Travel with Soul: Find Yourself in a Trip to Ayodhya.
In the modern busy world, traveling is more of a checklist - Instagram photographs, a hectic schedule, and no time to relax. There are places, however, which request that you slow down, listen and just be. One of such places is Ayodhya which is lying peacefully on the banks of the Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, India.
Ayodhya is not only a tourism site, it is an invitation to yourself. It is not a trip to sightsee but hopelessly to soul-see. The murmurs of the river, the ringing of the temple bells, and the cool air combine and make your visit a self-research experience.
Beyond Just a City: Spirit of Ayodhya.
Ayodhya is a sacred location to the Hindu mythology, as it is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Rama who was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It has received pilgrims, sages, poets and seekers of all the world, during the course of thousands of years.
However Ayodhya is not mythological. It is a living thing, a living breathing breathing ecosystem with a wonderful combination of faith, culture and everyday life. When you are strolling through its old lanes, ghats and temples, you feel like time has come to rest in your favor. It is an ideal city to visit in that mindfulness and meaning are what one is after.
Reasons to Select a Mindful Pilgrimage.
In modern travel, things can be rather disruptive, early flights, tight schedules, devices and the Internet. However, a conscious pilgrimage is another thing. It is being there, watching and acting slowly- moving outwardly, and internally.
Mindfulness is a lifestyle in Ayodhya. Be it when you go to the evening aarti at Sarayu River or devotees perform rituals on a daily basis, you will experience an awareness that makes you grounded. This is not the occasion you are visiting the city, but letting the city visit your heart.
Getting Your Mind Ready Before the trip.
Sensitive traveling starts way before traveling. Take a moment, fellow, before you pack the bags:
- Get your reason - Do you come to wake up your spirituals, to understand their culture, or to rest your mind?
- Practice silence - Take a few minutes every day in meditation or silentness.
- Know the stories - Get to know the life of Lord Rama, the Ramayana and the culture of Ayodhya.
- Light traveling - Only bring with you what you really need, physically and emotionally.
Things to Do in Ayodhya
Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir:
It is the spiritual center of Ayodhya the birthplace of Lord Rama. When you visit, don't rush. Just sit down and take a breath and allow the divine energy to cover you. Taste the calmness that cannot be described by words.
Hanuman Garhi:
This temple of Lord Hanuman is situated on a hill and commands the whole city. It is symbolic to climb its steps, each step is symbolic of devotion, courage and clarity.
Kanak Bhawan:
Magnificent temple honoring the love of Rama and Sita which is divine. The lush mood here is inviting reflection on the soul and happiness.
Ghats of the Sarayu River:
The evenings up at the ghats are pure magic. When the sun goes down, the sky is golden, the lamps are floating on the water, the chants are in the air. All sounds, smells, and even visuals are meditative practices.
Travelling Etiquette: Travel with Consciousness.
- Turn off frequently - Turn off your cell phone in temples. Allow your mind to have the actual images.
- Dress humbly - Adore the spiritual beauty of Ayodhya in simple and traditional clothes.
- Be present - Be there, be there, be there, whether you are sipping chai or you are hearing bells in the temple, do it.
- Be nice - A smile and kind words will do wonders in a holy city.
- Travel journal - Share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Hotels and Restaurants in Ayodhya.
Reside in tranquil ashrams, dharamsalas or guesthouses that are indicative of simplicity and piety. Most of them do satvik food, which is vegetarian food cooked with care and love. It is not only food here, but a kind of prayer.
Moments That Stay With You
Ayodhya is not monuments at all, but moments:
- The blessing of a sadhu, and a child with flowers, and the conch shell at the first rays of the sun.
- One tear of gratitude can be a better thing than thousand words, sometimes.
- Ayodhya does not require faith, it merely requests the openness.
Follow-up: Carry Ayodhya Within You.
You are taking Ayodhya to home, do not carry it home in your suitcase but in your heart. Dissent and keep the tranquility of the Sarayu, the sound of the chants, and the silence of the temples. Let your everyday life show you the calm you had there.
Since Ayodhya is not just a location, but a sentiment, a reflection of the spirit.
Final Thought
A visit to Ayodhya is not a travelling, it is a journey against the mind of falsehood, lack of love and knowledge of self.
And when life becomes too loud, Eat Ayodhya call thee back. Walk slowly. Breathe deeply. Be kind.
