Ayodhya is a city that has about 7,000 temples with over 100 temples with historical and cultural significance! Most tourists that come to Ayodhya look for a spiritually freeing experience that connects them with Ayodhya’s rich culture. Don’t limit yourself to just the temples. The ghats in Ayodhya also have important stories to tell. Each of them has their connections to Lord Rama, his brother Laxman, and the Ramayana. So, whenever you’re visiting Ayodhya, add these 5 ghats to your list!
5 Important Ghats In Ayodhya
- Ram Ghat
- Lakshman Ghat
- Saryu Ghat
- Guptar Ghat
- Naya Ghat
1. Ram Ghat
You might hear people referring to this ghat as Swarg Dwar (Gates of Heaven) because it’s believed that Lord Rama was cremated here. His remains lay between the narrow stretch of Sahastradhara and Nageshwarnath Temple.
There are several steps leading to the holy Saryu River. These steps were reconstructed in 1984-1985 after the old ones were destroyed in the strong currents of the river. During the evenings, you’ll see the steps filled with tourists and devotees waiting for the aarti to happen. The bhog aarti takes place around 7:30 pm and you should do your best to attend it.
In case you happen to be in Ayodhya during Diwali or any of the festive occasions, brace yourself to be bewitched by the beautiful diyas all lit up during the evening aarti. The Diwali in 2019 made history by being in the books of The Guinness Book of Records as 450,000 diyas twinkled at Ram Ghat.
2. Lakshman Ghat
Another ghat that’s also a religious destination is a tribute to Lord Rama’s brother, Lakshman. It’s said that at this ghat, Lakshman surrendered his life willingly. In another version, people believe that he decided to renounce living after breaking a vow.
Most devotees and tourists take a dip in the River Saryu, the holy river of Ayodhya. But, the river is a bit more turbulent at this ghat than compared to the others. If you’re looking for a less crowded ghat to visit, Lakshman Ghat is the place to go! But, beware of going during Poornima (full moon day), it’s crowded with devotees who come to worship.
3. Saryu Ghat
A trip to Ayodhya is incomplete without visiting the Saryu River. You can consider it the heart – the lifeline of the city. It’s even mentioned in Ramayana. This river was visited by Lord Rama and his family several times.
Taking a dip or bathing in the river is equivalent to a religious journey for a lot of devotees. Even at night, the ghats are well lit for a stroll. You’ll even come across a lot of harmless monkeys that might snatch your food (very understandable). If you’re traveling from the Ayodhya Railway Station, you can get a share auto for just INR 20! The Saryu Ghat has carvings and sculptures that narrate stories from Hindu epics. Visit Saryu Ghat in Ayodhya during the monsoons as that’s when the river comes to life.
4. Guptar Ghat
For all those who are familiar with the texts of Ramayana, it was at Guptar Ghat where Lord Rama immersed himself in the sacred waters of the Saryu River and then finally headed for his abode in Vaikunth. Devotees from all over India come to wash away their sins by taking a dip in the holy river.
You can visit the prominent Raja Mandir and Chakra Harji Vishnu Temple at Guptar Ghat. Along with the other ghats in Ayodhya, this is another location where you want to attend the evening aarti happening at the riverfront. With the chants and devotion reverberating across the ghat, you’re bound to feel something spiritual stir inside of you.
5. Naya Ghat
It was during the Mughal era that these ghats were constructed. The name speaks for itself – Naya means ‘new’ in Hindi. You’ll see that the ghats are still very well maintained by the locals!
Visit Ram Ki Paidi – a flight of stairs on Naya Ghat before twilight and reserve the best spot to watch the evening aarti – a magical experience indeed. Another popular thing to do at Naya Ghat is to watch the sunrise. You’ll see the first rays of the sun illuminating the Saryu River and enchanting you in the process. To witness the beauty that surrounds these ghats, you can even set out on boat rides! Do talk with the boatmen, they’ll have some interesting stories to tell about Ayodhya.
Summing Up
If you’re traveling to Ayodhya to get to know its history and immerse yourself in the religious experience, do it right! These ghats in Ayodhya are an essential part of the city and you should add them to your itinerary right away! By the end of the trip, the journey will leave you overwhelmed with answers to questions you’ve probably wondered about for a long time.
FAQs
How Many Ghats Are There In Ayodhya?
There are about 51 ghats in Ayodhya. While some are widely popular for religious tourism, few remain lesser explored.
Why Is Ayodhya Special?
Ayodhya is famous for its religious significance in the Indian epic, Ramayana. A pilgrimage center, the city has over 7,000 temples. In recent times, the consecration of the Ram Mandir has widely increased the importance of Ayodhya amongst Hindu devotees in India.
Where Can I Take Bath In Ayodhya?
While you can take a bath from several of the ghats mentioned above, the most popular amongst the devotees is Guptar Ghat. As per belief, Lord Ram took Jal Samadhi here before proceeding to return to his abode in Vaikunth.
Which Are The Main Ghats Of Ayodhya?
The main ghats of Ayodhya are Guptar Ghat, Raj Ghat, Ram Ghat, Lakshman Ghat, Janki Ghat, and Naya Ghat.
