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14 Ancient Scriptures on AYODHYA: Unveiling the Spiritual and Historical Significance

The story of Ayodhya and its connection to Bhagwan Shri Ram is one deeply woven into the cultural and spiritual fabric of Bharat. For thousands of years, this ancient city has been much more than just a geographical location—it has been a beacon of faith, resilience, and profound spiritual heritage. As the Ram Mandir prepares for its inauguration after five centuries of unwavering commitment and patience, it is essential to explore and understand the historical and scriptural foundation that cements Ayodhya’s place in the hearts of millions.

This article draws upon fourteen lesser-known yet vital facts about Ayodhya, directly sourced from ancient and authentic scriptures, revealing the depth of its significance far beyond political narratives. From the geography of the land to its mentions in Tamil and Sikh traditions, and from the spiritual essence of the Sarayu river to the Jain Tirthankars born in Ayodhya, these insights provide a comprehensive view of why Ayodhya stands as a cornerstone of Bharat’s spiritual ethos.

Let’s embark on this enlightening journey through scripture, history, and culture to truly appreciate Ayodhya’s timeless importance.

Table of Contents

1. The Meaning of the Word “Ayodhya”

To begin, understanding the name itself offers a profound insight into the city’s essence. The name “Ayodhya” is not a mere label but a symbolic representation of the trinity of divine forces in Hindu cosmology.

“Akaro brahmachaprokta prakta m yakaro vishnu ruchate, dhakaro rudra upascha, ayodhyanama rajate.”

— Agastya Mahasri to Vyasa Mahasri, Skanda Puranam, Ayodhya Mahatma

In this verse, the syllables forming the word Ayodhya are linked to the three primary deities:

  • A represents Brahma, the creator.
  • Yo symbolizes Vishnu, the preserver.
  • Dha corresponds to Rudra or Shiva, the destroyer.

Together, Ayodhya embodies the essence of Brahma, Vishnu, and Rudra, making it a sacred city representing the harmonious convergence of creation, preservation, and transformation.

2. The Geography of Ayodhya: A City Shaped Like a Fish

The Skanda Puranam offers a detailed description of Ayodhya’s unique geography. It explains that the landmass of Ayodhya lies between two rivers—the Tamasa and the Sarayu—and is shaped like a fish, or Masya Krutiriyam.

This distinctive geography not only defines the physical boundaries of the city but also adds to its spiritual symbolism, as water bodies and natural formations often hold sacred meanings in Indian traditions.

Beyond the shape, the scripture describes the lush vegetation, hills, mountains, and farmlands that surround Ayodhya, painting a picture of a thriving, fertile land that supported a vibrant urban and cultural life.

3. Ayodhya in the Tamil Tradition: Tiruvaiyamoli

Ayodhya’s significance transcends linguistic and regional boundaries. One ancient Tamil scripture, Tiruvaiyamoli, composed over 1,100 years ago in the Alvar tradition, references Ayodhya and Bhagwan Shri Ram, highlighting their importance in South Indian devotional culture.

In Tamil, Rama is referred to as Aye Ramapuran and Ayodhya as Ayotthal. This counters the modern political narrative that tries to brand Ram as solely a North Indian deity. The Tamil Alvar saints have revered Rama and Ayodhya for centuries, demonstrating the pan-Indian spiritual reach of Rama’s story.

This reference not only enriches the cultural tapestry but also serves as a reminder that Ayodhya’s spiritual heritage is embraced across Bharat, from Tamil Nadu to the northern plains.

4. The First Murti at Ayodhya: Vishnuhari

The history of the Ram Janmabhoomi temple is marked by cycles of construction and destruction. However, ancient scriptures provide clues about the very first consecration of a deity at the birthplace of Shri Ram.

According to the Skanda Puranam, it was Vishnu Sharma, a devout follower of Bhagwan Sri Maha Vishnu, who was instructed by Vishnu himself to consecrate a murti called Vishnuhari at this sacred site.

This murti is considered the first representation of the divine at Ram Janmabhoomi, establishing the spiritual foundation of the site long before any medieval or modern constructions.

While archaeological proof remains a challenge and the burden of proof often falls unfairly on believers, the scriptural evidence alone speaks volumes about the ancient sanctity of the site.

5. The Precise Location of Ram Janmabhoomi

The Skanda Puranam provides a remarkably detailed description of the exact location of Ram Janmabhoomi:

“Between the rivers Sarayu and Tamasa, in a place guarded by Vigneswara on the west, Vasistha Maharshi on the south, Lomasa Maharshi on the east, lies Ram Janma Bhoomi.”

It further describes the site as the epicenter for attaining Moksha, or liberation, emphasizing its spiritual importance beyond just being a historical location.

