Ayodhya (అయోధ్య)

Today: Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh

Ayodhya was the shining capital of the kingdom of Kosala, sitting on the banks of the Sarayu river. This is where Rama was born to King Dasharatha, where he grew up with his brothers, and where his whole story begins and ends. When Rama finally came home after fourteen years, the people lit rows and rows of little lamps to welcome him - and that is why we light diyas on Deepavali to this day.