International Seminar on

The Cultural Linkage Ayodhya India & Ayutthaya Thailand

Date & Venue :
13th July, 2012 14th July, 2012 India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University, Ayutthaya

between

Thailand Ram Lila, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

Organized by

India Studies Centre,Thammasat University; Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University; Cultural Council of Ayutthaya Province; Ayutthaya Province Administration; India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok; Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge and Ayodhya Research Institute, Government of U.P India .,

Ayodhya - India
Ayodhya is an ancient city of India, in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. According to Ramayan, Manu (Hindu progenitor of mankind) had founded the city. Ayodhya had many names like Avadh, Saket, Vineeta, Ayuta etc. The word Ayodhya means Undefeated. According to Hindu sacred writings for centuries the city was ruled by Surya Vanshi Kings and was the capital of the powerful kingdom of Kosala. The history of Ayodhya starts with Mahajanpads. Gautam Buddha visited the city on numerous occasions. During the Mauryan Empire the city was the important social & religious center. Although the description of Ayodhya has been found in various ancient scriptures, it is believed that the city was lost in third and fourth centuries and that Ayodhya city was rediscovered by Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya (379-413 A.D).

City of Ayodhya, India A Terrokota panel mady by Sri Vishwajeet Majumdar, Kolkata

Chandra Gupta Vikramaditya made it Ayodhya the second most important city after Pataliputra. After the Gupta Empire, it remained as an important religious center but later lost its grace and beauty. During the Sultanate and Mughal period, the city was neglected but in 1756 CE. Suja-ud-daula made Faizabad city his capital and tried to rebuild the city. The British brought railways to the city and during their period various Indian kings built a number of temples which can be seen today.

Ayodhya > Ayutthaya - Thailand

Wat Buddhaisvarya built on the spot where King Ramadhipati stayed temporarily during the construction Wat Mahadhatu

(Photos courtesy : Asst. Prof. Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya)

Importance of Ayodhya in India

u Birth Place of Lord Ram. u As described in Valmiki Ramayan

there are about 280 places that exists in India, confirmed the existance of Lord Ram .

u Detailed Research work done by Shri

Ram Avtar Sharma, New Delhi.

u CDs & DVDs are available in

Ayoddhya Research Institute, Ayodhya, Faizabad, U.P., India

u There are 165 places that exists in

Raj Sadan, Ayodhya : India

Sri Lanka also, described in Valmiki Ramayan.

u Government of Sri Lanka has

published detailed literature and DVD.

Ram Vangaman Marg

Map of Ramas itinerary, while on exile from Ayodhya to Rameshwaram

Map -1

Map -2

Map -3

Present Ayodhya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, India

Geographical Location : 625 Km from New Delhi, 130 Km away from Lucknow and 6 km away from Faizabad City. Population Area (km3) about 1,00,000 Minimum 10.2 - Maximum 42.5 oC Basic Status : Average Temperature :
courtesy Compare Infobase Pvt. Ltd.

courtesy Compare Infobase Pvt. Ltd.

Unique characteristics l The Birth place of Lord Rama and the cradle of Lamaism and one of the seven sacred cities of Hinduism. l The Birth place of five Jain Tirthankars including First Jain Tirthankar Adinatha. l The Dargah of Hazrat Pagambara Sheesh, Badi Bua ki Mazar etc. which are famous in Muslims as well as Hindu devotees. l There are about 50 temples build by different kingdoms of India. The birth place of Queen Huh Wang-Ock, Queen Suro of King l Kim Suro of Garak State, one of the ancient kingdoms of Korea. l The birth place of world renowned Gazal/Thumri Singer Late Begum Akhtar. l Major industries: sugar, paper making, chemical fertilizers, and leather goods l Religion: Hinduism(95%), Islam(4.1%) and others(.9%) l Religious sites: Hindu temples(about 3,600), Buddhist temples (about 5), Islamic mosques(about 18) l Major areas of exchange : History, culture, education and exchange of administrative branches

