Ancient Ayodhya princess, Queen Heo Hwang-ok (Left), Ram Mandir (Right)
In a remarkable testament to the enduring bonds between nations, descendants of an ancient Ayodhya princess, Queen Heo Hwang-ok, who embarked on a legendary voyage to Korea over 2,000 years ago, are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to visit the newly consecrated Sri Ram Mandir in Ayodhya.
According to Korean folklore, Queen Heo Hwang-ok, originally known as Suriratna, embarked on a journey across the seas and married King Kim Suro, the founder of the Gaya Kingdom in Korea. This fable, though lesser-known in Bharat, holds significant cultural resonance for approximately 60 lakh people in South Korea who trace their lineage back to Queen Heo Hwang-ok. For them, Ayodhya is not just a historical city but their maternal ancestral home.
The recent Pran Pratishtha of the Sri Ram Mandir on January 22 was a momentous occasion for these descendants, many of whom watched the event online from their homes with a deep sense of connection and reverence. Now, they are eagerly looking for an opportunity to visit Ayodhya and witness the grandeur of the new Mandir complex up close.
For members of the Karak clan, visiting Ayodhya holds a special significance as they pay homage to Queen Heo Hwang-ok at the Queen Heo Memorial Park, established on the banks of the Sarayu River in Ayodhya in 2001. Kim Chil-su, the secretary general of the Central Karak Clan Society, expressed the sentiment, stating, “Ayodhya is very special to us as we see it as our grandmother’s home.”
The Queen Heo Memorial Park, spanning over a 2,000 square meter area, is adorned with pavilions dedicated to Queen Heo Hwang-ok and King Kim Suro, built in a typical Korean architectural style with tiled sloping roofs. The park features a meditation hall, pathways, a fountain, murals, and audio-video facilities, offering visitors a serene and immersive experience.
Yu-Jin Lee, along with 22 others, is among those eagerly planning a trip to Ayodhya in February. Expressing excitement about visiting the new Sri Ram Mandir, Lee remarked, “We watched the ceremony online, and what a feeling it was. I haven’t been to the old makeshift shrine but have read about the dispute.”
The partnership between the Uttar Pradesh Government and Gimhae city in South Korea has facilitated the establishment and maintenance of the Queen Heo Memorial Park, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening the ties between the two nations.
As preparations are underway for their upcoming visit, the descendants of Queen Heo Hwang-ok are filled with anticipation and reverence, eager to pay their respects at the sacred grounds of Ayodhya and to experience the spiritual magnificence of the Sri Ram Mandir firsthand. Their journey symbolises the enduring legacy of cultural ties and the transcendent power of shared heritage that transcends both time and distance.
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