Encyclopaedia on India

Swarg Dwar, popularly known as Ram Ghat , is one of the most sacred and historically significant sites in Ayodhya. Situated about half a kilometre north of the Ram Janmabhoomi, this revered ghat is believed to mark the place where Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, was cremated. The stretch of land from Sahasradhara to Nageshwarnath Temple is symbolically referred to as Swarg Dwar, meaning “ Gateway to Heaven ,” making it a focal point of devotion and pilgrimage. Mythological Significance Swarg Dwar holds a unique place in Indian mythology. While certain scriptures narrate that Lord Rama ascended to Vaikuntha with his human body after crowning his sons, local traditions strongly maintain that his earthly remains were consigned to flames at this ghat. This divergence of belief has sparked debates among scholars and devotees, yet it enhances the mystique of the site. Similar gateways to heaven exist in other pilgrimage centres such as Dwarka and Puri, but Ayodhya’s Sw...

Introduction Located in the southwestern corridor of Uttar Pradesh, Auraiya District is a compelling blend of historical depth and contemporary growth. Geographically situated between 26°21′ to 27°01′ north latitude and 78°45′ to 79°45′ east longitude, it forms a crucial part of the Kanpur Division. Auraiya is bordered by Kannauj to the north, Etawah and Gwalior to the west, Kanpur Dehat to the east, and Jalaun to the south making it a strategically placed district with rich cultural and economic interconnections. Spanning an area of 2,054 square kilometers, Auraiya showcases a harmonious mix of fertile agricultural landscapes and budding urban settlements. According to the 2011 census, the district houses over 1.37 million residents and boasts a literacy rate of 80.25%, underscoring its commitment to educational advancement and social upliftment. Historical Evolution The Etymology of Auraiya is believed to trace back to “Aurai,” possibly denoting a native plant or a geographi...