This description also highlights the traditional sequence of worship, where devotees first offer prayers to Vigneswara (Lord Ganesha) before proceeding to Ram Janmabhoomi, underscoring the continuity of ritual practice over millennia.

Such detailed geographical and ritualistic markers refute modern claims that Ram Janmabhoomi is a recent or politically motivated concept, instead rooting it deeply in ancient spiritual tradition.

6. Ram Janmabhoomi: Beyond Politics, a Spiritual Epicenter

The term “Ram Janmabhoomi” often gets mired in political debates, but its origin and significance are purely spiritual and devotional. The scriptures celebrate this place as a sacred site for thousands of years, with chapters upon chapters dedicated to its glory in the Skanda Puranam.

This place is not merely about a temple building but about the sanctity of the land where Bhagwan Shri Ram was born, a place that promises Moksha to its visitors.

It is important to understand that this sacred geography and the traditions surrounding it transcend political agendas and instead reflect the collective spiritual consciousness of Bharat.

7. The Sarayu River: A Divine Manifestation

The Sarayu river flowing through Ayodhya holds as much spiritual significance as the Ram Janmabhoomi itself. The river is considered a manifestation of Brahman, the supreme consciousness, making its banks a potent site for sacred rituals.

One such ritual is the Shraadha Karma, performed for departed ancestors, which is traditionally conducted on the banks of Sarayu. Ancient sacrificial posts were erected along the river, further indicating its sanctity.

The very name “Ayodhya” is connected to Dasaratha Maharaj, Rama’s father, and the city is thus steeped in the lineage and legacy of the Ikshvaku dynasty.

8. Navaratri Festival at Ram Janmabhoomi

Another ancient tradition detailed in the Skanda Puranam is the celebration of the Navaratri festival at Ram Janmabhoomi. This nine-day festival has specific spiritual practices and rituals prescribed for each day, emphasizing the long-standing nature of worship at this site.

Such detailed liturgical instructions demonstrate that the practice of worship around Ram Janmabhoomi is not a recent phenomenon but has been carried out for centuries.

This continuity of tradition explains the deep emotional attachment and the relentless perseverance of devotees over the last 500 years to protect and restore this sacred site.

9. The Holy Tirthas of Ayodhya

Ayodhya is not just about the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. The city and its surroundings are dotted with numerous sacred water bodies known as tirthas, which hold equal sanctity in the spiritual landscape.

These tirthas include Bharata Kundam, Sita Kundam, Bhairava Kundam, Rati Kundam, and Jata Kundam, among others, as mentioned in the Skanda Puranam.

Each of these kundas is a pilgrimage spot believed to purify the soul and provide spiritual merit, making the entire region a holistic sacred space beyond just the temple complex.

10. Jain Tirthankars Born in Ayodhya

Ayodhya’s spiritual significance extends beyond Hinduism. Jain tradition holds the city in high esteem as the birthplace of four of the twenty-four Jain Tirthankars:

  • Sri Ajit Ananda (2nd Tirthankar)
  • Sri Abhinananda (4th Tirthankar)
  • Sri Somati Nadha (5th Tirthankar)
  • Sri Ananta Nadha (14th Tirthankar)

All four belong to the Ikshvaku dynasty, the same lineage as Bhagwan Shri Ram, which connects Jainism and Hinduism through shared historical roots.

Despite some historians attempting to sow discord by suggesting conflicting claims over the site, these facts highlight Ayodhya’s inclusive spiritual heritage respected by multiple traditions.

11. Ayodhya Perumal Temple in Tamil Nadu: A 1600-Year-Old Legacy

One of the oldest Rama temples in India is the Ayodhya Perumal temple located in Madhuram Takam, Tamil Nadu, built during the Pallava dynasty around 1,600 years ago.

This temple, originally called Ayodhya Perwar, has an intriguing local legend: during British rule, heavy monsoon floods threatened the village, but the temple and its surroundings remained protected. This miracle led to the deity being known as Erekadharamal, meaning the protector from floods.

The British collector Lionel Place even contributed to the temple complex by building a smaller temple dedicated to Sita Mahalakshmi, demonstrating the respect and recognition the site commanded.

This temple stands as a testament to the continuous worship of Rama across centuries and regions, defying claims that Rama is solely a North Indian deity.

12. Sri Ramayanam in the Sikh Tradition: Dasam Granth Sahib

The Sikh scripture, Dasam Granth Sahib, attributed to Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji, contains an extensive chapter (the 219th) dedicated to the Sri Ramayan, written in Gurmukhi.

This chapter extols the virtues of Rama’s avatar and the glory of his reign, emphasizing the prosperity and righteousness of Ram Rajya.

