ayodhyā

The Sanskrit word 

अयोध्या (ayodhyā), a feminine noun, literally translates to "not to be fought" or "invincible". 

Etymology

The name is a compound derivation from the Sanskrit verb root yudh ("to fight, or wage war"). 

• अ- (a-): A negative prefix, meaning "not" or "un-".
• योध्य (yodhya): The future passive participle meaning "to be fought" or "winnable".

Combined, the full meaning is "unconquerable" or "irresistible citadel". 

Significance

• Ancient City: Ayodhya is famously known as the name of the ancient and sacred city in India, described in the Rāmāyaṇa as the capital of the Ikshvaku dynasty and the birthplace of Lord Rama.
• Divine Reference: In the Atharvaveda, the term is used as an adjective to refer to the unconquerable, mythical city of the gods, described as being surrounded by a pool of nectar.
• Sacred Site: The city is considered one of the seven holiest pilgrimage sites (Sapta Puri) for Hindus, where visiting is believed to grant salvation. 

For more definitions and usage examples, you can consult online Sanskrit dictionaries like the one at sanskritdictionary.com. 

more samples:

The Sanskrit word 

अयोध्या (Ayodhyā), meaning the ancient "invincible" city and birthplace of Lord Rama, appears extensively in the Rāmāyaṇa, Purāṇas, and texts that list India's sacred pilgrimage sites.

Here are samples of Ayodhyā used in various Sanskrit texts:

1. In the Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki (Bala Kanda, Chapter 5)

The epic poem opens with a detailed description of the city of Ayodhyā, establishing it as a highly fortified and perfect capital built by the divine Viśvakarmā.

• Sanskrit:

  ayodhyā nāma nagarī tatra āsīd loka-viśrutā | manuṇā mānavendrena yā purā nirmame svayam ||

• Translation:

  "Ayodhyā by name, a city renowned throughout the world, which long ago was founded personally by Manu, the lord of men."

• Sanskrit (Describing the city's defenses):

  tām tu rājā daśaratho mahārathaḥ | purīm āśritas tv abhavad divya-saṃmatām ||
  kavāṭa-toranaiś citrāir āyudhaiś ca śobhitām |

  (Note: This uses the related word "āyudha" (weapons/arms) to describe the fortifications that make the city "Ayodhyā" or invincible.)

2. In the Skanda Purāṇa (Kāśī Khaṇḍa section)

This verse lists the seven holy cities (Sapta Puri) of India that are believed to grant liberation (moksha).

• Sanskrit:

  ayodhyā mathurā māyā kāśī kāñcy avantikā | purī dvārāvatī caiva saptaitā mokṣa-dāyikāḥ ||

• Translation:

  "Ayodhyā, Mathura, Maya (Haridwar), Kashi (Varanasi), Kanchi, Avantika (Ujjain), and the city of Dwaraka—these seven are the givers of liberation."

3. In the Atharvaveda

In some Vedic contexts, the term refers to a metaphorical, unconquerable divine city.

• Sanskrit: aṣṭā-cakrā nava-dvārā devānāṃ pūray ayodhyā
• Translation: "Eight-wheeled and nine-doored is the city of the gods, the unconquerable [city]."

These samples highlight how Ayodhyā shifts between a physical geographical location with a strong defensive character and a powerful spiritual metaphor for an unconquerable spiritual abode or state of being.