Korea Park, Ayodhya, India

Temples of Ayodhya

Kanak Bhawan

Hanuman Garhi

Guptaar Ghat

Chakrahari Guptaar Ghat

Devkali Vishnu Pratima

Kale Ram Mandir

Chakrahari Guptaar Ghat

Achari Mandir

Temples of Ayodhya

Nagar Kottume

Chandrahari

Matgair

Digambar Jain Mandir

Chakrahari Guptaar Ghat

Vashishittha Kunj

Nagraj Manidr

Different Shades of Ayodhya

Vibhishan Kund

Bramh Kund Gurudwara

Kaikayi - Kaushalya Ghat

SuryuaKund Vasishttha Kund

Bahu Begum Ka Maqbara

Bru Bahu Ki Mazar

Tradition of Ayodhya
Panch Kosi Parikrama Paripath
In the temple city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, India, Panchkosi Parikrama is performed over a two day period. Devotees first take a holy dip in the Saryu River and then do a Parikrama of 15 km along the periphery of the city. It

touches Chakratirtha, Nayaghat, Ramghat, Saryubagh, Halkara-kapura, Dasrathkund, Jogiana, Ranopali, Jalpa Nala and Mahtabagh. On the way the people pay homage to the deities in the shrines which are situated on the route.
It is said that over two hundred thousand devotees including around 50 thousand sadhus from all over the country and abroad participate in the parikrama, for the religious occasion.

Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Paripath

The parikrama started with devotees taking a walk round the periphery of about 50 kilometres of the temple town of Ayodhya. More than two lakh pilgrims gathers in Ayodhya to take part in the Chaudah Kosi Parikrama after taking holy dip in river Saryu.

Panch Kosi Parikrama Paripath Chaudah Kosi Parikrama Paripath

Ramnavami
Ramnavami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Rama. It is usually celebrated in the month of Chaitra according to the Indian calender which generally corresponds to the March or April of the English calendar. Ramnavami Mela, Ayodhya is the testimonial of love, faith and devotion of the people in the state for their great hero Ramchandra, the central character of the Indian epic Ramayana. The Ramnavami Mela, Ayodhya is dedicated to Lord Rama. On the ninth day (navami)of the lunar month Ramnavami Mela is celebrated in all parts of the country. The festival centers around the birth of Rama.

Chhath Puja
Dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun God), Chhath puja symbolizes truth, nonviolence, compassion and forgiveness. As the holy word suggest and according to Hindu calendar, the festival falls on the sixth day of the Kartik (October to November). The four-day long Chhath festival features a number of rituals, performed at home and on the banks of the pious Sarayu. Holy fresh water bodies are also considered as the place of Chhath puja. Pilgrims believe to offer prayer before the glorious Sun-set and early Sun-rise. They compare the natural cycle with the process of birth and death of an individual.

Chhatth Pooja An important ceremony of God Sun.

Hanuman Jayanti

Annakut - Janki Mahal Hada-Hadai A ceremony related to Return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after Exile.

Chaudah Kosi Parikrama

Maidani Ram Lila (Open Air Ram Lila)

u In India very rich and oldest tradition of Ramlila called Maidani Ramlila. The Maidani Ramlila is performed ritually not theatrical. u Ramlila of Ram Nagar Varanasi is very famous not only in India but all over the World for its very rich tradition. u Approx. 40,000 pictures and documents from 47 districts of the country are available at Ayodhya Research Institute for Research purpose.

Anavarat Ram Lila (Continuous Ram Lila)

u The Anvarat or continuous Ramlila of Ayodhya are some of the best known styles of Ramlila or the story of Lord Ram on a single platform performed by the various regional groups of India. It has been performed every evening from 6 PM to 9:30 PM for the last nine years at Ayodhya in Tulsi Smarak Auditorium. Ram Lila Groups are invited from all over country with all traditional styles in India like Bundeli, Brij, Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Yaksh Gaan, Puppet Style etc. u This is a World Record.

