindus, serving as a pilgrimage site where devotees pay homage to Lord Rama and seek spiritual solace.

At the heart of Ayodhya lies the newly inaugurated Ram Temple, a monumental structure that stands as a symbol of devotion and faith. Many Hindus believe that it is located at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the mythical birthplace of Rama, a principal deity of Hinduism. On 22 January 2024, amidst great pomp and celebration, the Ram Temple was inaugurated, marking a historic moment for Hindu devotees around the world.  Upon completion, the temple complex became the world's third-largest Hindu temple. Balak Ram or the Infant form of Rama is the presiding deity of the temple which is an architectural marvel drawing pilgrims seeking blessings in his divine presence.

The city is also dotted with several other temples, shrines, and sites associated with the Ramayana, such as the Hanuman Garhi temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and the Kanak Bhawan, a temple dedicated to Lord Rama and his consort, Sita. Nageshwarnath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and the Treta Ke Thakur temple, is believed to have been the site where Lord Rama performed a yajna (sacrificial ritual) during his reign. Bharat Kund, a sacred pond is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama's brother Bharata performed rituals upon his return to Ayodhya. Other notable landmarks include Ram ki Paidi, a series of ghats along the banks of the Sarayu River where devotees gather for religious rituals and holy baths; the Tulsi Smarak Bhawan, dedicated to the renowned saint-poet Goswami Tulsidas, and the Guptar Ghat is where Lord Rama is believed to have taken Jal Samadhi (immersed himself in water) before leaving the earth. Each attraction adds to the rich tapestry of Ayodhya's cultural and spiritual heritage. 

One of the most anticipated events in Ayodhya is the Ayodhya Deepotsav, a grand festival celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. Started in 2017, the festival is celebrated around Diwali. During this festival, the entire city is illuminated with millions of earthen lamps, breaking the Guinness World Record with over 22.23 lakh diyas lit up on Ram ki Paidi. Additionally, Ayodhya is esteemed in Jainism, as it marks the birthplace of four of the religion's 24 Tirthankaras. Pilgrims and tourists flock to this ancient city to pay homage to Lord Rama and explore the myriad temples, shrines, ghats, and historical sites that dot its landscape.