Ayodhya – The Eternal City of Dharma and Salvation
Divya Desam 65 of 108 | Region: Vada Nadu (Northern India)
Tiru Ayodhi, or Ayodhya, the sacred birthplace of Lord Rama, is among the holiest and most spiritually significant places in Sanatana Dharma. Revered as the foremost among the Sapta Moksha Puris (Seven Mukthi Kshetras), this Divya Desam holds a timeless connection to Vaikuntam, as per ancient lore. Located about 5 km from the Faizabad railway station (now Ayodhya Cantt) in Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya continues to be a powerful spiritual magnet for devotees of Lord Vishnu across centuries.
Divine Highlights
- Moolavar: Chakravarthi Tirumagan (Lord Rama in a seated posture)
- Thayar: Sita Devi
- Theertham: Sarayu Nadhi
- Vimanam: Pushkala Vimanam
Today, the Ammaji Mandir, situated on the serene banks of the Sarayu River, serves as the sanctum for Divya Desam worship. While the ancient temples praised in the Divya Prabandham were destroyed during invasions, the divine essence of Rama’s presence remains unshaken. The Ammaji temple houses shrines for Lord Ranganatha and Lord Rama, preserving the legacy of this sacred site.
Sacred Legends
According to sthala purana, Manu, the son of Brahma, received a portion of Vaikuntam from Lord Vishnu, which became Ayodhya. He installed it on earth by placing it along the banks of the Sarayu, transforming Ayodhya into a terrestrial heaven. The divine incarnation of Vishnu as Lord Rama, the embodiment of Dharma and an ideal king, took place here, elevating the spiritual stature of this holy city.
The sanctity of Ayodhya is such that even Azhwars, the mystic saints of Tamil Nadu, composed deeply emotional hymns in its praise, despite the city being far from their homeland.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam
- Periyazhwar: 312, 314, 316, 321, 325, 399
- Kulasekhara Azhwar: 724, 725, 741, 748
- Thondaradipodi Azhwar: 920
- Tirumangai Azhwar: 1875
- Nammalvar: 3381
(As per the Naalayira Divya Prabandham)
Festivals and Devotion
Ayodhya resonates with Rama Bhakti year-round. The grandest celebration is Sri Rama Navami, drawing lakhs of pilgrims. The banks of the Sarayu River become a confluence of spiritual energy, with rituals, processions, and Vedic chanting honoring Lord Rama’s eternal rule.
Travel with Purpose – SouthGuru Holidays
Experience the spiritual power of Ayodhya with a customized pilgrimage to the northern Divya Desams. Explore sacred spots including Naimisaranyam, Mathura, and Badarikashram with SouthGuru Holidays.
📞 Call us at: +91-73565 07555
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
