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Guptar Ghat Ayodhya Address: Faizabad Cantt, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, 224001, India
Ayodhya – ‘Ram Nagari’ is one of the most spiritual destinations of India. Located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, Ayodhya is a lot more than temples. The city is brimming with sacred sites and stories from the ancient past. People from around the world visit the city's famous religious sites. The city has attracted tourists due to its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
Among all these places, one such place is Guptar Ghat, a place of profound significance. This sacred site, veiled in the mists of time, echoes with the whispers of ancient tales and the footprints of revered figures. As you step onto the cobblestone pathways, the air becomes infused with a palpable sense of divinity, inviting pilgrims and travellers alike to immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry of Ayodhya.
Guptar Ghat is not merely a physical location; it's a portal to the heart of Ayodhya's spiritual legacy.
History of the Guptar Ghat Ayodhya
The story of Guptar Ghat goes back to the time of the Ramayana, an ancient epic. In the Skanda Purana, a wise sage named Vyasadeva asked another sage, Agastya, about the story of Lord Rama and how Guptar Ghat played a role in his journey to Vaikuntha, a heavenly place.
Lord Rama returned to his divine home in Vaikuntha to relieve himself after completing his earthly responsibilities. He was joined by his brothers Bharata and Shatrughna. Lakshmana had already gone to Vaikuntha earlier, which led to the creation of a sacred place called Sahasradhara Tirtha.
Everything was set upon Sage Vasishtha's decision to prepare for Lord Rama’s departure. He dressed in white attire, holding darbha grass like a lotus. He quietly arrived at the Sarayu River.
Lord Rama left the city with Lakshmi Devi on his left and Vishalakshi Devi on his right. Symbolic representations of arrows and other weapons followed Him.
Savitri and the Vedas took the form of Brahmanas and accompanied him on his left and right. Other people like Omkara and Vashatkara followed Lord Rama as well.
As Lord Rama reached the Swargadwara (the gateway to heaven), all the sages and Lord Narayana joined Him. The older women, children, servants, attendants, guards, and the women from the palace followed him
The entire Ayodhya was full of joy. They all wished to accompany Lord Rama to Vaikuntha. Everyone took a holy and purifying bath in the Sarayu River.
After travelling about 1.5 yojanas (an ancient measure of distance), Lord Rama continued heading west and soon saw the sacred Sarayu River ahead. Lord Brahma and many sages and celestial beings gathered at the Swargadwara grounds at this special moment. The sky was filled with countless flying chariots carrying luminous beings from all corners of the universe.
A pleasant, fragrant breeze blew, accompanied by a gentle and significant shower of flowers. The Sun deity, celestial musicians, and dancers (gandharvas and apsaras) also arrived.
As Lord Rama dipped his feet into the revered Sarayu River, Lord Brahma praised Him. Lord Brahma recognised that Lord Rama had control over the entire cosmos, and his true identity was a mystery to all.
Lord Brahma's existence was a gift from Lord Rama, and it was under his guidance that Lord Rama and his brother came to Earth. All celestial beings honoured Lord Rama as the Supreme Lord Vishnu, knowing that by respecting him, they could fulfil their desires.
Lord Rama's task was to find suitable homes for the people of Ayodhya, and this responsibility was entrusted to Lord Brahma. The gods and Lord Rama and his brothers Bharata and Shatrughna travelled to Vaikuntha.
The floodwaters of Guptar Ghat, also known as Gopratara Tirtha, swiftly carried away the Sarayu River. In their eagerness to remember Lord Rama, his devoted followers willingly entered the holy river, giving up their mortal forms to return to Vaikuntha.
This holy place became known as Gopratara Tirtha and was later named Guptar Ghat, holding an unparalleled significance.
Architecture of the Guptar Ghat Ayodhya
The Guptar Ghat used to be situated next to the colonial Company Gardens now called the Gupta Ghat Van.
It stands as a testament to architectural finesse and spiritual significance. The ghat is a mosaic of historical elements, each contributing to its unique charm.
At the heart of Guptar Ghat lies a hidden cave, believed to be the spot where Lord Rama took his last moments on Earth.
The main structure of the ghat showcases intricate carvings and architectural elements that echo the grandeur of Ayodhya's cultural heritage. The stone steps lead to the sacred river, giving pilgrims a gentle descent into the holy waters. The design seamlessly blends functionality with aesthetics, creating a space for ceremonial practices and quiet contemplation.
Within this area, several temples have gained popularity, including the Sita-Ram temple, the Chakrahari shrine, and the Narsingh temple.
The Guptar Ghat was renovated in the 1800s and has been continually improved by the Uttar Pradesh Government. Today, it is equipped with modern facilities and amenities.
Visiting Lord Guptahari and bathing at Guptar Ghat can help wash away your wrongdoings. Donating things like milch cow, gold, different types of clothes, offering cooked rice and helping needy and wise people can help you free yourself from your life’s sins.
Entry fees and timings to the Guptar Ghat Ayodhya
Entry to this holy place is free for all its visitors. It accepts its admirers all days of the week. Also, you can visit this ghat at any time of the day. It is always open to all.
Best time to visit the Guptar Ghat Ayodhya
The best time to visit Ayodhya and the Guptar Ghat is during the festivals of Diwali and Ram Navami, when the entire city is decorated with lights and people from all over the world come during this time.
How to reach the Guptar Ghat Ayodhya?
The Guptar Ghat is located in Faizabad Cantt, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh 224001. All three modes of commute easily let you to the holy city of Ayodhya
By road: Ayodhya is well-connected to many cities in Uttar Pradesh and nearby areas via road. You can find regular state buses from the state's major cities to Ayodhya. Additionally, in or around Ayodhya, you can rent a private taxi from the list of top car rental companies in Ayodhya. The four nearest major cities to Ayodhya are Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, and Lucknow, approximately 200 km away.
By rail: Ayodhya has two railway stations: Junction and Cantt. Trains from various parts of India stop at these stations, providing good connectivity.
By air: For those who prefer air travel, the nearest airports are located in Gorakhpur, which is about 139 kilometres away, and Lucknow, which is approximately 151 kilometres away. You can fly to either of these airports and then continue your journey to Ayodhya by train or car.
Once you are in Ayodhya, you only need to hire a taxi or cab to take you to Guptar Ghat. You can also use maps or ask locals for the address. The ghat is easily approachable from the city centre.
Guptar Ghat is a hidden Ayodhya treasure filled with history, spirituality, and beautiful architecture. It is a place where you can feel a deep connection to Lord Rama and the spiritual traditions of the city. It is a place where you can spend your evenings or mornings by the serene view of the river. You can peacefully enjoy the surroundings.
As you depart, the resonating chants and the tranquil waters remain eternally intertwined, ensuring that the essence of Guptar Ghat becomes a memorable part of your journey through the heart of Ayodhya's timeless allure.
So, what are you waiting for? Book a Ayodhya tour package with Ayodhya Tourism, a division of Holidays DNA and explore this spiritual destination like never before. To get in touch with us, please fill the Contact Us form.