Ayodhya Ideology in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism

Lord Buddha, Lord Mahavira, Lord Rama

The story of Ayodhya in the history of India is hundreds of years old. The land of Ayodhya and its ideology reflects the continuous process of religion, politics and cultural development of India. It contains everything like love, good governance, culture, poetry, sacrifice, struggle etc. During the rule of many rulers in different periods, Ayodhya saw a lot, some of which it liked and many things were sad for it. But this holy land kept moving forward taking everyone along, absorbing everything within itself. Therefore, it would be very interesting to know more about it. Let us know what is the importance of Ayodhya in different religions and cultures –

Ayodhya in Hindu Ideology

Ayodhya is a place of immense religious significance in Hinduism, considered to be the birthplace of Shri Ram, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and the setting of the epic Ramayana. Situated on the banks of the sacred Saryu River, this ancient city was also known as Saket and was the capital of the Kosala kingdom. Known as a major pilgrimage site for centuries, the city is one of the seven most important pilgrimage sites (seven cities that grant salvation) for Hindus.

अयोध्या मथुरा माया काशी काञ्ची अवन्तिका । पुरी द्वारावती चैव सप्तैता मोक्षदायिका:॥

(Meaning – Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi, Kanchipuram, Ujjain, and Dwarka – these seven cities provide salvation)

Ayodhya is one of the major pilgrimage sites of various religions and sects. Ayodhya is also an important religious center of Buddhism and Jainism. It is said that both Gautam Buddha and Lord Mahavira visited this city and resided here.

Ayodhya in Buddhism

Ayodhya is also considered an important place in Buddhism Ideology. The Pali texts considered the foundational texts of Theravada Buddhism, describe this place along with other Buddhist centers such as Shravasti. These texts mention a city called Saket (or Sageya), which is believed to be the present-day city of Ayodhya. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of Mauryan Empire structures dating back to the 3rd century BCE, possibly including monasteries or stupas, which are Buddhist architectural forms. Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang visited here in the seventh century. According to him, there were 20 Buddhist temples and 3000 monks lived here. Although Ayodhya is not as included in Buddhist legends or pilgrimage routes as in Hinduism, it still holds an important place in Buddhism.

Ayodhya in Jainism

Ayodhya has a special place in Jainism. According to Jain beliefs, Lord Ramchandra Ji was born on this land. Five of the twenty-four Tirthankaras of Jainism were born here.

In the following order: First Tirthankar Rishabh Nath Ji, Second Tirthankar Ajitnath Ji, Fourth Tirthankar Abhinandan Nath Ji, Fifth Tirthankar Sumatinath Ji, and Fourteenth Tirthankar Anantnath Ji. All the above Tirthankaras and Lord Ramchandra ji belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty.

According to Jain texts, Ayodhya is considered “Shashwata Tirtha” (Eternal Pilgrimage Site). Jains believe that it will never be destroyed and will remain the birthplace of Tirthankaras throughout different eras. Jain scriptures mention that out of 108 auspicious events (Kalyanak) associated with Tirthankaras, 18 Kalyanak took place in Ayodhya. These events include the birth, enlightenment, and liberation of the Tirthankaras.

The major Jain temples of Ayodhya are the ‘Jain Shwetambar Temple’ (dedicated to the five Tirthankaras born in Ayodhya) and ‘Kanak Bhawan’ (a Digambar Jain temple), which are evidence of the presence of Jain population in the city. Thus, Ayodhya is an important pilgrimage site for followers of both the Svetambara and Digambara sects.

Ayodhya in Islamic Ideology

Ayodhya has no religious significance for Muslims. Neither was any prophet born there, nor has ayodhya contributed to the development of Islamic Ideology, nor has any special or miraculous Islamic event occurred here. Only one source is found, after the arrival of Mughal ruler Babur in India, a mosque was built in Ayodhya during his tenure, which is called Babri Masjid. This mosque was built by Babur’s commander Mir Baqi in 1528-29 AD.

Along with being the birthplace of Lord Ram, the ideal of Hindu society, it is one of the most important religious places for Hindus. And at that time only Hindu population lived in Ayodhya, so what was the need to build a mosque there? Babur himself had the answer to this. Perhaps this question remained the cause of controversy for 500 years?

It is said in the Quran that a mosque cannot be built on disputed and usurped land. Even if the construction is completed and common Muslims come to know about it, they will not go to this mosque because the namaz will not be accepted by Allah, this is the basic rule of Islam regarding the mosque.

Conclusion

‘Ayodhya’ literally means a state that never faced war, but the game of destiny was such that it had to struggle for centuries for its original existence, its soul ‘Ram’. Followers of all religions present their claim on Ayodhya according to their faith. But we have to understand that Ayodhya is not just a piece of land, but the birthplace of ‘Lord Ram’, the symbol of faith of crores of Hindus. It is as important for Hindus as Mecca is for Muslims and Jerusalem for Christians.

We should also remember the ideals of Lord Shri Ram, who, keeping the promise of his father, accepted to go to the forest along with giving the kingdom to his brother Bharat. But he did not let the peace of his kingdom Ayodhya be disturbed, nor did he allow any kind of dispute to arise. Because of this sacrifice, even today crores of people around the world consider him their ideal. The ideals of Lord Rama and Ideology of Ayodhya can teach the world the importance of sacrifice and peace in the present times. Can we learn something from him?

Overall, Ayodhya is a wonderful place where you can get shared experiences related to all religions and cultures. The ideology of Ayodhya is a symbol of religious harmony. You should definitely take out some time and visit this place. It will be a lifetime experience for you.

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