Ramkot
: The chief place of worship in Ayodhya
is the site of the ancient citadel of Ramkot which
stands on an elevated ground in the western part
of the city. Although visited by pilgrims throughout
the year, this sacred place attracts devotees
from all over India and abroad, on `Ram Navami’,
the day of Lord’s birth, which is celebrated
with great pomp and show, in the Hindu month of
Chaitra (March-April).
Nageshwarnath Temple : Stands
on the ghats (bank) of the river, on the east
side of town. It is said to be built by Khush,
Lord Rama's son. Legend has it that he almost
destroyed the water-living Nagas (semi-divine
snake people) because he suspected them of stealing
his amulet. Only Lord Shiva's intervention saved
the semi-divine snakes. Khush then established
this temple showing the Nagas worshipping Lord
Shiva, his father's favourite deity. Another version
of this legend states that the lost amulet was
found by a Nag-kanya (young girl from the Naga
tribe), who fell in love with him, and as she
was Lord Shiva's devotee he constructed this temple
for her. (Open daily 5 am to 11 am and 12 pm to
8 pm).
Lakshmana Ghat : On the banks
of the Sarayu river, this is where Rama's brother
Lakshman is said to have voluntarily given up
his life-an act called samadhi. Another version
says that he gave up living after he broke a vow.
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