In the hallowed city of Ayodhya, a captivating tale of cross-cultural legacy and royal romance unfolds. Recently, the resplendent Ram temple witnessed the ‘pran pratishtha’ ceremony, with dignitaries from over 50 nations in attendance. Amidst the anticipation, the spotlight falls on Kim Chil-su, a distinguished member of the Queen Heo dynasty, whose roots trace back to Ayodhya’s revered princess.
Ayodhya’s Significance In Korea’s Historical Narrative
How are these countries connected, though? Well, the Korean connection to Ayodhya is rooted in the historical account of Queen Heo, also known as Suriratna, the cherished princess of Ayodhya. According to Economic Times reports, Queen Heo travelled to Korea and married King Suro. The king then established the Karak dynasty in 42 AD.
But how did a princess from Ayodhya end up marrying a Korean king? It is believed that Queen Heo’s parents once saw a dream. They were instructed to send their daughter to Geumgwan Gaya, where King Suro was in search of a queen. Responding to the dream’s guidance, they sent Queen Heo on a boat with gifts to meet King Suro. The princess and the king eventually married, and this event is acknowledged in both South Korea and India.
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A Historical Bond Reignited At Ram Mandir’s ‘Pran Pratishtha’
Yes, a member of the Queen Heo dynasty was also present at the auspicious ceremony at Ram Mandir, signifying the deep-rooted ties between the countries. Raja Ayodhya Bimlendra Mohan Pratap Mishra, a member of the Ram Janmabhoomi Theertha Kshetra Trust, revealed in a 2018 interview that Ayodhya and South Korea rekindled their ties in the mid-1990s, as per a report from Hindustan Times. To determine Queen Heo’s ancestry, a delegation from Inje University travelled to Ayodhya in 1996. Additionally, they extended an invitation for him to travel to South Korea in 1999, where he received the highest honours.
In 2001, the Uttar Pradesh government, in collaboration with Gimhae City in South Korea, established the Queen Huh Memorial Park in Ayodhya. Descendants of Queen Heo from the Karak dynasty have also been making visits to India, strengthening the cultural ties.
The historical and cultural connection between Ayodhya and South Korea continues to be acknowledged and celebrated.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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