Handicraft Museum : Ramayan

u Handicraft Museum in Ramayan established, by support of Department of Development commissioner of Handicraft, Ministry of Textile, Government of India. u Approximately 60,000 handicraft based on Ramayan, specially Terrakota, Textile, Leather, Wood, Paper-mache, Metal, Paintings, Mural etc. and are used for research

Ayodhya Ram Lila : Traditional Indian Style

Rajyabhisheka of Rama : Traditional Awadhi style

Ram Lila is performed in several styles with the oldest being the open-air community style performed by amateurs and villagers. It is also performed nowadays on western style stages by professional drama troupes. Ramlila ends with the epic battle between Lord Ram and Ravan, as described in the Hindu religious epic, the Ramayana of Tulsidas also called the Ramcharitmanas. This folk Lila tradition originates from the Indian subcontinent where the Lila is staged annually often over ten or more successive nights, during the auspicious period of Sharad Navratris, which marks the start of the autumn festive period, starting with the Dussehra festival. Usually the performances are timed to culminate on the festival of Vijayadashami day, that commemorates the victory of Lord Ram over the asura king Ravana, On this last day, the actors are taken out in a procession through the city, leading up to a mela ground or town square, where the enactment of the final battle takes place. At the end of the battle, giant effigies of Ravana, his brother Kumbhakaran and son Meghanath are set afire to be followed by the coronation (abhisheka) of Ram at Ayodhya, marking the culmination of festivities and restoration of the Divine Order. Rama is the seventh incarnation of Vishnu and the central figure of the Ramayana. The Ramayana is based on the life, times and values of Lord Rama. Lord Rama is called the Maryada Purushottam or 'The Best among the Dignified'. The story of Lord Rama is so popular in India that it has actually amalgamated the psyche of the Indian mainstream irrespective of religion. The Ramayana is the ethical base of mainstream India. Most Ram Lilas in North India are based on the 16th century Avadhi version of Ramcharitmanas that was written by Gosvami Tulsidas. This text is written entirely in verse and these verses are used in the dialogues in most traditional versions of Ram Lila, where open-air productions are staged by local Ram Lila committees (Samitis) and funded entirely by the local population and the audience. It is close to the similar form of folk theatre called Rasa Lila, which depicts the life of Krishna and which is very popular in Uttar Pradesh, especially the Braja regions of Mathura and Vrindavan. Ram Lilas has received considerable global attention, due to its diverse representations throughout the globe, especially amongst the Indian diaspora and regions where Hinduism has spread over the centuries, like Trindad, Guana, Suriname, Fiji, Africa, Holland, Britain, North America and several South East Asian countries. UNESCO proclaimed the tradition of Ram Lila a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005.

am Lila (literally Ramas Lila or play) is a folk re-enactment of major events in the Lila of Lord Ram. Lila refers to the mystery of God appearing in His own Creation and performing actions effortlessly and without desire.

Programme
International Seminar on The Cultural Linkage between Ayodhya India & Ayutthaya Thailand
July 13-14, 2012 Organizers : India Studies Centre, Thammasat University, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University Cultural Council of Ayutthaya Province, Ayutthaya Province Administration, India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge, and Ayodhya Research Institute, Government of U.P., India Venues : July 13, 2012 India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok July 14, 2012- Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University, Ayutthaya July 12 July 13,2012 13.00 hours 13.30 hours Arrival of the delegation of Ayodhya Research Institute, India, at Suvarnbhumi Airport. They will be received by the Bangkok team. Seminar at India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok Registration Inauguration Session Welcome Speech by President or Vice-President of Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge Inaugural Address by H.E. Anil Wadhwa, Ambassador of India to Thailand Speech by Mr. Sushil Saraf, President of India-Thai Chamber of Commerce Keynote Address by Prof. S.P. Gautam, Member, M. P. Public Service Commission, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India 14.00-15.30 hours: Session I

