Rajghat Park, also known as Rishabhdev Rajghat Udyan, is a lovely park in Uttar Pradesh’s sacred city of Ayodhya. It is situated on the banks of the Saryu River and is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankara Shri Rishabhdev. This park is a nice and quiet space in the city’s Civil Line area and is perfect for a peaceful stroll or to spend some quality time with friends and family. Within the park is a statue of the Shri Rishabhdev as well as colourful flowers and elephant figures made of grass.
Spending Some Relaxing Time in Ayodhya’s Rajghat Park
A lesser-known attraction in Ayodhya, Rajghat Park is one that you mustn’t miss out on when visiting the city. To know more about this park and also about Ayodhya, keep on reading:
1. A Little About Rajghat Park
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Located in the Civil Line locality of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, Rajghat Park is a tranquil green space that you must visit! Also known as Rishabhdev Rajghat Udyan, the park was built in honour of Shri Rishabhdev who was the first Jain Tirthankara and opened to the public in the late 1980s. The park is home to a statue of Sri Rishabhdev that is about 22 feet tall; it shows him while doing padmasana yoga.
The park with its lush green lawns is adorned with countless colourful flowers along with grass cut in the shape of elephants. This space is special because it offers a quiet haven away from the bustling city of Ayodhya and makes for an excellent place to sit back and destress. You can take a walk around the park, sit on the grass and talk to your loved ones or get some exercise too. It is open every day so you can any day during your visit to the city.
Must Read: Ayodhya Ram Mandir
2. Getting To Ayodhya And Best Time to Visit
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You have three options when planning your trip to Ayodhya: take the road, the railway or a flight. Coming by car, whether its your own or you hire one, is perhaps the most convenient option if you live in a neighbouring city. Ayodhya is well connected to many cities in Uttar Pradesh as well as some other cities in north India and the roads are well maintained so you should have a smooth journey. If you don’t feel like driving, you can also take the bus since Ayodhya has a bus stand, as does its neighbouring Faizabad. There are several buses that operate from many cities to these two on a daily basis. It is also a cheap option.
Taking the train would also be a convenient choice since the city has its own railway station; there are many trains that halt here. Finally, you can fly to Ayodhya. There are two airports close to the city; the first is in Faizabad about 10 km away while the second one is in Lucknow about 161 km away. As is the case with most cities in north India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, the best time to visit Ayodhya is during the winter season. The months from October to March when the weather is conducive to sightseeing and simply being outdoors. It is also when some major festivals like Dussehra and Diwali are celebrated; these festivals are of immense importance in this city owing to their association with Lord Rama. Visiting during the summer months from April to June could make visiting temples and attending aartis difficult, especially given the large crowds. You could visit during the monsoon months of July to September though you might experience the occasional downpour.
3. What Ayodhya Is Known For
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Whether you are a devotee of Lord Rama or not, Ayodhya is a must-visit city in Uttar Pradesh owing to its sheer importance in Indian mythology and history. It lies along the banks of the Sarayu River and has been deemed one of India’s seven most significant pilgrimage sites. Epics like the Ramayana state that Ayodhya was home to the kingdom of Kosala and is the place of birth of Lord Rama. It is for this reason that it is referred to as Ram Janmabhoomi and to honour this, there is a Ram Mandir here. Many scriptures reveal that the city was once called Saketa.
What’s more, it isn’t just Hindu scriptures but also Buddhist and Jain texts that mention Ayodhya, stating that both Gautam Buddha as well as Mahavira not only visited but also lived here for a short while. Moreover, Jain scriptures describe this as being the birthplace of the five Tirthankaras.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh
Ayodhya’s Most Popular Attractions
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While there are numerous things to see in Ayodhya, here are five things that you must do when in the city:
- Perhaps the most significant of all attractions, the Ram Mandir is one that you cannot miss out on. It is supposedly built on the same spot where Lord Rama was born, therefore earning the name Rama Janmabhoomi. The temple opened to the public in 2024. There are 3 main aartis held here daily. Just make sure to get your pass for the same!
- Since Ayodhya is a major pilgrimage destination, it is no surprise that the city comprises a multitude of temples, all dedicated to different deities. Some temples that you should visit include Hanuman Garhi dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Raja Mandir which has idols of different Gods and Goddesses, Treta ke Thakur and Nageshwarnath Temple that was supposedly constructed by Kush, the son of Lord Rama.
- Bahu Begum ka Mqbara should surely be on your itinerary. It is located in Faizabad and is a mausoleum that was built for the begum of one of the Nawabs. The structure, which happens to be the tallest in Faizabad, is reminiscent of Awadhi architecture and features 3 domes and walls with intricate designs. It is often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of the East”.
- You can visit Mani Parbat which is a small hill at an altitude of about 65 feet above sea level. It is quite close to Sugreev Parbat and is known for its stupa built by Emperor Ashoka, a Buddhist monastery and small shrines. Mani Parbat also overlooks Ayodhya.
- Make sure to visit Ram Katha Park to be able to get a taste of local culture. Its open-air theatres host cultural events including dances, music performances, poetry recitals, plays, devotional programs and more. Many international artists have also performed here.
Further Read: Places To Visit In Lucknow
An extremely vibrant city that is renowned for its religious importance, Ayodhya has many places for you to discover including its peaceful Rajghat Park. And that isn’t all! There are innumerable things for you to uncover in the state, and so you should definitely consider planning a family trip to Uttar Pradesh trip to Uttar Pradesh. It is sure to be a memorable trip for you all.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Rajghat Park
What is the entry fee for Rajghat Park and what are its timings?
The park is open every day from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM. You don’t have to pay anything to be able to enter.
Is it possible to see Ayodhya in just 2 days?
When visiting Ayodhya, 2 to 3 days are considered to be sufficient to visit its major attractions, attend aartis and more.
Are jeans and other Western clothes allowed in Ayodhya’s temples?
Yes, there are no restrictions on wearing jeans or other kinds of Western attire when visiting Ayodhya’s temples as long as you wear nothing that shows too much skin.
What are the most affordable means of transport in Ayodhya?
The cheapest modes of transport here include rickshaws and autorickshaws and they are also easily available everywhere.
Is Lucknow close to Ayodhya?
Yes, Lucknow is only about 135 km or 2 and a half hours away.
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