Ayodhya - Swargadwara Teertha and Chandrahari

Ayodhya - Swargadwara Teertha and Chandrahari: (East of Sahashradhara Teertha)

(Skanda Purana - Ayodhya Mahatmya - 3 and 6)

• I meditate on Sri Rama returning to his divine abode from the Swargadwara Teertha of Ayodhya.

• I meditate on Chandra deva worshipping Lord Vishnu in the Swargadwara Teertha of Ayodhya.

• When the time of departure arrived for Sri Rama, he adorned the dress of brahmachari, took Kusha grass in his hands and walked towards Swargadwara. His brothers followed him. The residents of Ayodhya followed him. The vanaras and rakshasas knowing of his departure through spies also followed him. Sri Rama instructed Vibhishana to stay back and rule the rakshasas. Sri Rama instructed Hanuman to stay back as long as the name of "Rama" is sung. Sri Rama instructed Mainda and Dwivida to stay back and guide the vanaras, since they are immortal. He told all the rest to follow him. The celestials watched this great departure from the heaven. When Sri Rama reached Swargadwara, Lord Brahma eulogized him as the Supreme Soul. Sri Rama abandoned his body and entered the abode of Vishnu (with his brothers). As Lord Vishnu, Sri Rama told Brahma to bestow higher Lokas to his followers who were devoted to him. Lord Brahma told about Santanika Loka which he decided to bestow them. When Lord Brahma said this, the waters of the Gopratara Teertha reached Sarayu. The residents of Ayodhya abandoned their bodies and attained salvation. (Since Sri Rama departed to his divine abode in this Teertha, it is known as Swargadwara Teertha or the "Gateway to Heaven". It is a supreme tirtha where Snana, Dana and Dhyana attain great merit.).

• Knowing the greatness of Swargadwara, Chandradeva performed penance there and secured the grace of Lord Vishnu. Chandradeva installed an image of Lord Vishnu and worshipped it. The image became known as Chandrahari.
- Chandra Sahashra Vrata and Udyapana (performed when a man's life spans thousand moons, i.e. 83 years and 4 months)