Chairperson Assoc.Prof. Dr. Nongluksana Thepsawsdi Co-Chairperson Dr. Yogendra Pratap Singh, Director of Ayodhya Research Institute, & Power Point Ayodhya,Faizabad,Uttar Pradesh, India Presentation Ayodhya - India and Ram in Art Paper presentation by Asst. Prof. Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya Paper presentation by Dr Pairoj Thongkhamsuk, Royal instiute of Thailand 1530-1545 hours: Tea/Coffee Break

Programme
15.45 -17.30 hours Session II Chairperson Dr. S.P Gautam, & Power Point Member, M. P. Public Service Commission, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India Presentation Scientific Aspects in Ramcharitmanas : Its Relevance to the Young Generation of India and Thailand Co-Chairperson Dr. Mano Laohavanich CD Presentation on Thai Ramakian with comment by Mr. Arun Chetty 17.30 -18.00 hours Chairperson Speaker : 18.00 hours 19.30 hours 20.30 hours July 14, 2012 Clossin Session Mr. Raj Matta Mr. Sushil Kumar Dhanuk

Co-Chairperson Mr. Sushil Sharaff Ramlila Performance : Sita Swayamvar (Marriage ceremony of Ram-Sita) by Avadh Adarsh Ramlila Mandal, Ayodhya, India Dinner hosted by India-Thai Chamber of Commerce The Indian delegation to proceed to Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University Seminar at Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University, Ayutthaya Indian delegates to have Lunch at Suan Luang Hotel Inauguration Session Welcome Speech by President of Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat Uuiversity Inaugural Address by Governor of Ayutthaya Province Keynote Address by the President of the Cultural Council of Ayutthaya Province 14.15 hours Session I Chairperson Scholar from Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University Co- Chairprson S. P. Gautam, Member, M. P. Public Service Commission, Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India Speakers to be suggested by Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajbhat University Closing Session Performance Khon by Thai Artists and RamlilaRajyabhisheka (Coronation of Ram) by Avadh Adarsh Ramlila Mandal, Ayodhya, India Dinner hosted by Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya Rahbhat University and after dinner Indian delegates to stay at Suanluang Hotel Indian Delegates departure for Suvarnbhumi Airport to fly back to India.

08.30-12.00 hours Sightseeing of Historical place in Ayutthaya by Indian delegates 12.00 hours 13.30 hours

16.30 hours 17.00 hours 19.00 hours

July 15,2012

Artists
Avadh Adarsh Ramlila Mandal Patther Mandir, Vasudev Ghat, Ayodhya, Faizabad (U.P INDIA .), Mobile : +91 9415328138

Mahant Jairam Das

Chairman/Group Leader

Ram Lalan Das

Artist

Sashi Kant Das

Artist

Manish Tiwari
Artist

Vashisht, Bramha, Vishwmitra, Rishi and Muni

Narad, Kewat, Sadhu, Ravan, Sumant, Janak, Bhajan Singer and Make-up Man

Ravan, Bali, Dasahrath

Ram

Hari Prasad
Artist

Lalji Malik
Artist

Durgesh Kumar
Artist

Arvind
Artist

Lakshman

Sangat Karta on Mridang, Naal, Tabla and Dholak

Vyas and Sangat on Harmonium and Synthesizer

Kaushalya, Ahilya and Shabri

Manish
Artist

Ganesh Jha
Artist

Umesh Jha
Artist

Rajnish
Artist

Ram Shankar
Artist

Kekayi, Shakhi and Dasi

Shankar, Valmiki, Kumbhkaran and Meghnath

Hanuman, Maricha and Subahu

Sita

Bharat

Ayodhya Research Institute

About Ayodhya Research Institute, Department of Culture, Govt. of U.P.
Governor of State Chief Minister : H. E. B. L. Joshi : Sri Akhilesh Yadava

