Ancient Geography of Ayodhya

I have gone through the book 'Ancient Geography of Ayodhya' written by Dr. Shyam Narain Pande, an eminent geographer in the field of ancient, historical and cultural geography. His contribution to the subject is of great importance to people working to throw light upon facts and figures about the ancient city of Ayodhya and its gradual expansion. In the present context of the controversy of Mandir and Masjid, his work deserves commendation and an impartial representations of the myth and the truth. The Author, from time to time, participated in debates and discussions organised at various places amidst world renowned scholars. His selection as a Chairman of the historical section of the 24th International Geographical Congress, Tokyo (Japan) on the basis of his previous important is itself the world recognition for his learning and views. Papers on geography are permeated with philosophical and a Sanatanist out-look and approach to problems confronted with dogmatic and orthodoxical attitude.

He unfolded his belief that human body in itself is moving Ayodhya, to quote Atharva Vedic hymn 'Ashta Chakra Nava dwara devanampu Ayodhya', I, too, was glad to tell him at length the philosophical meaning hidden in the hymn. To my pleasure and satisfaction, I found that Dr. Pande had acquitted himself well to grasp and explain the underlying truth.

I am sure, the book will be widely read and appreciated by broad minded people unviciated by political and sectional leanings. I wish all success to the book and author as well.

Ayodhya Controversy

Ramajanmabhumi and the Babri Masjid issue have become controversial. It is more sentimental and less factual. The two communities-Hindus and Muslims-have come to logger heads instead of trying to reach an amicable settlement through peaceful negotiations. A dispassionate study on the whole situation, will reveal that both of the communities are fighting over nothing. Our religious reformers, like Kabir Sahib, vehemently criticised the temple and the Masjid both. He emphatically told us that neither Masjid nor temple is the real abode of Allah or any incarnation of God. Disciples of Kabir Sahib, Hindus and Muslims either, listened calmly and tried to seek the Almighty father as taught by the saint. They never regarded Kabir Sahib a Kafir or an atheist. The quarrel has been motivated by selfish politicians, trying to reap a rich harvest out of this dissention. Politicians in the name of country, and in the name of religion must give up the cheap and shallow means of gaining political ends. If otherwise, they will be playing with fire, it will ultimately devour them and their country. It becomes the pious duty of the political parties to look at the relevant facts to satisfy themselves and their respective followers. Unless and until, they, the partymen, try to understand first the pitch of the problem themselves and satisfy their supporters, upto the present, it is apparent that the partymen have closed their ears and eyes to the broad facts and avoided to educate the mass.

Love for the Truth

Every story or folklore has its root and origin. May it be ephemeral and insignificant at a first glance, but it does exist. and contain an iota of truth for human mind to weave a big canvas where a large number of men and women come and go, act and react to develop a narrative, having a beginning, a middle and an end. Only the love for the truth inspired me to go through the Science of string. Yoga, Vedas, Valmiki Ramayana and the thoughts of renowned men of learning. In the course of my studies whatever I found to confirm, reason and intellect, I have endeavoured to put down for the use of men and women; to see things and events in their right perspective. If the common people are able to realise and understand, the author will certainly feel to be rewarded for his labour.

**Contents and Sample Pages**