Guptar Ghat- Faizabad (Indo-Ismalic Architecture)

 “Architecture is the alpha principle of all arts”

    

                                 GUPTAR GHAT

 

Guptar Ghat in Ayodhya district of Uttar Pradesh is a religious place on the west bank of River Ghaghra, also known as River Saryu. The birth place of Lord Ram and its adjoining region is known as Ayodhya, more specifically Saket. In the scriptures, the glory of the Gupta-Ghat has been proclaimed. Guptar Ghat is approximately 9 km from Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya. Guptar Ghat looks different from the ghats of Ayodhya in many ways. There is neither the presence of ‘Pandas’ nor the religious environment in strict sense. The solitude on the ghat does not create boredom rather it elicits conscious peace.

History Of Guptar Ghat 

Guptar Ghat holds immense religious significance. According to legend, Guptar Ghat is believed to be the place where Lord Rama meditated and undertook the Jal Samadhi to leave the earth and go back to his original abode 'Vaikunta'. It is a popular belief among devotees that taking a dip in the Saryu river on this ghat will wash away their sins and relieve them from worldly worries. The ghat resounds with the chants of Lord Rama's name as devotees and priests sing hymns in his praises.

◆◆It comprises a series of fine well-maintained Ghats built by Raja Darshan Singh in the first half of the 19th century.

Architectural Glory of the Faizabad

The Provincial Style of Architecture influenced the city’s architecture. This style of architecture includes trends and developments noted in various provincial capitals in India, particularly in Punjab, Bengal, and Jaunpur. In the late medieval era, the city began to experience Indo-Islamic architecture. During the Muslim reign, this province, which comprised the cities of Dhar and Mandu, saw a significant number of Islamic structures. During this time, they distinctively created Islamic art. Five Jain Tirthankaras (saviours and spiritual instructors) were born in Faizabad, and their temples are all dedicated to them: Shri Adinath/Rishabhadev, Shri Ajitna, Shri Abhinandannath, Shri Sumatinath, and Shri Anantnath. In Faizabad, they also received Diksha (initiation). Their respective temples are located in Swargadwar (Muraitola), Baksaria (Begumpura, Saptasagar), Mohalla Rajghat (Mondhiana), Ramkot, and Golaghat. In 1724 CE, Kesari Singh, the Nawab of Faizabad’s treasurer, had the five Jain shrines restored and rebuilt to preserve the locations of these Tirthankaras’ birthplaces. Hindu believers regard the Sarayu River’s banks (Ghaghara River) in Ayodhya, which have a variety of bathing areas known as ghats, as sacred and ritualistic locations. On the riverbank ghat, pilgrims frequently engage in four significant rituals: snana (bathing), dhyana (meditation), dana (giving), and shradha (cremation), which is done between stairways to the waterfront.

Importance of Guptar Ghat 

Importance of Guptar Ghat can be ascertained by its mention in various religious scriptures. Find below the ‘shlokas’ in Skandh Purana describing the significance of this ghat.

There are some temples near Guptar Ghat like Narasingh Temple, Sita-Ram Temple, Raja Mandir, and Chakra Hari Vishnu temple. It is said that there are impressions of the feet of lord ram in Chakra Hari Vishnu Temple. Various nearby temples generate a feel of peace. Another attraction on Guptar Ghat is Kartikeya Seva Sadan, a spiritual center. It was the place where Saint Kartikeya of the Bhakti tradition resided only 50-60 years ago. One can enjoy a pleasant view of sunrise and sunset while feeling the breeze of fresh air on the bank of river. There one can enjoy boat ride too while viewing the surroundings of the river.

The most attractive aspect of the Gupta Ghat is its natural environment and extensive forest land here. There is Cantt - Dogra Regiment Center – here. The forest or garden near the ghat was previously called Company Garden but, now, known as Guptar Ghat Van. One can enjoy greenery and natural beauty. Different kind of flowers can be seen here. Faizabad Museum is near to the ghat. Other major attractions of Ayodhya city (previously called Faizabad) are Gulab Bari, Bahu Begam Ka Maqbara (Tomb of Bahu Begum) and Fort Calcutta.

There is a Samadhi of Gumnami Baba which is assumed to be of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, India’s freedom fighter and founder of INA (Indian National Army).

In 19th century, Raja Darshan Singh has done efforts to renovate Guptar Ghat. Presently, UP government and Uttar Pradesh tourism department are doing their level best to increase facilities and conditions of the ghat. It takes almost one hour generally to enjoy the serene ambience of Guptar Ghat. One can sit there for hours to enjoy the morning or evening with some peace.

Distance (From Ayodhya Junction): 10 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 1 Hour

Place Location: In Faizabad

Transportation Options: Cab / Auto

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 10 km from Ayodhya Junction, Guptar Ghat is a holy ghat situated on the banks of River Saryu in Faizabad near Ayodhya. It is one of the popular religious places to visit in Ayodhya.

Entry fee - Free