JAI SHREE RAM!
The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2024, unveiled the resplendent Ram Lalla idol. Adorned with a golden bow and arrow, the idol dazzled in gold jewelry, featuring a cascading long necklace. Heavy diamond, emerald, and ruby ornaments added regal opulence. Following the consecration, the temple opened its doors, allowing devotees to witness and seek blessings from the newly sanctified idol.
Ayodhya is a significant religious pilgrimage center in India, located in the North Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. As the birthplace of Lord Rama, Ayodhya holds a special place in history and is known for its ancient temples and historical significance. If you are looking to explore Ayodhya, you can consider Ayodhya tour packages that cater to your budget and preferences.
Here are 20 Interesting facts about Newly-built Ram Mandir (Temple) in Ayodhya.
20 fascinating facts about Ram Mandir in Ayodhya:
1. The temple is three stories tall, with each floor measuring 20 feet.
2. The temple is 161 feet high, 360 feet long, and 235 feet wide.
3. The main temple area spans 2.67 acre. The temple has 392 pillars and 46 doors.
4. The temple has five halls (Mandapas), named Nritya Mandap, Rang Mandap, Sabha Mandap, Prarthna, and Kirtan Mandaps.
5. The temple is built in the traditional Nagara style.
6.The temple is made from pink sandstone from Mirzapur and the Bansi-Paharpur area of Rajasthan.
7. The temple was built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,800 crore and covers 71 acres.
8. The temple's foundation is supported by a large number of columns.
9. The temple's consecration ceremony 'Pran Pratishtha' used holy water from 150 rivers across India.
10. A time capsule containing information about the temple, Lord Ram, and Ayodhya is placed in the temple to protect the temple's identity.
11. Devotees climb 32 steps, reaching a height of 16.11 feet, to enter the temple through Singh Dwar.
12. The temple features ramps and lifts for accessibility, catering to the needs of disabled and elderly visitors.
13. In future phases, the temple complex will include dedicated temples for Maharshi Valmiki, Maharshi Vashisht, Maharshi Vishwamitra, Nishad Raj, Mata Shabri, and other revered figures.
14. For protection against ground moisture, a 21 ft high plinth has been meticulously constructed using granite.
15. The Mandir (temple) is being constructed using traditional indigenous technology with a strong focus on conservation of environment & water, notably 70% area of 71 acre area has been intentionally left green.
16. Maintaining consistency, each pillar is meticulously carved by a single artisan. Skilled workers from Odisha are dedicated to the intricate carving of the pillars, while artisans from Rajasthan focus on the marble flooring and walls.
17. Every Ram Navami at 12 noon, a special setup of mirrors and lenses will direct sunlight onto Ram Lalla's idol's forehead, creating a unique and divine moment.
18. Mysuru sculptor Arun Yogiraj skillfully crafted the idol of 5-year-old Ram Lalla, which is now installed in the 'Garbh Griha' of the temple.
19. The idol, standing at 51 inches tall, is made from a special black granite sourced from Karnataka.
20. The temple is constructed without the use of iron, designed to endure, it is built to last for at least a thousand years.
One popular package is the Varanasi Ayodhya tour package, which covers both Ayodhya and Varanasi, another important religious center in India. You can also choose from Ayodhya tour packages from Lucknow or take the Delhi to Ayodhya tour package, depending on your starting point.
Ayodhya has a sense of divinity that is apparent all around, attracting thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year, particularly during special occasions such as Ram Navami, which celebrates Lord Ram's birthday. The city is predominantly a religious tourist destination and offers a host of sights, such as Ram Janmabhoomi, where Lord Ram is believed to have been born.
Best time to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir (Temple)
When planning your Ayodhya tour, it's important to consider the best time to visit Ayodhya, typically between October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Ayodhaya Tour from Lucknow: Daywise Itinerary
Duration : 06 Nights 07 Days
Places covered : Lucknow – Ayodhya – Prayagraj – Chitrakoot – Varanasi (or Kashi)
DAY 01 : ARRIVE LUCKNOW
Upon arrival in Lucknow, you are met and transferred to your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, go out to do a sightseeing tour of Lucknow visiting Bara Imambara, Chhota Imambara, Rumi Darwaza, Hussainibad picture gallery, Clock Tower, Jama Masjid, and Lucknow Residency. Overnight at Lucknow. Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 02 : LUCKNOW – AYODHYA 135 KM 3 HRS DRIVE
After breakfast, drive towards Ayodhya (The birthplace of Lord Rama). On arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, go to see the holy sites associated with Lord Rama’s life including the most significant Rama Janmbhumi - The birthplace of Lord Rama. Later visit Hanuman Garhi temple, Kanak Bhawan and Valmiki Ramayan Bhawan. Also explore other holy sites or temples where Lord Rama spent his childhood, Lakshman Ghat, Kala Ram Temple, and several Jain Shrines. On the banks of the holy river Saryu, witness the holy prayer ceremony in the evening. Having finished your tour of Ayodhya, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 03 : AYODHYA – PRYAGRAJ 170 KM 4 HRS
After breakfast, drive to Pryagraj (formerly known as Allahabad). On arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, proceed to visit Triveni Sangam. In Pryagraj, the Triveni Sangam is a point where three holy rivers meet (the River Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati). There are several ways you can perform Puja at Sangam, such as taking a holy dip and making offerings. Continue your visit to other places of religious and historical significance such as Anand Bhawan, the Lying Hanuman Temple, Allahabad Fort, Ashoka Pillar, Akshaya Vat, Patalpuri Temple, Alopshankri Temple, and Ajad Park. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 04 : PRAYAGRAJ – CHITRAKOOT – PRAYAGRAJ 130 KM
After breakfast, drive to Chitrakoot, which is located in Madhya Pradesh. On arrival, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, visit some holy sites of religious importance in Chitrakoot. According to Hindu Mythology Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana spent eleven and half years of their fourteen years of exile. Visit Ramghat, Kamadgiri, Bharat Milap, Janaki Kund, Hanuman dhara, Sati anusayia etc. Gupt Godavari Ramghat, and Spathik Shila. After sightseeing, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.
