AYODHYA
The Earthly August Seat of Dharma

Though he bade farewell to the world by immersion in the sacred waters of Sarayu, his dharmaparipalana became immortal, making every governing body to imitate, imbibe and implement for carefree life here, and bliss there above.

After him many mighty rulers succeeded to that Dharmasimhasan and in Dwaparayuga too it enjoyed similar supreme glory. Brihadbahu, who was in the camp of Duryodhana during the Kurukshetra war, belonged to the same august line of rulers; and he was killed by Abhimanyu, the indubitable ferocious cub of Pandavas, Yet that dynasty did not go dry, it bore another species of rare the fruits, who brought unrivalled reputation in the realm of peace. Buddha, the. Light of Asia, who upheld the superiority of compassion over violence belonged to Solar dynasty, and he "as the 25th descendant after Sri Rama. Why, even Adinath, the first of 24 Thirthankaras of Jainism belonged to that great lkshavaku race. He was called Rishabhadeva in his puruvasram, and the son of great king Nabhi. In addition, twenty out of the entire line of Jains belong to lkshwaku race. And they have raised the reputation of their new-found religion by their preachings and personal observation. Almost all ruled from Ayodhya, or in suburban city called Saketa.

Ayodhya, the holy city that witnessed such spectacular glory was the capital and principal town that exercised its sovereignty over Akanda Bharata Khanda with heaven born Manu, as first emperor. And as such it carved out an unenviable name among the holy cities, and in fact, occupies the first place in the list of seven thirthas Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kasi, Kanchi, Ujjain and Dwaraka. It is here hundreds of sacrifices of all types were performed, including Putrakameshtiyaga by the Solar Kings. Five of the illustrious Jain thirthankaras were born here. Buddha preached here his Dharma on several occasions and was largely, attended by people of all classes, including kings. It was here venerable Vasistha - Kulaguru of Solar race lived, and was appointed during-the time of Sudasa, who won the Dasayajana war with his spiritual power. Tulasidas' immortal work-Rama Charity Manasa was written here. There are now several temples -Vaishnava, Saiva, Jain and Mosques in this place. So, visiting is a MUST to the god-minded man.

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