David Clay Photography
Pilgrimage to Ayodhya
At daybreak it is cold and foggy on the banks of the Sarayu River. Pilgrims begin their day bathing the frigid waters of Ayodhya's legendary, sacred river. There are formal places with steps (ghats) and covered enclosures and tables for clothing along the shoreline for bathers to make it to the water's edge.
This river is of ancient significance, finding mentions in the Vedas and the Ramayana.
This Sarayu played a vital role for the city and life of Ayodhya, and according to the great Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is where Rama, the seventh Avatar of Vishnu immersed himself to return to his eternal, real Mahavishnu form, when he retired from the throne of Kosala. His brothers Bharata and Shatrughna also joined him, as did many devoted followers. The Sarayu is also the river upon whose banks King Rama was born.
Pilgrimage to Ayodhya
At daybreak it is cold and foggy on the banks of the Sarayu River. Pilgrims begin their day bathing the frigid waters of Ayodhya's legendary, sacred river. There are formal places with steps (ghats) and covered enclosures and tables for clothing along the shoreline for bathers to make it to the water's edge.
This river is of ancient significance, finding mentions in the Vedas and the Ramayana.
This Sarayu played a vital role for the city and life of Ayodhya, and according to the great Sanskrit epic Ramayana, is where Rama, the seventh Avatar of Vishnu immersed himself to return to his eternal, real Mahavishnu form, when he retired from the throne of Kosala. His brothers Bharata and Shatrughna also joined him, as did many devoted followers. The Sarayu is also the river upon whose banks King Rama was born.