Facts About Ayodhya You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

Ayodhya, a revered city in northern India, holds deep cultural and religious significance as the birthplace of Lord Rama in Hinduism. Renowned for its spiritual heritage, Ayodhya has been a source of inspiration and pilgrimage for centuries.

There are many interesting facts about Ayodhya, some are known while the others are not. Like almost everyone knows that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram. However, did you know how it got its name or its connection to South Korea?

We bring you some faintly known and unknown historical facts about Ayodhya.

Origin of the Name of Ayodhya

Here’s one of the historical facts about Ayodhya. The name ‘Ayodhya’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘yudh,’ meaning ‘to fight’ or ‘to wage war.’ Adding ‘a’ as a negative prefix and using ‘yodhya’ as a future passive participle gives the sense of ‘not to be fought’ or, in simpler terms, ‘invincible’ in English.

Ayodhya Was Visited by Numerous Popular Religious Figures

For many, this is one of the unknown facts about Ayodhya. In the 6th century, modern-day Ayodhya was known as Saketa, a city of great importance. Early Buddhist and Jain texts mention that revered religious figures, Gautama Buddha and Mahavira, not only visited but also resided in the city. 

This highlights Ayodhya's significance as a prominent spiritual and cultural centre during that time, attracting influential figures. The presence of Buddha and Mahavira in Ayodhya shows the city's rich history and its role in fostering spiritual growth and interfaith connections throughout the centuries.

Ayodhya Was the Capital of the Kingdom of Kosala

In ancient India, Ayodhya was the capital of the illustrious 'Kingdom of Kosala.' Ruled by esteemed monarchs like Sagar, Bhagirath, Raghu, Dileep, Dashrath, and Ram, the city of Kosaldesh was steeped in regal history. Ayodhya, with its sacred heritage, witnessed the reigns of these noble kings, each leaving a significant imprint on the kingdom's legacy.

Ayodhya is the Birthplace of Rishabhanatha, the Jain Tirthankara

Long ago, Ayodhya was also known as Vinita, and Rishabhanatha was born there. Rishabhanatha, alongside Mahavira, Parshvanath, Neminath, and Shantinath, holds a significant place among the five Tirthankaras highly revered by Jains. As per historical facts about Ayodhya, Rishabhanatha was born to King Nabhi and Queen Marudevi in the city.

Ayodhya’s  Kanak Bhawan was a gift to Devi Sita

This is one of the facts about Ayodhya that has astounded many.
Legend has it that Kanak Bhawan was a special present from Kaikeyi, to Devi Sita right after her wedding to Lord Ram. Kaikeyi was the stepmother of Lord Ram.

Kanak means gold in Hindi, and the temple got its name because it used to shine with gold ornaments and decorations. This was Kaikeyi's way of showing love and affection to her new daughter-in-law, Devi Sita. Kanak Bhawan is among the best places to visit in Ayodhya.

Ayodhya Has a Connection to South Korea

Some interesting facts about Ayodhya just leave people marvelling at its impact on the world. South Korean tradition holds that their ancestry is linked to Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya, also known as Heo Hwang-ok. Born to King Padmasen and Indumati, she married King Suro of Geumgwan approximately 2,000 years ago. This historical connection between India and Korea signifies a shared cultural heritage and highlights the longstanding ties between the two nations. 

The story of Heo Hwang-ok has transcended geographical boundaries and demonstrates the importance of cultural exchange throughout history. Today, the legend of Princess Suriratna remains a significant part of Korean historical and cultural identity.

Ayodhya is the Birthplace of Raja Harishchandra

This is one of the well-known facts about Ayodhya. Raja Harishchandra, renowned for his unwavering commitment to truth, is believed to have been born in Ayodhya. Legends recount his selfless sacrifices, including relinquishing his kingdom, selling his family, and becoming a slave, all to fulfil a promise made to Sage Vishvamitra. His story highlights Ayodhya's rich cultural history and the values associated with this ancient city, emphasizing the importance of truth, honesty, and integrity that continue to inspire generations of Indians.

Lord Rama Ascended to Heaven from Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya

Gopratara Tirtha, now known as Guptar Ghat, is a sacred site in Ayodhya situated along the banks of the Sarayu River. According to legend, Lord Rama and his followers ascended to heaven by entering the waters of Sarayu at this location. This event is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and signifies the end of Lord Rama's earthly life. Guptar Ghat holds immense spiritual significance for devotees, who visit the site to pay homage and seek blessings.

