Guptar Ghat is one of the prime Ghats at Sarayu River at Ayodhya, embarking an important chapter of Ramayana.
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Welcome to the oasis of delightful readings at www.onindianpath.com. Today, I am going to shed light on another important pilgrimage site of Ayodhya Dham – Guptar Ghat.
Introduction
Guptar Ghat is an important place stating an important event of divine Ramji as place of his last dip in holy river, Sarayu. Similarly, there are other ghats like Naya Ghat, Ram ki paidi, Ram Ghat, Lakshman Ghat and Dashrath Ghat on the banks of river Sarayu.
As per Valmiki Ramayana, Shri Ram had his Jal Samadi at this place only. Apparently, it considered as a holy ghat amongst Hindus. All the devotees believe that by taking a dip at this river bank, will wash away their sins.
As per Skand Purana, it is also called Gau Prataran.
I found priests, noise and lots of rush at every bank of river. But the calmness and serenity of this ghat is beyond words. Birds were chirping beautifully and wind was blowing like music in my ears. I am sure the stillness of life there must have moved hearts of many travelers like me.
Why is it called Guptar Ghat?
Guptar is a Hindi word derived from Gupt Hari ka Dwar. Particularly, Shri Ram meditated for the last time and took Jal samadhi and went secretly to Vaikunth Dham (abode of Lord Vishnu).
What is Jal Samadhi?
Here, Jal Samadhi refers to the process of relinquishing the life and world by merging into waterbody like a river or a ocean. Infact, in Satyuga, Treta and Dwapar yuga, divine human like Rama, saints and sages used to go for Jal Samadhi to renounce from Maya (worldly desires and attachments).
Significance of Guptar Ghat
Guptar Ghat holds great significance in Hinduism. As per Tulsidas Ramcharitmanas, Ramayana ended with return of Lord Rama at Ayodhya after killing demon king Ravana and getting back Goddess Sita. However, as per Uttar Ramayana by sage Valmiki, Shri Ram continued his kingdom for hundreds of years. He carried his duties and roles as a dotted father, loyal husband, caring brother and obedient son very efficiently.
Story of Shri Ram’s Jal Samadhi
One day, one saint came to visit Ayodhya and asked Lord Rama to meet him personally at a seperate space. The saint was Yama Deva(god of death). He came to remind him about the end of his tenure on Earth. Since, he asked for privacy, Lord Rama asked his younger brother Lakshmana to guard the room and not to allow anyone to enter.
As destined, suddenly Sage Durvasha came to Ayodhya and demanded meeting the King immediately, otherwise the king will be cursed for death.
Furthermore, everyone was aware of the wrath of Rishi Durvasa. Thus, Lakshmana went to Shri Ram’s room to save him from the sage’s wrath. He first asked Lord Rama for Jal Samadhi to reach Vaikuntha Dham. Since Lakshmana was the reincarnation of Sheshnaag (the coiled serpent on whom Lord Vishnu used to sleep at Vaikuntha Dham), he wanted to be at Vaikuntha Dham before Shri Ram’s arrival from Mrituloka (Earth).
On this occasion, Shri Ram passed his throne to his sons Luv and Kusha and declared his departure to Vaikuntha Dham. Eventually, he reached the Sarayu River. All the people of Ayodhya followed him, tears in their eyes. He asked for moksha for all and then went deeper into the river, secretly ascending to his abode in Vaikuntha Dham. Since then, this place has been known as Guptar Ghat.
Key Highlights of Guptar Ghat
- Moreover, there are other temple’s like Sita-Ram temple, Chakrahari shrine, and the Narsingh temple at this site.
- Further, every evening there is Aarti of River Sarayu, which attracts many tourists and devotees to view this majestic ambiance.
- This ghat is quite calmer and has soothing view than the other riverbanks of River Sarayu.
- One will spin in the chants of Lord Ram’s name, creating an ambiance immersed in reverence.
Timings
Open 24 hours
Aarti : 6 PM
How to Reach
Indeed, Ayodhya Dham is developing at a great pace attracting thousands of tourists and devotees regularly. To reach this majestic pilgrimage circuit, one can opt for any of the following routes:
- By Air: Now, Ayodhya has its own Airport namely Maharishi Valmiki International Airport inviting major airlines connecting different locations of the country.
- By Train: Ayodhya Junction Railway Station is well connected to major cities of the country by different long and short routes trains.
- By Road: Ayodhya has many roads intricately connected to Lucknow Expressway Highway and other National Highway. One can pick pre and post taxis available at reasonable rate as provided by local tour operators.
Conclusion
Likewise, after exploring Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Bharat Temple, Nandigram, I went to Guptar Ghat at Ayodhya. The experience of visiting this ghat enveloped me in a positive aura of sacredness and spiritual resonance. I would recommend my readers to must visit Guptar Ghat as amidst the gentle rustle of leaves and the soothing murmur of flowing waters, one can experience a sense of calmness that transcends the ordinary.
Wish you a great time ahead. Keep growing with us.
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Thanks Akansha for sharing such valuable information. I did know that Shri Ram had taken Jal Samadhi but didn’t know about the place / ghat and its importance.
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