Kashi Gaya Ayodhya

Kashi

This complexity and density of the culture in this city starts right from its name. While it is known as Kashi among a lot of people, some people refer to this city as Varanasi and Banaras. It is a melting pot of many Indian cultures, due to which it holds great importance in the Indian landscape. Most specifically, it is of paramount stature among the people who worship the Hindu and Jain faiths. The River Ganga flows through much of this city, which has led to it becoming one of the prime pilgrimage sites for lakhs of people, be it simply on a pilgrimage for their satisfaction, or to perform the last rites of their loved ones.  It is regarded as one of seven holy cities (Sapta puri – Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchi, Avanti, and Dwaraka) known as the givers of liberation.

One of the most well-known Hindu temples devoted to Lord Siva is the Kashi Vishwanath temple. It holds immense religious significance as it is one of the 12 Jyothirlinga shrines. The tower of the temple is plated with 800 kg of gold, giving it a unique touch and thus the name ‘Golden Temple’.

Ayodhya

Rama Janmabhoomi Ayodhya, a city of immense religious and spiritual importance, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh is the birthplace of Lord Rama. It is mentioned in the Ramayana and is one of India’s seven holiest cities. Ayodhya is home to numerous temples, and sacred ghats, attracting large crowds of tourists and pilgrims. One of Ayodhya’s most prominent temples is the Ram Janmabhoomi, where Lord Rama was born to King Dhasaradha. The temple is located near the Sarayu River and is known for its grand architecture and its religious significance.
As per the Hindu legend, the first man Manu founded Ayodhya, as recorded in the Hindu epic Ramayana. Later, it became the capital of the Suryavanshi (Sun) dynasty of which the most celebrated king was Lord Rama.  Ayodhya or Awadhpuri, the birthplace of Lord Rama has been regarded as the first one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites or Mokshdayini Sapt Puris for Hindus.

Gaya

Gaya is an ancient city, with a Buddhist documented history dating back to the 6th century BCE when the sage Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment at Bodh Gaya.

Even before this time, Gaya was a place of pilgrimage for people from around the world. The fame of ancient Gaya derived from the account in the Ramayana of Lord Rama coming here to the banks of Phalgu River (called the Niranjana), accompanied by his wife and younger brother, to offer pind-daan for their father Dasharatha, for giving liberation to his soul, and it continues to be a major Hindu pilgrimage site for the piṇḍadāna ritual.  In the Mahabharata, Gaya is referred to as Gayapuri. The main highlight includes Vishnupad temple, (‘temple of Vishnu’s feet’), an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu located on the banks of Phalgu river. The temple is believed to be built upon the site where Lord Vishnu had purportedly killed the demon Gayasura or pinned him underground. The temple features a 40-cm footprint purported to be of Lord Vishnu incised into a block of basalt, known as Dharmasila which was retained when the deity stepped on Gayasura’s chest before pinning him underground.

Janakapur

Janakpur is a city in Nepal that is believed to be the transcendental birthplace of Goddess Sita, the eternal consort of Lord Rama, and the place of her marriage with Him. Also known as the City of Ponds, Janakpur boasts more than seventy ponds that dot its verdant landscape. The pleasant weather, the grand and colorful festivities throughout the year, the stunning architecture of the temples, and the friendly locals make Janakpur a favorite spot for tourists and pilgrims alike.