Ayodhya Has Sister Cities in South Korea and Nepal

In March 2001, Ayodhya, India, established sister city ties with Gimhae, South Korea. This connection was based on the historical and cultural links between the two cities, particularly the marriage of Princess Suriratna (Heo Hwang-ok) from Ayodhya to King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya in Korea. In November 2014, Ayodhya further strengthened its international bonds by forming a sister city relationship with Janakpur, Nepal. These sister city relationships promote cultural exchange, mutual understanding, and cooperation between the cities, highlighting the shared history and fostering stronger ties between the countries involved.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Will Be  the Biggest Temple Post-Independence

This is amidst the latest facts about Ayodhya. The Ayodhya Ram Temple, currently being built at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, will be one of the biggest temples in India since independence. Dedicated to Lord Rama, it's essential for Hindus. Once finished, it's expected to bring in millions of pilgrims and tourists, making Ayodhya even more famous as a religious and cultural centre. 

The temple complex is large, covering 54,700 sq ft on nearly 2.7 acres of land. In the broader 70-acre Ram Mandir Complex, it can host around a million devotees. The temple itself is quite impressive, being 360 ft long, 235 ft wide, and 161 ft high, with five domes and a special sanctum designed to let sunlight fall on the idol of Ram Lalla. These are just some of the Ram Mandir facts.

There are many more facts about Ayodhya Ram Temple and its grandeur. Here are some of them.

Ram Mandir Facts

1. Sacred Soil Blend: The foundation of the Ram Mandir holds deep spiritual meaning, as it incorporates soil from 2587 regions, including places like Jhansi, Bithoori, Yamunotri, Haldighati, Chittorgarh, and the Golden Temple. Each particle connects diverse regions in a tapestry of spiritual unity.
2. Sompura Legacy: The architects of the Ram Mandir belong to the renowned Sompura family, known for crafting over 100 temples worldwide, including the revered Somnath Temple. Led by chief architect Chandrakant Sompura and his sons Ashish and Nikhil, they weave a legacy in temple architecture.
3. Millennium Strength without Steel: Unconventionally, the Ram Mandir is constructed without steel or iron. Yes, this is one of the Ram Mandir facts. Champat Rai from Shriram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust highlights that the construction uses only stones, ensuring structural strength for a thousand years. This emphasizes the enduring power of traditional methods.
4. Shri Ram Bricks: In a historical nod, the bricks used bear the sacred inscription ‘Shri Ram,’ echoing ancient practices during the construction of Ram Setu. This modern version promises enhanced strength and durability.
5. Shastras and Chaulukya Style: The temple follows Vastu Shastra and Shilpa Shastras in its architectural design. It resonates with the Gujara-Chaulukya style, blending ancient wisdom and aesthetic grace.
6. International Soil Inclusion: Did you know this was also one of the Ram Mandir facts? Thailand sent soil for the consecration ceremony, symbolizing international spiritual camaraderie and highlighting Lord Ram’s universal legacy.
7. Architectural Narrative: The Ram Mandir spans three floors over 2.7 acres. The ground floor depicts Lord Ram's life, while the first floor showcases Lord Ram’s Darbaar with Bansi Paharpur, a pink sandstone from Rajasthan’s Bharatpur.
8. Numerical Dimensions: The temple is 360 feet long, 235 feet wide, and 161 feet high, featuring three floors and 12 gates, displaying architectural grandeur.
9. Holy River Waters: The consecration ceremony on August 5th included holy water from 150 rivers across India, symbolizing a spiritual union and reflecting the diversity of India’s sacred waters. This is one of those Ram Mandir facts that make you wonder about the amount of thought put into every aspect of the temple.
10. Monetary Donations and Support: High-profile figures like Chief Minister Adityanath Yogi, Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya Bapu, and spiritual leader Morari Bapu have made significant financial contributions to the Ram Mandir construction.
11. Time Capsule Placement: A time capsule buried 2000 feet below the temple holds a copper plate inscribed with information about the temple, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya, preserving the temple’s identity for future generations.
12. Exquisite Pillars and Nagar Style: The temple incorporates 360 pillars in the Nagar style, enhancing its visual appeal. Crafted with Bansi Paharpur and Nagar style, the design makes the temple not just a place of worship but a masterpiece of architectural finesse.

Are you amazed by these interesting facts about Ayodhya? If so, you would love to experience the city and its culture. 

How to Reach Ayodhya

Reaching Ayodhya is relatively accessible, and various transportation options are available. Here's a guide on how to reach Ayodhya:

By Air: The nearest airport to Ayodhya is the Ayodhya Airport (FAZY). While it primarily serves general aviation, the Lucknow International Airport (LKO) is the major airport nearby. From Lucknow, which is approximately 140 kilometres away, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Ayodhya.

By Train: Ayodhya has its own railway station, known as Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY). It is well-connected to major cities across India. Regular trains operate to and from Ayodhya, facilitating convenient travel options for visitors.

By Road: Ayodhya is well-connected by road, and buses from various cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring states regularly ply to the city. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) and private operators offer bus services. You can also hire taxis or drive to Ayodhya using the well-maintained road network.

Now that you know how to reach Ayodhya, plan your trip soon! You can share some of the above interesting historical facts about Ayodhya while travelling to the city.