Ayodhya Trivia & Stories

Ayodhya holds secrets spanning over 9,000 years of continuous habitation. From being mentioned in the ancient Atharvaveda to now hosting one of the largest religious gatherings in human history, this city's stories are as magnificent as its temples.

The Ram Mandir: Engineering Marvel

The Ram Mandir is built to last 1,000 years using ancient Vedic construction principles combined with modern engineering. No iron or steel was used in the structure - instead, copper and granite ensure longevity. The foundation goes 15 meters deep with 47 layers of engineered soil, making it earthquake-resistant up to magnitude 8.

• Temple can accommodate 10,000 devotees simultaneously
• 360 pillars each weighing 25 tonnes carved with 92 different deities
• Pink sandstone from Bansi Paharpur, Rajasthan used throughout
• 46-meter high shikhara visible from 20 km away
• Raft foundation using 56 layers of compacted soil

KEY FACT: The Ram Mandir received over 1 lakh (100,000) visitors on its opening day and now averages 1 lakh daily visitors, making it the most visited religious site in India.

Ancient History & Legends

According to ancient texts, Ayodhya was founded by Manu, the first human in Hindu tradition, making it one of the oldest cities in recorded mythology. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of continuous habitation dating back 9,000 years, including Painted Grey Ware pottery from 1000 BCE.

• One of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) in Hinduism
• Mentioned in the Atharvaveda and Ramayana
• Buddhist records mention it as Saketa, a major center
• 5 Jain Tirthankaras were born here including Rishabhanatha
• Chinese pilgrim Xuanzang visited in 636 CE documenting 100 monasteries

KEY FACT: Ayodhya is the only city sacred to three major religions - Hinduism (birthplace of Ram), Buddhism (major monastery center), and Jainism (birthplace of 5 Tirthankaras).

The Saryu River's Spiritual Significance

The Saryu River is mentioned in the Vedas as a purifying force. Legend holds that a dip in the Saryu washes away the sins of seven lifetimes. The river sees unique traditions like the release of thousands of floating lamps during Kartik Purnima, creating a river of light.

• Ram Ki Paidi ghat has 14 steps representing 14 years of exile
• Over 5 lakh diyas (lamps) lit during Deepotsav
• Guinness World Record for most lamps lit: 22.23 lakh in 2023
• Water considered sacred for ancestral rituals
• Annual boat festival during Kartik month

KEY FACT: Ayodhya's Deepotsav holds the Guinness World Record for lighting 22.23 lakh (2.2 million) earthen lamps, turning the ghats into a sea of golden light visible from space.