How did Kusha become the King of Ayodhya, and what was his rule like after Rama left for Vaikuntha?

Maharaja Kusha

Kusha was the eldest son of Shri Ram and Mata Sita. In original Valmiki Ramayana it's simply written Shri Ram gave North Kosala to Lava and South Kosala to Kusha to rule as it's Kings. Their married life or their life after Vaikuntha Gaman of Shri Ram is not mentioned.

However, as Kusha was the one who inherited the throne of Ayodhya, he is mentioned in detail in Ananda Ramayana, Raghuvansh and his genealogy is mostly present in Puranas and Shrimad Bhagwatam.

In Raghuvansh written by Kalidas, it's mentioned that when he was ruling in Kushavati, he was visited by deity of Ayodhya who pleaded him to return back as the glorious city got dilapidated after Shri Ram.

Now that powerful King Kusha, who was the banner of his family, who had implanted arrowheads in the hearts of his enemies, and who was a friend to his subjects, encamped on the outskirts of the city those armies which had waving banners. [16-37]

King Kusha, the son of Maithili, living in the residential city of Raghu-s which had been restored to its former splendour, did not covet for the city of the lord of heavens, namely amarAvati of Indra, or even for the city of god of wealth, namely alakA-puri of Kubera. [16-42]

Kusha eventually returned after discussing with his ministers and rebuilt the city to its former glory and became the most illustrious king in Aryavarta. He is called King of Kings and even Devtas in Ananda Ramayana.

• Lines shaped like the Srivatsa mark, thunderbolt (Vajra), discus (Chakra), lotus, fish, bow, and mace (Danda) are marked on his hands, indicating that he will be a king even among the gods. || 41 ||
• He has a complete set of thirty-two teeth in his mouth. His neck is beautiful like a conch shell. His voice is deep and resonant like that of a Krauncha bird, a kettle-drum (Nagada), a swan, and a thundercloud. From this, it is known that he will surpass all the kings of the world. || 42 ||

Mahadevi Champika

Champika, daughter of Maharaja Bhurikirti was his first wife and she chose Kusha in Swayamvar.

• Hearing these words of Nanda, Champika, with a smiling face, happily placed the bridal garland around Kusha's neck with her own hands.
• At that moment, various divine drums resounded, and the bards and panegyrists sang praises. Sitting in that assembly with his head bowed down out of shyness, the young Kusha looked exceedingly handsome.

Rishi Agastya told Shri Ram that Champika won't be having any sons but daughters only and therefore when he had left for Vaikuntha, Kusha would get a second wife named Kumudvati and she will give him sons. After that they had nine daughters together.

Kumudvati

After he became King of Ayodhya, Kusha got married to Naga Princess Kumudvati, sister of Naga King Kumud in a peace alliance when he had almost annihilated Nagas due to Kumudvati taking his lost golden arm- bracelet mistakenly when he was sporting in Sarayu river with Champika (and his junior wives in Raghuvansh).

The king did not bear loss of bracelet because it was the charm securing victory; further it was worn by his father Rama before him, but not because he was avaricious for gold pieces; for a firm-minded person, as the king was, equally valued perishable flowers and variable ornaments. [16-74]

Kumuda who spoke in this manner, and who returned the ornament to the king who in turn replied "you are praiseworthy and a relation of mine from now on..."; then accompanied by his kinsmen Kumuda formed an alliance with the king by procedurally giving over the jewel of his dynasty which was no other than his sister Kumudvati.

In this manner the Naga king Kumuda got the direct son of Seetha and Rama, the legitimate descendant of the ruler of the three-worlds, as his kinsman whereby Kumuda gave up the fear from the bird-vehicle of Vishnu, namely Garuda, who had been his enemy in consequence of the death of Kumuda's father; and Kusha too got Kumuda who was the fifth descendant of Takshaka, a legendary serpent king, as his kinsman whereby the vexatious problem with serpents is obliterated on earth and the king Kusha ruled the country to the utmost delight of his subjects. [16-88]

Kusha and Kumudvati (in Ananda Ramayana) had eight sons and a daughter named Champakmalini. In Raghuvansh their eldest son Atithi is mentioned who inherited the throne after Kusha died and Kumudvati followed him in death as she couldn't live without her husband.

Sources: Raghuvansh by Kalidas and Ananda Ramayana

What is the name of the Ayodhya railway station?

 Ayodhya has 2 main Railway station

1. Ayodhya Cantonment Junction

2. Ayodhya Dham Junction

⭐About Ayodhya Cantt Jn Railway Station

Ayodhya Cantonment (formerly known as Faizabad Junction Railway Station

Station code (AYC), is the railway station in Uttar Pradesh in India.

It is on the Lucknow Varanasi section and part of Northern Railway Zone

Ayodhya cantonment and Ayodhya junction are the two railway junction station in the Ayodhya

The station was established in 1874

In October 2021 the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath renamed the fission Faizabad as Ayodhya Cantt railway station

In Cantonment station, 2 Railway line joines Lucknow-Ayodhya Cantt line via Barabanki jn, Prayagraj-Ayodhya Cantt Line via Sultanpur

Several Long Distance trains originates from this station

Examples:- Delhi Train:- 22425/Ayodhya Cantt- Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express, 14025/Ayodhya Cantt-Old Delhi Express

Gujarat:- 19202/Ayodhya Cantt Bhavnagar Terminus Express

Maharashtra:- 22112/Ayodhya Cantt- Mumbai LTT Amrit Bharat Express, 22104/Ayodhya Cantt- Mumbai LTT SF Express Tulsi SF Express, Saket SF Express

Tamilnadu:- 22614/Ayodhya Cantt-Rameshwaram Shradha Setu SF Express

Ayodhya Cantt-Lucknow Memu, Ayodhya Cantt- prayagraj Sangam Memu, Ayodhya Cantt- Manakpur Memu

Total platform 5

⭐About Ayodhya Junction Railway Station

Ayodhya Junction Railway Station (station code:- AY) officially named Ayodhya Dham junction railway station is a station in the city of Ayodhya in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.

It is located at Dharmakata, 1.5 km Southwest from the city centre and 1.2 km southeast from Ram Mandir.

It is one of the two major railway station in twin City.

The station falls under Lucknow Division of Northern Railway zone

Total platform 3

In Ayodhya Dham Jn, 3 lines join Ayodhya Dham Jn- Manakpur Jn line, Ayodhya Dham Jn Varanasi line via Jaunpur, Ayodhya Dham Jn-Lucknow line via Barabanki Jn

This station was opened on 1874

The station was built by the British during the colonial era in 1874, as a part of Lucknow Gorakhpur line, it is one of the oldest railway station in India and one of the most important and Busiest railway station in Uttar Pradesh.

It is also amongst the top 100 train ticket booking and train travelling stations of the Indian Railway.

The station has been made accessible from the city as well as from NH 27 as Ayodhya Bypass Road as a part of its on going modernisation project

The station is connected by bus to the Dham Bus station located 6 kilometre East from it and to the Faizabad Bus Depot, located 15 km west from Ayodhya

Nearest airport is maharishi Valmiki International Airport located about 10 km Southwest from it.

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 .