The Nihang Sikhs, a martial order within Sikhism, played a pivotal role in reviving worship at Ram Janmabhoomi during the last two centuries, further cementing the cross-religious reverence for Rama.

On the day of the consecration of Bhagwan Shri Ram at the Ram Mandir, large langars (community kitchens) organized by Sikh communities highlight the continuing spiritual bonds.

13. Ayodhya and Varanasi: Twin Pillars of Spiritual Heritage

A verse highlights the equivalence of Ayodhya and Varanasi in spiritual merit:

“In Kalyuga, if anyone stays in the city of Dasaridhi (Ayodhya), that person will achieve the virtue of staying in Kashi (Varanasi) for sixty thousand years.”

This shows that both cities are revered as great centers of Moksha and spiritual power, each with its unique traditions and deities.

Contrary to some modern theories of conflict between Shiva and Vishnu worshippers, scriptural and traditional evidence indicates harmony and mutual respect between these traditions, with practices like worshipping Vighneshwara before visiting Ram Janmabhoomi reinforcing this unity.

14. Kalidasa’s Raghuvamsam: Chronicling the Ikshvaku Dynasty and Ayodhya

One of the most authoritative classical Sanskrit texts, Raghuvamsam by Kalidasa, is dedicated to the lineage of the Ikshvaku dynasty, with Ayodhya as its capital.

The epic details the political, social, and cultural life of the dynasty, describing Ayodhya as a thriving urban center with multi-storied buildings, planned water supply, irrigation systems, and bustling commerce.

This literary work is a vital source for historians and scholars seeking to understand the historical significance of Ayodhya beyond mythology.

Sources and Manuscripts: The Tamil Script Sanskrit Skanda Puranam

All these references stem from ancient manuscripts, many of which were preserved and later confiscated by the British during their rule in Bharat.

Interestingly, the Sanskrit Skanda Puranam is written in Tamil script, a fact often overlooked or misunderstood due to modern linguistic politics.

This intersection of language and culture exemplifies the deep-rooted connections within Bharat’s heritage and challenges artificial divides created by ideological biases.

The Supreme Court of India’s landmark judgment on the Ram Janmabhoomi case references the Skanda Puranam nearly seventy times, along with other ancient scriptures, underscoring the legal recognition of these texts as historical evidence.

This judgment is publicly accessible and serves as a testament to the enduring power of truth and dharma prevailing over political and ideological contestations.

As Swami Vivekananda famously said, “Truth does not pay homage to any society, ancient or modern. Society has to pay homage to truth or die.” The Ayodhya verdict exemplifies this principle, where justice was delivered rooted in truth and righteousness.

Conclusion: The Timeless Spirit of Ayodhya and Shri Ram

Whether it is the fourteen years of exile that Bhagwan Shri Ram endured or the five hundred years of resilience shown by devotees to reclaim and restore Ram Janmabhoomi, the story of Ayodhya is ultimately about the victory of truth.

From its etymological roots representing the divine trinity to its detailed geography, from its pan-Indian cultural acceptance to its multi-religious significance, Ayodhya stands as a living testament to Bharat’s spiritual heritage.

It is a place where history, mythology, and devotion converge, inspiring countless generations to uphold the values that Shri Ram exemplified—dharma, valor, compassion, and steadfastness.

In celebrating Ayodhya, we celebrate the enduring spirit of truth and righteousness that continues to guide Bharat and its people.

Jai Shriram!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the significance of the name “Ayodhya”?

A: The name Ayodhya symbolizes the presence of the divine trinity — Brahma (creation), Vishnu (preservation), and Rudra (destruction) — making it a sacred city embodying cosmic balance.

Q2: How old is the worship tradition of Shri Ram in Ayodhya?

A: Worship in Ayodhya has been ongoing for at least 1,600 years, as evidenced by temples like Ayodhya Perumal in Tamil Nadu and detailed in scriptures such as the Skanda Puranam and Raghuvamsam.

Q3: Does Ayodhya have significance outside Hinduism?

A: Yes, Ayodhya is also revered in Jainism as the birthplace of four Tirthankars and holds a notable place in Sikh tradition, especially in the Dasam Granth Sahib.

Q4: What does the Supreme Court judgment say about Ayodhya?

A: The Supreme Court referenced ancient scriptures like the Skanda Puranam extensively in its verdict, recognizing the religious and historical significance of Ram Janmabhoomi and delivering justice based on these evidences.

Q5: Why is the Sarayu river important in Ayodhya?

A: Sarayu is considered a manifestation of Brahman and is a sacred site for performing ancestral rites and purification rituals, adding to the spiritual sanctity of Ayodhya.

This article was created from the video 14 Ancient Scriptures on AYODHYA with the help of AI. Thanks to Aravind Markandeya, Project Shivoham.