Legends

Ayodhya is closely associated with Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The ancient city of Ayodhya, according to the Ramayana, was founded by Manu, the law-giver of the Hindu. For centuries, it was the capital of the descendants of the Surya dynasty of which Lord Rama was the most celebrated king. Ayodhya during ancient times was known as Kosaladesa.

Ayodhya is named after King Ayudh. He was the founder of this city and hence came the name Ayodhya. It has been mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures that King Ayudh was one of the forefathers of Lord Rama. The same Raghuvanshi dynasty had the great king Raja Harischandra



The illustrious Ikshvaku of the solar clan (Suryavansha) was the ruling dynasty of this region. According to tradition, Ikshvakus was the eldest son of Vaivasvata Manu, who established himself at Ayodhya. The earth is said to have derived its name `Prithivi’ from Prithu, the 6th king of the line. A few generations later came Mandhatri, in whose line the 31st king was Harischandra, known widely for his love of truth. Raja Sagar of the same clan performed the Asvamedha Yajna and his great grandson Bhagiratha is reputed to have brought mother Ganga to earth by virtue of his penance. Later in the time came the great Raghu, after whom the family came to be called as Raghuvamsa. His grandson was Raja Dasaratha, the illustrious father of Rama, with whom the glory of the Kosala dynasty reached its highest point.

Saint Valmiki is said to have written his famous devotional poem Valmiki Ramayan, also called the Ramayan regarding the life of Lord Sriram. Other sages like Kamban and Tulsidas also wrote their verses of Ramayan in the praise and glory of Lord Sriram and the magnificent city of Ayodhya. Saint Tulsidas' Ramayan popularly known as Ramacharitamanas sings the praise & glory of Lord 'Sriram'. It is one of the most revered scriptures of 'Sanatana Dharma' which speaks of idealism, selfless devotion, & piousness. This divine religious text is a source of inspiration, enlightenment & bhakti for billions across the world. Several Tamil Alwars mention the city of Ayodhya. The opening chapters of the Ramayan recount the magnificence of the city, the glories of the monarch and the virtues, wealth and loyalty of his people. Ayodhya is also said to be the birthplace of King Bharath (The First Chakravarti King), Bhahubali, Brahmi, Sundari, King Dasaratha, Acharya Padaliptasurisvarji, King Harishchandra, Shri SriRama Achalbhrata, and the ninth Gandhara of Mahavir Swami.

In Atharvaveda, this place was described as a city that was made by gods and was as prosperous as heaven itself. Skanda and some other Puranas rank Ayodhya as one of the seven most sacred cities of India.