The year 2024 started off on a blessed note with a honourable invite from Times of India Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department for a divine Ayodhya Experience. This was an opportunity to witness firsthand the city’s rapid development and the unique charm it has to offer. This was followed by a “Divine Ayodhya” Conclave in Lucknow, with the chief guest being the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Mr.Yogi Adityanath.
The Ram Mandir: A Symbol of Economic Prosperity
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir on Jan 22nd stands as a testament to the city’s resilience and determination to reclaim its historical legacy. Beyond its religious significance, the temple has become a symbol of national pride, attracting pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. The increased footfall has not only infused life into Ayodhya’s local economy but also elevated its prominence on the global tourism map.
The Ram Mandir in Divine Ayodhya
Post the Pran Pratishta on Jan 22nd by the Prime Minister the temple has been open for public. However most other parts of the temple is still construction and may take a couple of years to build the entire complex . The Mandir has 5 Mandapams namely Nritya , Rang, Sabha, Prarthna and Kirtan Mandaps.
The main idol/vigraham is a 51 inch idol made of black stone, designed by a sculptor named Arun Yogiraj. With a pair of beautiful smiling eyes that has captured millions of devotees, we now have a divine idol standing on top of a lotus stand
The original / old idol , earlier placed in a makeshift tent will now be placed in front of the new idol. GIven its smaller size as a depiction of Ram Lalla and lower visibility, a decision was made to construct the 51 inch idol. The smaller idols consist of Ram Lalla and his three brothers, Lakshman, Bharatan and Shatruganan.
What’s new at Ayodhya?
Remembering a quote from a recent article in Times of India, Ayodhya is changing every 3 hours. The first thing you notice when you drive down to Ayodhya is the impeccably clean streets . The PM’s vision of Swachh Bharat / Nagar Vikas is literally taken very seriously here. You look around to see a sense of belief, tears, happiness and a monumental pride among people that their Divine god has returned back to his rightful hometown and has claimed the throne. The throne now is the Ram Mandir, in the Janmabhoomi of Ayodhya. The real King of Game of Thrones is indeed Lord Ram, isnt it..
Maharishi Valmiki Airport
Ayodha now sports a brand new airport , named the Maharishi Valmiki Airport. The airport kicked off with domestic operations to a few major cities in India. It is now slated to international destinations as well. Earlier connected via a 2.5 hour road journey via Lucknow, the new airport has made a trip to Ayodhya far easier.
Expecting close to 300,000 visitors per day the govt has planned 1000 + homestays, deluxe hotels and even a proposed 7 star hotel alongside the banks of the river Sarayu. You can zip around the city quite easily in E-Autos for as low as 10rs .
From small restaurants to sweet stalls selling besan ladoos to shops selling the Ram Mandir vigrahas or vendors trying to place a Jai Shree Ram stamp on your forehead, Ayodhya is seeing its peak economic activity than ever before.
Things to see in Ayodhya
Apart form the main sanctum of the Ram Mandir, here are some important places to visit in Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi Temple
Perched atop a hill, this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and offers panoramic views of Ayodhya
Kanak Bhawan
Dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita, Kanak Bhawan is a sacred shrine renowned for its exquisite architecture and religious significance. The temple’s interiors dazzle with intricate artwork depicting scenes from the Ramayana
Nageshwarnath Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Nageshwarnath Temple holds a significant place in Ayodhya. Legend has it that Lord Ram himself installed the Shivalinga here during his reign.
Historical Walk through Ayodhya’s Ghats:
Explore the city’s historical ghats, each with its own story to tell. Hanuman Ghat, Swarg Dwar Ghat, and Naya Ghat are among the notable ones, providing a glimpse into Ayodhya’s rich past.
Guptaar Ghat
You can see the final footsteps of Lord Rama beefore he ascended to the heavens , as a god after taking a dip in River Sarayu.
Gurudwaras
While at Ayodhya, you can also visit the Gurudwara Nazarbagh. This is where Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Tegh Bahadur had visited in their olden days. Note : The langar (food) served at this place is so good and definitely an experience
Some of the other notable places include Dasrath Mahal and Valmiki Bhawan.
Divine Ayodhya Conclave
Speaking at the Divine Ayodhya Conclave , Uttar Pradesh CM, Yogi Adityanath announced that the alleys of Ayodhya will now resonate with Ramdhun and Deepotsav celebrations, instead of gunshots and curfew. The city has transformed with clean ghats, wide roads, an international airport, and luxury hotels. The transformations included four lane highways, broad gauge trains, refurbished railway stations,1000+ Homestays, clean accessible hotels , employment for thousands of people among other things.
The city’s visit has left me speechless and created a out of the world experience for me. To me , simply put Ayodhya is not just a city. It’s an emotion. Experience this place one day , soon 🙂
Thanks once again to Uttar Pradesh Tourism and Times of India Lucknow for the honourable invite to experience Ayodhya just a week before the consecration ceremony.
