Ayodhya Sarayu River: In the diverse and picturesque land of India, there are numerous mountains, waterfalls, and rivers that add to its beauty. When it comes to rivers, India is often referred to as the land of rivers, boasting approximately 200 rivers, big and small. Several rivers have a rich and ancient history. Speaking of the Sarayu River, it has a history that dates back to the exile period of Lord Rama and has witnessed his return to Ayodhya.
The Sarayu River holds significance in the narrative of Ayodhya, as it has been a witness to the life of Lord Rama from his exile to his return to Ayodhya. Without the description of the Sarayu River, the story of Ayodhya remains incomplete, as the river has been a silent witness to the birth, exile, and return of Lord Rama.
The ongoing discussions about the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya have sparked conversations around the Sarayu River. However, if we don’t delve into the story of the Sarayu River, the saga of Ayodhya will remain incomplete.
Let’s explore the story and history of the Sarayu River, which has been flowing through Ayodhya, witnessing the journey of Lord Rama.
Mention of Sarayu in Vedas and Puranas:
During the time of the Ramayana, Sarayu was the principal river of the Kosala region. Similarly, the mention of the Sarayu River is found in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. It is referred to as a celibate river. Tulsidas, in the Ramcharitmanas, beautifully describes the glory of Sarayu with the lines, “Avadhpuri mama puri suhavani, Uttar disa baha Sarayu pavani.” Through this verse, Tulsidas presents Sarayu as the primary identity of Ayodhya.
The Padma Purana, specifically in the Uttarakhand section, narrates the greatness of the Sarayu River. Sage Panini, in his book Ashtadhyayi, also mentions the Sarayu River. In the local language, it is said that Sarayu is constantly flowing with milk, and fools consider it mere water. This metaphorically implies that the sacred Sarayu River is continuously flowing with a stream of nectar, although some may perceive it as ordinary water.
How Sarayu River Originated:
Sarayu is a Vedic river, and its mention is found in the Rigveda. According to the Puranas, Sarayu manifested from the tears of Lord Vishnu’s eyes. It is said that the sacred river’s origin is associated with the tears of Lord Vishnu. According to the Ananda Ramayana’s Yatra Kanda, in ancient times, the demon Shankasura stole the Vedas and threw them into the sea, hiding himself there as well. At that time, Lord Vishnu assumed the Matsya (fish) avatar, killed the demon, handed the Vedas to Lord Brahma, and returned to his true form.
During this event, Lord Vishnu’s eyes shed tears of joy. Brahma took those tears of love and placed them in the Manasarovar, safeguarding them. Maharaja Vaivasvata, with his great prowess, extracted this water from Manasarovar using an arrow. This water flow is known as the Sarayu River. This narrative is described in Chapter 121 of the Matsya Purana and in the 24th Sarga of Valmiki Ramayana.
History of the Sarayu River:
The Sarayu River is actually the tributary of the Sharada River. It is also known as Sarayu or Sarju River. The Sarayu River diverges from the Sharada River in Uttarakhand and continues its course through Uttar Pradesh. It originates primarily from the foothills of the Himalayas and becomes an auxiliary river to the Sharada. Speaking of the history of the Sarayu River, it finds mention in ancient Hindu scriptures, Vedas, and the Ramayana. Sarayu is one of the seven tributaries of the Ganga River. The sanctity of the Sarayu River is such that bathing in it is believed to cleanse a person of impurities.
In the Treta Yuga, the birthplace of Lord Rama and the capital city Ayodhya were situated on the banks of the Sarayu. It is said that the arrival of the Sarayu on Earth happened before the Treta Yuga, specifically for witnessing the childhood exploits of Lord Rama. In this way, this river is not only significant for Ayodhya but is considered of great importance for the entire India.
Identification of Ayodhya is Through the Sarayu:
According to Puranas and the Ramayana, the arrival of the Sarayu River is mentioned to have occurred before the Treta Yuga. In the present day as well, this river is the center of faith for millions of people. Devotees take bath in this river on special occasions. The Sarayu is revered by saints, ascetics, and spiritual practitioners as well.
