21/01/2024
What is the special connection between Ayodhya and Kanchipuram?
Many sacred texts, like the Shrimad Bhagvat, highlight how rare it is to be born as a human in Bharat Khand (India). They suggest that achieving this special birth requires earning good karma over about 100 lifetimes. Even celestial beings like Indra wish to be born in India to seek liberation. According to these teachings, true liberation, or moksha, can only be attained by being born as a human in India and sincerely practicing righteousness (dharma), knowledge (gnan), detachment (vairagya), and devotion (bhakti) while connecting with the divine. This emphasizes the unique and privileged opportunity presented by human life in India for the pursuit of ultimate liberation.
Bharat is the land of Dharma, Karma, and Moksha. There are seven revered Hindu sites, collectively known as the Saptha Moksha Puri, where spiritual seekers pursue 'moksha' from the cyclical nature of life and death. These sacred places are Ayodhya, Mathura, Haridwar, Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchi (Kanchipuram), Ujjain, and Dwaraka.
The intricate connection of spiritual significance between Ayodhya and Kanchipuram finds mention in the 39th and 40th chapters of Lalitopakhyanam, a scriptural masterpiece on the greatness of Kamakshi Devi. This scripture delves into the sacred connection, illuminating the special ties that bind the two ancient cities. Furthermore, within the realm of the 'Pancha Bhuta Sthalam' dedicated to Lord Shiva, Kanchi and Ayodhya are identified as 'Prithvi Kshetram'.
Thus, the spiritual fabric connecting Ayodhya and Kanchipuram is ingrained in the cultural ethos. Of particular significance is the tale of Ayodhya's King Dasharath and Kanchi Kamakshi. In ancient lore, King Dasharath, grappling with the anguish of childlessness, had a dream that guided him to seek the blessings of Goddess Kanchi Kamakshi, instilling hope for the prospect of progeny. Thus the ethereal connection between Ayodhya and Kanchipuram underscores the profound cultural and historical connection between these sacred lands.
Kamakshi Amman Temple Kanchipuram Ayodhya