DAY 05 : PRYAGRAJ – VARANASI 130 KM 2.5 HRS
After breakfast, today drive towards Varanasi. Upon arrival in Varanasi, check-in at your pre-booked hotel. After freshening up, wander down the Ghats of Varanasi, and later in the evening, the witness holy Ganga Aarti on the Dashashwamedh Ghat of the river Ganges.
DAY 06 : VARANASI
Get a magnificent view of the sunrise early in the morning by taking a boat ride on the Ganges. Watching the Sun God along the river Ganges is a spiritual and mystical experience. A Boat Ride in Varanasi offers the chance to see some of the most famous Ghats in the city, including Manikarnika Ghat (the largest cremation ground in the world), Dashashwamedh Ghat, Assi Ghat, and more. Once you return to your hotel, you can enjoy breakfast before heading out for a city tour of Varanasi that includes the Heritage temples and the city center. The tour begins with a visit to the Durga temple, the Tulsi Manas temple, the Sankat Mochan temple, and the Bharat Mata temple. Visit the most famous Kashi Vishwanath Tem9 9 ple and other Varanasi temples later in the day. You will have the chance to visit Annapurna Temple as well as Kaal Bhairav Temple.
Spend the afternoon visiting Sarnath. It was at Deer Park (Rishipattana) that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon in Sarnath. Buddha temples, Dhamekha Stupa, Chaukhandi Stupa, and an archaeological museum are some of the tourist attractions in Sarnath. Return to Hotel for Dinner and Overnight Stay in Varanasi.
DAY 07 : LEAVE VARANASI
Today after breakfast, departure transfer to board flight or train for onward journey.
Places to see in Ayodhya
The The Hanuman Garhi:
Hanuman Garhi is a Hindu temple in Sai Nagar dedicated to Hanuman, a Hindu deity. It is believed that Lord Hanuman lived in a cave here and looked after the birthplace in the center of the town. There are 76 steps to climb to get to this place. There is a custom that leads people to visit Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, making it one of the most important temples in Ayodhya. The temple site guarding Ayodhya is believed to have been home to the Lord Hanuman.
Timings:04:00AM – 12:00 A.M. 02:00PM – 09:00 P.M.
Kanak Bhawan: According to legend, Maa Kaikai gifted it to Sita. Lord Ram's statue and his wife's statue are inside the sanctum, which is supposed to be their home. It stands northeast of Ram Janmabhoomi in Tulsi Nagar. This temple was built in 1891 and is also called Sone-ka-Ghar. Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, is honored at this sacred site.
Timings: 07:00 AM- 11:00 A.M. — 04:00PM – 08:00 P.M
Ram Lala Temple
Timings: 07:00 AM- 11:00 A.M. 02:00 PM- 06:00 P.M.
Sita Mahal
Timings: 07:00 AM- 12:00 A.M. 04:00 -PM 08:00 P.M.
Saryu Ghat Ayodhya
Timings: 04:00 AM- 9:00 P.M. — ARTI TIMING 6:00 P.M.
Dashrath Mahal Ayodhya
As the original residence of King Dashrath, ruler of Ayodhya and father to Lord Sri Ram, Dashrath Bhavan is located in the heart of the city, in Ramkot Ayodhya, Faizabad. Dashrath Mahal houses magnificent shrines of King Ram, often called Bada Asthan or Badi Jagah.
Timings: 07:00 AM- 11:00 A.M. — 04:00PM – 08:00 P.M
Karyashala Ayodhya
Timings:07:00 AM- 12:00 A.M. — 03:00 PM- 06:00 P.M.
Nageshwarnath temple: Lord Ram's son Kush built it as a memorial to a girl he loved. Even though the whole city was destroyed, this temple survived and allowed Vikramaditya to collect the evidence. This is the place where Shivrathri is celebrated. It is situated adjacent to Ayodhya's Theri Bazaar. The temple is dedicated to Lord Nageshwarnath.
Timings:04:00AM – 12:00 A.M. 01:00 PM- 07:00 P.M.
Ramkot: Lord Ram was born here. Particularly during Ram Navmi, large crowds gather here.
Swarg Dwar: Lord Ram is believed to be cremated here.
Treta ke Thakur: The Ashvamedha Yajna is believed to have been performed here by Lord Ram. This temple is located along the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya and houses several idols, including those of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat, and Sugreev. Black sandstone was used to sculpt these statues.
Sita Ki Rasoi: An ancient kitchen used by goddess Sita herself, Sita ki Rasoi is located in Ayodhya's Rajkot on the north-western side of the Ram Janmanhoomi. In addition to housing some exhibit vessels, this sacred site is quite close to the Ram Janmabhoomi. Sita Ki Rasoi, one of two kitchens named after her, is a basement kitchen.
Jain shrines:Ayodhya is considered the home of the five tirthankaras in the Jain tradition. Therefore, five temples have been built in their honor.
