Varanasi

The Atharva describes it as a city built by Gods and being prosperous as paradise itself. Other religions have also flourished here and relics of Buddhism, Jainism, and Islam can still be seen. Lord Buddha is said to have visited the place many times and Jains believe that five of the twenty-four Tirthankaras were born here, including Adhinath, the first Jain Tirthankara.

Ayodhya
The beautiful bathing ghats in Ayodhya

Notable Landmarks

Hanuman Garhi: The sacred shrine of Lord Hanuman is housed in a fortified structure, in the heart of the town. It can be reached by a flight of 76 steps and devotees believe that their wishes are fulfilled by the deity.

Kanak Bhawan: It was built in 1891, by Vishbhanu Kuvari and is one of the finest temples of the town. It enshrines beautiful images of Rama and Sita.

Nageshwarnath Temple: It is the only shrine of Lord Shiva in Ayodhya. According to legends the shrines were built by Kush, the son of Lord Rama.

Ramkot: This ancient citadel with temples and maths is the main site of pilgrimage in Ayodhya. A large number of devotees visit the site during the celebration of RAmnavmi, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama.

Sri Ramjanma Bhoomi: The makeshift shrine of Lord Rama is set of one of the most disputed religious sited in the world. It is said to be the birthplace of Lord Rama and it is discovered by Vikramaditya.

Ram ka Paidi: It is said to be the most impressive ghats on the river Saryu.

Guptar Ghat: The beautiful bathing ghats were built by the raja darshan Singh in the early parts if the 19th Century. A palace atop the ghats has a Sita Ram temple. Lord Rama is said to have entered the river on his final journey to heaven and his last rites were performed at the Swargadwar ghat.

Treta ka Thakur: The temple marks the site where Lord Rama is said to have performed the Ashvamedha Yagna.

Jain Shrines: Ayodhya is believed to be the birthplace of five Jain Tirthankaras. Kesari Singh, the treasurer of the Nawab of Faizabad built five temples to mark the sacred sites.

Ayodhya

Faizabad: The historic town set on the left bank of the Ghaghara River was the first capital of Nawabs of Avadh. It developed during the reign of Safdar Jang, the second NAwab and the ton further prospered under his successor Shuja Ud Daula, who built the Chota Calcutt fort and much other magnificent building here. Bahu Begam, the wife of Shuja Ud Daula was a woman of great distinction and rank. Most of the Muslims building of Faizabad are attributed to her. From the date of Bahu Begam’s death in 1815, till the annexation of Avadh, the city of Faizabad gradually fell into decay. The glory of Faizabad finally eclipsed with a shifting of capital from Faizabad to Lucknow by Nawab Asaf Ud Daula. Today, Faizabad the district headquarter and os an important historical and religious center, It is a fine base to visit the sacred city of Ayodhya.

Reaching There

Airport- Amausi (Lucknow- 134 kms.) and Bumrauli (Allahabad- 166 kms.)
Railhead- Ayodhya lies on the Mughal Sarai and Lucknow Line.
Road- Well connected to main towns of the country.

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