Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, welcomes hundreds of South Korean visitors each year, drawn by a unique connection – the memorial of Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna. This special bond between South Korea and Ayodhya has roots in the legend of Princess Suriratna, who is believed to have hailed from Ayodhya before marrying King Kim Suro of the Karak Clan in 48 AD.
The connection between Ayodhya and South Korea has historical and cultural significance. According to the ancient Korean text Samguk Yusa, King Suro’s wife was a princess from a distant kingdom called Ayuta, believed to be the present-day Ayodhya. Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s memorial in Ayodhya was inaugurated in 2001 and gained further prominence in 2015 when an MoU was signed between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in for the expansion of the memorial.
The memorial, beautified to honor the queen’s legacy, includes a park inaugurated in 2022. It serves as a testament to the shared history and cultural ties between Ayodhya and South Korea. Approximately 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider Ayodhya their maternal home, reinforcing the enduring connection.
The legend of Queen Huh Hwang-ok involves her journey from Ayodhya to Korea, believed to have taken place by boat when she was only 16. The memorial park on the banks of the Sarayu River portrays this journey, featuring statues of Queen Huh Hwang-ok and King Kim Suro. The park includes a pond and footbridge, recreating the princess’s sea journey, and a granite egg symbolizing the golden egg she purportedly carried during her travels.
In 2019, India issued commemorative postage stamps for Queen Huh Hwang-ok, emphasizing her significance in the shared heritage of the two nations. The memorial and its historical narrative contribute to cultural exchanges and strengthen diplomatic ties.
Additionally, there is an intriguing theory about Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s connection to Tamil Nadu. Dr. Kannan Narayan, a retired professor, suggests that the queen’s name points to the South Indian kingdom of Pandya. According to his interpretation of Chinese legends, the twin fish symbol found in Ayodhya’s walls is linked to the Pandya Dynasty. Dr. Narayan posits the possibility that the queen’s journey might have originated from the port of Athiyuthu in Tamil Nadu, challenging the traditional narrative that places her departure from Ayodhya.
This unique historical and cultural narrative provides a fascinating insight into the interconnectedness of regions and civilizations. The memorial in Ayodhya stands as a symbol of the enduring ties between India and South Korea, attracting tourists and fostering mutual understanding. The story of Queen Huh Hwang-ok serves as a bridge connecting two distant cultures, highlighting the richness of shared history and the cultural mosaic that defines the global tapestry.
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