Ayodhya - Gopratara Teertha

Ayodhya - Gopratara Teertha: (East of Sarayu-Gharghara confluence)

(Skanda Purana - Ayodhya Mahatmya - 6)

• I meditate on Sri Rama bestowing higher Lokas to the residents of Ayodhya while returning to his divine abode.

• When the time of departure of Sri Rama came, he went to Swargadwara. The residents of Ayodhya as well as the vanaras and rakshasas devoted to him followed him. He gave up his body there and returned to the abode of Lord Vishnu. Thereafter, as Lord Vishnu Sri Rama told Brahmadeva to bestow higher Lokas to the residents of Ayodhya since they are devoted to him. Brahmadeva told that he will bestow them Santanika Loka. When Lord Brahma said this, the waters of the Gopratara Teertha reached Sarayu. The residents gave up their bodies there and attained the higher Loka.

• Holy Bath: Karthika