Ayodhya

The name Ayodhyā literally means "invincible" in Sanskrit, which is derived from the root yudh ("to fight, to wage war"). Historically, Ayodhya was also known as Saketa, which was widespread by Buddhist travellers and faraway traders. The Ramayana epic describes Lord Rama's 14-year exile, his victory over evil and his grand return with his wife Sita to Ayodhya to become king. This return to Ayodhya is celebrated as Diwali, the leading festival of hundreds of millions of Hindus world-wide. Consequently, Lord Rama's reign over Ayodhya and its surroundings, called Rama Rajya, is the epitome of good governance and moral society in the Hindu tradition. The story of Rama has transcended into a great inspirational story and parable for children and adults around the world. Ayodhya has come to symbolise inner peace, joy and spiritual upliftment. The former Thai capital Ayutthaya and the Indonesian city of Yogyakarta are named after Ayodhya.