According to the Ramayana Ayodhya is so ancient that it was founded by Manu, the progenitor of humankind. Both Ramayana and Mahabharata describe Ayodhya as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is situated on the banks of the River Sarayu. Valmiki describes it as a huge city around 120 miles in length and 30 miles in breadth. It was a very prosperous and modern city. It had huge royal highways always kept moist with water with fragrant flowers scattered on them. The city was surrounded by gates and arches. All the houses had beautiful frontages. Buildings were studded with precious gems. Many were multi-storied, some going up to seven stories. Water was plentiful and tasted like sugar cane juice. Many Vedic scholars and sages lived there and the atmosphere was very calm and peaceful. It had skilled craftsmen of all types. It was surrounded by gardens and orchard trees with mangoes, pomegranates and grapes. It was well fortified with an extensive wall which was as beautiful as an ornament girdling the city. Beyond that was a wide moat which prevented enemies from entering. It was protected with machinery and weapons and bastions with canons. It had horses, camels, cows and donkeys. Many residents of other cities as well as traders used to visit the city. This was the city in which the great king Dasaratha lived and in which Sri Rama grew up.
AYODHYA - The Ancient City
AYODHYA - The Ancient City
AYODHYA - The Ancient City
According to the Ramayana Ayodhya is so ancient that it was founded by Manu, the progenitor of humankind. Both Ramayana and Mahabharata describe Ayodhya as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty. It is situated on the banks of the River Sarayu. Valmiki describes it as a huge city around 120 miles in length and 30 miles in breadth. It was a very prosperous and modern city. It had huge royal highways always kept moist with water with fragrant flowers scattered on them. The city was surrounded by gates and arches. All the houses had beautiful frontages. Buildings were studded with precious gems. Many were multi-storied, some going up to seven stories. Water was plentiful and tasted like sugar cane juice. Many Vedic scholars and sages lived there and the atmosphere was very calm and peaceful. It had skilled craftsmen of all types. It was surrounded by gardens and orchard trees with mangoes, pomegranates and grapes. It was well fortified with an extensive wall which was as beautiful as an ornament girdling the city. Beyond that was a wide moat which prevented enemies from entering. It was protected with machinery and weapons and bastions with canons. It had horses, camels, cows and donkeys. Many residents of other cities as well as traders used to visit the city. This was the city in which the great king Dasaratha lived and in which Sri Rama grew up.