Guptar Ghat Garden, Ayodhya Cantt – A world class recreational garden in the spiritual capital of the world
Note from the Author – The name of this place as marked on Google Maps is “New Company Garden” where the word ‘company’ represents “East India Company”. There are many parks in the major cities of Uttar Pradesh which are named either company parks or company bagh and that nomenclature continues. In fact in Prayagraj, the locals still proudly call the public park as company bagh despite the govt renaming it long time back after the local hero, Chandrashekhar Azad.
The historic Saryu river curves from west to east in a semi circle around Ayodhya. On the left of this arc is a forgotten place located within the cantonment. A place where Ram ascended to heaven after he felt that his task on earth has been completed.
In anticipation of the inauguration of Ram Mandir, govt has decided to bring into focus certain places of historic interest. Guptar Ghat is one such place. It gets a new ghat, massive open ground and a garden, which is the topic of interest today. Beautiful streets, large parking and the garden capable of conducting different types of programs. This garden has definitely given the push for recreation for locals.
About Guptar Ghat
When Lord Ram wanted to leave his human form, he walked up to this region on the outskirts of his capital to a quiet place on the river banks to ascend to heaven. The footsteps of Ram are permanently imprinted on stone at the Gupt Hari Mandir. Gupt is Hindi word which means to disappear. Guptar Ghat gets the name from this episode in history and Gupt Hari Mandir symbolizes this transition. Whatever traces of Ram and his rule must have got wiped out after his dynasty got over. Later when King Vikramaditya rediscovered Ayodhya, this place still remained off radar till the Nawabs developed this part of city on the outskirts of Ayodhya.
After the death of one of his courtier, the Nawab of Awadh decided to name his newly build fortress as Faizabad. Earlier it was known as Saket and was the private estate of Dashrath, the father of Ram. It might have very well be possible that Lord Ram might be visiting this place in his childhood along with his father which is why he chose this place of Jal-samadhi as an adult. However this is not documented anywhere. Nawabs of Awadh were originally merchants who slowly started building up the city of Faizabad as a satellite town of Ayodhya. Once the British captured control of the country from Mughals and other rulers, this place was swallowed as cantonment land with restricted access to general public and in utter state of neglect.
Today however that is not the case. With careful planning and lots of funding, the entire locality has been developed into a sort of religio-tourist destination for local as well as outstation tourists. There is a river front with massive steps type ghat. A huge ground has been created for large scale functions and melas. A well organised parking space behind Guptar Ghat along with a shopping complex and the most majestic garden ever built in not just India but the world.
Guptar Ghat Garden – with an eye on tourism
There is a direct road connecting the most important places in Ayodhya, Naya Ghat and Guptar Ghat. Also there is a highway planned from Faizabad to Ayodhya. Once all this infrastructure is complete, the accessibility part is done with. All this is in anticipation of the inauguration of Ram Mandir which is scheduled for 24th Jan 2024.
However even before this mega event, this garden has already become the talk of the town. Everyday hundreds of locals literally descend upon this place with their families to enjoy a wonderful sunset, walk on the ghat and playing in the garden. Scores of shops line up the road which provide snacks and refreshments catering to each palette of street food. Finally there are two roundabout which are popular selfie points too.
Guptar Ghat Garden will come to you as a surprise package, well planned and well maintained too. Seeing the reactions and response by the crowds, the most popular too.
