What are the main attractions and spiritual significance of the new Ayodhya Ram Mandir?

Lord Sri Ram Mandir is known for its unique features.

Lord Rama : Lord Ram’s idol was sculpted by Arun Yogiraj , Mysuru based sculptor.

This 51 inch idol was sculpted according to ancient Shilpa Shastra.

Shaligram : Its main idols are sculpted from 60 million old Shaligram rocks.

These sacred stones were specifically sourced from Gandaki river in Nepal.

Surya Tilak : It is a rare temple where Sun rays touch it on specific days.

Lord Surya Narayan is Kuldev of Lord Sri Ram.

Architecture : This grand temple is built on Nagara style.

Nagara style is an ancient form of temple architecture.

Strong : Many architects believe, this shrine can last over 1000 years.

Interestingly, it was constructed without cement , iron and steel.

Grand : It has 392 pillars; 44 doors and a long wall.

It is also known for its 2100 kg Ashtdhatu (8 metals) bell.

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Mahadev

Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

In Ramayan’s 14 years of exile, why didn't Ram (and team) go north of Sapt Sindhu? Why did they go south of Ayodhya?

 The Supreme Rama who is dharma personified, did as he was instructed by Mata Kaikeyi.

He started out to dwell in the dandakaranya, literal meaning being “Forest of Punishment”, so called because it is a fearsome unsafe jungle region teeming with rakshasas and wild animals, ever ready and waiting to kill people travelling through the route.

It may be noted that when Raghunatha returned, it was Yudhajita Sahodari who was the most excited, happy and relieved.

After all, she was the one who told and retold countless bedtime stories to the God of Gods.

The relationship between the son and his mother (for Rama, all three Mother Queens were his mother) remained the same, a relationship of great love and affection.

You could go on and on about Shri Rama, what say.

So that is the answer.

Who was Atithi, the son of Kusha and Kumudvati, and what role did he play in Ayodhya's lineage?

Atithi was son of Kusha and his Chief Queen Kumudvati. He succeeded at the throne of Ayodhya after death of his father Kusha. He had married a Princess of Nishadha Kingdom (somewhere in Himalayan plateau) and also named his son and successor Nishada in her honour.

Kumudvati

Kumudvati was second wife of Kusha but his Chief Queen. She was a Naga Princess and sister of Naga King Kumud. She had eight sons and the eldest son was Atithi. She also had one daughter with Kusha named Champakmalini.

Kusha’s first wife was Champika, daughter of King Bhurikirti of Eastern lands. She gave birth to nine daughters and one of them was named Hema, who became Queen of Avanti.

Atithi was handsome, patient, wise, charitable and a good administrator. He was known for his charity and making the kings he defeated as his vassals.

Source- Ananda Ramayana and Raghuvansh by Kalidas

Why is Ayodhya and the Ram temple such a big deal?

 

Ram : Lord Ram happens to be integral part of Hindu faith.

He is also worshipped by Ganpatya ; Sourya ; Smarta ; Vaishnav; Shaiva ; Shakta sects of Hinduism.

He is also adored by Nirguna sampadya (Kabir ; Nanak)

Tarak : Lord Shiva proverbially teaches Rama Nama to departing soul in Kashi ( Varanasi / Banaras)

It is known as Tarak Mantra (one that frees from cycle of birth and death)

Vishnu Sahasranama : This great hymn states taking Rama Nama thrice equals to thousand names of Lord Sri Hari Vishnu.

Ayodhya : Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya . It means invincible or unassailable in Sanskrit.

Sacred texts describe it as the best city ruled by Maryada Purushotam Ram, the best upholder of ethics.

Many ancient texts describe it as super prosperous state ruled by a selfless ruler.

Babar : Lord Ram’s abode was desecrated by Mir Baqi, a commander of Babar- a known iconoclast.

In 1528; He reportedly built a mosque at the abode of Lord Rama.

For centuries ; Lord Rama had no place and his idol was placed under a makeshift temple.

Naturally, it led to communal tensions and unrest among many Hindu devotees.

Politics : Ram Mandir issue changed national politics.

Many political commentators point out; it turned newly formed BJP into invincible National party.

