Sarayu River Ayodhya: The Sarayu River, one of Uttar Pradesh's renowned and sacred rivers, is mentioned in several ancient Hindu texts, including the Vedas and the Ramayan. Its name, which means literally "that which is streaming," refers to the water that runs through Ayodhya and is said to replenish and purify the city. Let us check out some interesting facts about this sacred river.
Sarayu River Ayodhya: Interesting Facts About The Sacred River
- Similar to how the Ganga River rises at the big toe of Lord Vishnu's right lotus feet, the Sarayu river begins at the big toe of His left lotus feet. The river's source indicates how significant the Sarayu River is to Lord Rama.
The Sarayu River runs alongside the revered city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India, further elevating the sapta-moksha puri's holiness. (Image Source: Canva)
- Its waters are considered to be the most sacred in the world, according to the Skanda Purana. Its riverbanks have been home to great sages. Its tranquil beauty is enhanced by the sound of bees buzzing and birds chirping along its banks.
- The Mansarovar Lake in the Himalayas is the source of the Sarayu River on Earth. Although the Ghaghara River is the principal tributary, the Sarayu River in the Bahraich region of Uttar Pradesh is also formed by the combined waters of the Kali and Karnali rivers. The Sarayu River joins the Ganga when it enters the Indian state of Bihar.
- The monarchs of the Surya Vamsha, or Solar dynasty, were in charge of the sacred city of Ayodhya. The city was unparalleled in its extravagance, but it was devoid of a sacred river, one of the most crucial elements of spirituality. The King of the Solar dynasty was asked by Sage Vasishta, the kula-guru of Surya Vamsha, to bring a holy river to Ayodhya so that he could carry out his religious responsibilities and holy ceremonies, such as sandhya vandhanam, homas, yagnas, etc.
- The King discharged an arrow from his quiver in observance of Sage Vasishta's request. The arrow struck the Mansarovar Lake's bund in the north, making a hole in it. A river began to emerge from the Mansarovar lake, representing the sacred tear of Lord Vishnu.
- By following the arrow's path, the river arrived at the holy city of Ayodhya. The river became known as Sarayu as it followed the arrow's path to Ayodhya. The holy Sarayu has been serving Lord Rama and His followers ever since.
- Given that the Sarayu River rises from the lotus feet of Lord Vishnu, it is certainly incredibly magnificent. With all due respect, let us examine the virtues of the Sarayu as described in the Ayodhya Mahatmya chapter of the Skanda Purana: "The ancestors, or Pitrus, receive unending satisfaction from the Sarayu river. One receives a lot greater merit from performing the shraddha ritual for one's ancestors here than one would at Gaya. One can experience the equivalent of living in Kashi for thousands of Manvantaras with just one darshan, or sacred dip in the Sarayu".
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- It is believed that even a single sighting of the sacred Sarayu River is worth hundreds and crores of kalpas spent in Avanti. The Sarayu River, which grants liberation, is Brahman itself manifested as water. Instead, it is via viewing her or bathing in her holy waters that one becomes like Lord Rama.
(Disclaimer: This is based on general public information. Jagran English does not confirm its veracity. Before adopting any measures, consult an expert from the relevant field.)