(The Y in this name is pronounced like 'y' in 'you'. The DH is pronounced like a hardened sound of 'th' in 'bother'. The second Y too is pronounced like the first one.)
Ayodhya was the capital of kings of the sun dynasty who ruled the Kosala provinces. Kosala was one of the prominent provinces of ancient India. It was reckoned as one among the sixteen Great Provinces.
The capital city ayodhya lies now on the banks of river Sarayu. It was where Lord Raama was Born. The city exists even today but as a center point of an unlucky controversy related to its credibility as Raama's birth place.
The Kosala state was mentioned in many of the chronicles too. Its ruler at the time of Mahaabhaaratham was Brihadbala. He was killed in the war by Abhimanyu on the thirteenth day.
"After praying to Naaraayana, Nara, Sarasvathi and Vyaasa, then one should read the Jayam."
DEDICATED TO MY DEAR NIECE VYSHNAVI KRISHNA