It also led to unseen communal clashes ; demolition of Babri mosque ; terrorist attacks.

Temple : Finally , after Supreme court ruling ; a grand Ram Temple was built in 2024.

Lord Rama got his abode back.

Facts :Many jurists ; political analysts point out ; it should have been done years back.

People from all walks of life donated and contributed to Ram temple.

Lord Rama has got every right to reclaim his birth place.

Last, Lord Rama belongs to all !

Prayer : Sri Ganeshaya Namah Jai Sri Sita Ram Narayan Namo Parvatipataye Har Har Har Mahadev Shiv Shambo ! Jai Jai Hanuman Gosai Kripa Karo Gurudev Ki Nai !

Pic Credits : Google Images / Web

Ram's Vanavasa Route From Ayodhya To Lanka

Names of Shivlingams identified by Archaeologists

Rameswara Swamy: Ailuru, Krishna Dt.

2. Ramalingeswara Swamy : MustabadVillage Krishna Dt.

3. YandalaMallikarjunaSwamy: Ravivalasa Village Srikakulam

4. Tatakeswara Swamy: Relangi, West Godavari (W.G.)Dt.

5. Amareswara Swamy: Narasapuram, W.G.Dt.

6. RamalingeswaraSwamy : Palangi, W.G.Dt.

7. Kedareswara Swamy : Siddhantam, W.G. Dt.

8. Ksheeraramam : Palakollu, W.G.Dt.

9. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Parnashala, Khammam Dt.

10. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Rameswaram, Mahabubnagar Dt.

11. Mukteswara Swamy: Mukteswara Village East Godavari Dt.

12. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Jadcherla, Mahabubnagar Dt.

13. UmaramalingeswaraSwamy: Dhavalagiri, E.G.Dt.

14. RamalingeswaraSwamy: Ramannapeta, Warangal Dt.

15. UmashivalingeswaraSwamy: Shivakodu, E.G.Dt.

16. RamalingeswaraSwamy: Dharmapuri, Kareemnagar Dt.

16. Siddarameshwara : Ramgiri Chitradurga Dist.

17. BuggaramalingeswaraSwamy: Tadipatri, Anantapur Dt.

18. Gurazala RamalingeswaraSwamy: Gurazala, Kurnool Dt.

19. RamalingeswaraSwamy : Ramateerdham, Nellore Dt.

20. TrilingarameswaraSwamy: Tandur, Nizamabad Dt.

21. RameswaraSwamy: Sirikonda, Nizamabad Dt.

22. Gunta Ramappa Swamy: Aiza Village Kurnool Dt

24. RamalingeswaraSwamy: Dubbaka,Medak Dt.

25. ParvathiKoteswaraSwamy: KotilingalaVillage. KarimnagarDt.

26. UbhayarameswaraSwamy: Chilumuru, Guntur Dt.

27. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Addanki, Prakasam Dt.

28. BhavaniramalingeswaraSwamy: Keesaragutta, RangaReddyDt

29. RamalingeswaraSwamy: Medchal, RangaReddy Dt.

30. RameswaraSwamy: Potaram Vill. Karimnagar Dt.

31. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Gondiparla Vill. Kurnool Dt.

32. Gandiramanna HolyPlace : Nirmal, Adilabad Dt.

33. RamalingeswaraSwamy : Srikurmam, Srikakulam Dt.

34. Ramalingeswara Swamy: Digamarru, W.G.Dt.

35. RamalingeswaraSwamy: Balive, Krishna Dt.

36. RamalingeswaraSwamy : Aadivarapupeta, W.G.Dt.

37. Abhatasahayanadhar : Aadudurai, Tanjore, Tamilnadu.

38. Teerthagiriswara : Tavasagiri, Teerthamalai, Tamilnadu.

39. Sargunanadhar : Hidambavanam, Thiruppur, Tamilnadu.

40. Sahasra Lingeswaralayam : Srisailam, Kurnool Dist.

41. Ramalingeswaralayam : Tondangi , East Godavari Dist.

42. 108 Shivalingas installed by Ram in Papanashanam Tamilnadu

43 . Rameshwaram (jyothirlinga) were Parameshwara blessed Ram .