Minister of Culture : Mrs Arun Kumari Kori Chief Secretary : Sri Javed Usmani

Principal Secretary : Sri G. Pattnaik Governor Secreatry Culture & Tourism, Chairman Ayodhya Research Institute Director : Sri Manoj Singh

: Dr. Yogendra Pratap Singh

AYODHYA RESEARCH INSTITUTE was founded on 18 August 1986 as an autonomous organization of the Culture Department of UTTAR PRADESH. It is an organization formed to conduct research on Ramkatha; investigate the historical significance of Ayodhya in relation to all religions; study the Art, Literature, Culture, and Folk Art of Avadh, especially of Ayodhya; conduct research on Vaishnavism, Bhakti movement and stories about Lord Rama; and preserve ancient documents of Avadh. 'Tulsi Smarak Bhavan' the current Head Office of AYODHYA REASERCH INSTITUTE is the same place where Tulsidas started writing Sri Ramacaritamanasa in Vikram Samvat 1631 (1574 CE).

Achievements
l l l l l

Daily Presentation of ANAVARAT RAM LILA since 9 years Traditional Ram Lila from various regions of India. A Handicraft Museum in Ram Katha financial support by Ministry of Textile, Government of India, DCH. Publication Schemes based on Ram Lila, Ramayana and Ayodhya Research Works. Library consists 4000 books on Indian Culture and Traditions Research Centres recognised by University of Uttar Pradesh Dr. Ram Manohar Lohiya Avadh Vishva Vidyalay, Faizabad

Goals
l l

Building a strong cultural bridge between Ayodhya-India and Ayodhya-Thailand. Infrastructure - Research Facilities, Hospitality etc. are currently provided to Research scholars and artistes from Thailand by the Ayodhya Research Institute. We need to have an exchange program between India and Thailand in this regard. Determine long term goals on research on Indian Culture, Craft, Tradition, especially Ramlila, Ramayana and Buddhism in India and Thailand. Regular production of high quality Research Publications. Establishing a Museum in Thailand based on Indian Ramlila, Ramayan, Handicraft and cultural traditions. Establishing a sister museum in Ayodhya based on the Thailand traditions of Ramlila, Ramayan, Handicraft cultural traditions

l l l l

Lakshmana, Sita, Rama and Hanuman siting on Elephant built in Dogra style by Tribals of Chattisgarh

Sri Brijeshwar Patnayak painting instances of Ramacharita Manas on Gada built by papiermach, Bhubaneshwar, Odisa

Making of Sculpture, Terracotta, West Bengal

International Seminar on

Cultural Linkage
between

Ayodhya India & Ayutthaya Thailand

: Organizing Committee :

Associate Professor Dr.Nongluksana Thepsawasdi

Director India Studies Centre, Thammasat University

Hon.Secretary Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge, Bangkok

Raj Matta

President fo India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok, President of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Thailand

Susheel Saraff

Member of the Board of Management, Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge

Susheel Kumar Dhanuka

Advisor to Sanskrit Studies Centre, Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Associate Fellow of the Royal Institute of Thailand, Hon. Joint Secretary, Thai-Bharat Cultural Lodge

Asstant Professor Dr. Chirapat Prapandvidya

Asstant Professor Vitchugon Nakthon

Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Rajabhat University

Director, Ayodhya Research Institute, Department of Culture, Government of U.P., Audhya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh,India

Dr. Yogendra Pratap Singh

Thanks to Citizens, Art Lovers and Media Persons of Thailand

Special Thanks
Sri Manoj Kumar Singh
Secretary, Culture and Tourism, Government of U.P., Chairman, ayodhya Research Institute Audhya, Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh,India

AYODHYA RESEARCH INSTITUTE

(An Autonomus Body of Department of Culture, Government of U.P .) Tulsi Smarak Bhavan, Ayodhya, Faizabad-224123 (U.P), INDIA Website : www.ayodhya.co,Email: ayodhyaresearch1986@gmail.com Phone & Fax : +91 5278 232982, +91 522 2300718