1. Ram Janam Bhoomi
Although Ayodhya is popularly referred to as the birthplace of Shri Ram, there is a particular spot in the city where he was born. The place is marked by a temple known as the Ram Janam Bhoomi. In the same complex as the Ram Janam Bhoomi temple, there was a mosque that was built by Babur in the 15th century. Since then, this place has been surrounded by controversies, but to protect everyone’s religious beliefs, the government took control of this area. On the north-western side of the temple, another important temple known as Sita ki Rasoi is located.
2. Ram ki Paidi
Ram ki Paidi is the name of a series of Ghats near the bank of the Saryu river. This place draws a huge crowd of devotees who line up to take a dip in the holy water. Your trip to Ayodhya will remain incomplete if you miss the view of the Saryu river and attend the enchanting aarti held at night by the banks of the river.
3. Hanuman Garhi
One of the most important temples in Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is located at a hilltop and one has to climb around 76 staircases to reach there to seek blessings from a 6-inch tall idol of hanuman. It is a popular belief that devotees must visit Hanuman Garhi before paying a visit to the lord ram temple.
4. Nageshwarnath Temple
The temple situated near the Ram ki Paidi is dedicated to Lord Shiva, Nageshwar Nath, or the God of Snakes. The temple was built by Kush, lord ram’s younger son as a gesture of gratitude when Naag-Kanya, the daughter of a snake, found his armlet in the Saryu river and returned it to him. Nageshwarnath Temple is an architectural marvel that attracts people from across the country.
5. Treta ke Thakur
Treta Ke Thakur which means Lord of the Treta Yug is a temple dedicated to Shri Ram. According to scriptures, the temple is built at the same place where Lord Ram performed Ashwamedha Yagya to celebrate his victory over Ravana. The temple has idols of Lord Ram, his wife Sita, younger brothers Lakshman, Bharata and Shatrughan, guru Vashishtha, King Sugriva, and Hanuman. The temple opens on the eleventh day or the Ekadashi of the Hindu month of Kartik attracting devotees from different parts of the country.
6. Mani Parbat
Mani Parbat is a 65-feet high hillock of great mythological importance located in Ayodhya. According to the epic Ramayana, when Lakshman was wounded in the battle by Meghnad, the only medicine that could treat him was the Sanjeevani Booti. So, Hanuman uprooted the mountain, and while on his way to Lakshman, a part of the mountain fell at this place and is today known as Mani Parbat.
The hillock houses numerous shrines and the view from the top is mesmerizing.
7. Dasrath Bhavan
Constructed at the location of the original palace of King Dasrath, father of Lord Ram, Dasrath Bhavan is the place where Lord Ram and his younger brothers spent their childhood and their youth. The vibe of the Bhavan is magical with the sound of dohas recited by the saints and the artists playing musical instruments heard throughout. The splendid architecture and peaceful ambiance make this place a must-visit when you are in Ayodhya.
8. Tulsi Smarak Bhawan
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan was built in 1969 as a tribute to the renowned poet and the author of the Ramayana, Swami Tulsidas. It is believed that Saint Tulsidas wrote the epic Ramayana at this place. The Bhawan houses a big library which is nothing short of a treasure for scholars and historians, and a museum called Ram Katha Sangrahalaya. The center is known for the Ram Leela performed here every day since 2004. The birthday of Tulsidas, Tulsi Jayanti is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm every year.
