Ram Mandir's Korean connection: How an Ayodhya princess binds the two nations
Ram Mandir in Ayodhya on January 22, the temple Trust has sent out invites to representatives of more than 50 countries. One of them is Kim Chil-su from South Korea. He belongs to the Queen Heo dynasty. Queen Heo, also known as Suriratna, was the princess of Ayodhya, who, according to popular legend, travelled to Korea and started the Karak dynasty in that country. For the past several years, the India-Korea connection of Ayodhya has been in the news.
In 2018, draped in an elegant saree, South Korean First Lady Kim Jung-sook soaked in Diwali festivities in Ayodhya much to the delight of the people of this pilgrim town. From the moment she arrived in Ayodhya on Tuesday till she departed, local people, especially the youth, applauded and cheered her at the multiple events she attended, along with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had emphasised the historical connection between Ayodhya and Korea. He had suggested highlighting and strengthening this connection to showcase Ayodhya and Lord Ram’s relevance internationally. Following his guidance, the First Lady of Korea was invited to Ayodhya.
Also Read| From Nayar to Nripendra, a tale of two IAS officers in Ram Mandir
The legend of the Ayodhya princess
Princes Heo Hwang-ok, or Queen Hu, also popularly known as Suriratna which is supposed to be her Indian name, is at the centre of a legend that goes back nearly 2,000 years. She is believed to be a princess from Ayodhya who became the much-loved Queen Hu of Korea.
There is a widespread belief in South Korea, and for the past few decades in India too, that in 48 AD, Princess Suriratna of Ayodhya travelled for three months to marry King Suro, who founded the Karak dynasty in 42 AD.
