Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, Ayodhya
The temple at the birthplace of Shri Ram in Ayodhya: its story, architecture, the idol of Ram Lalla, how darshan works and practical tips for visitors.
Ayodhya
Places to visit in Ayodhya: temples, ghats and their stories
Ayodhya stands on the bank of the Saryu river in Uttar Pradesh and is counted first among the seven sacred cities of Hindu tradition. Almost every lane here is linked to an episode of the Ramayana. For each place below you will find the story people tell about it, the reasoning behind its customs, how much time to keep, and a map link. Timings and rules can change on festival days, so confirm locally before you go.
Hanuman Garhi: The Guardian of Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi, the hilltop fort-temple of Hanuman in Ayodhya: why pilgrims visit it before Ram Mandir, its 76 steps, its story and tips for darshan.
Kanak Bhawan: The Palace of Sita and Ram
Kanak Bhawan in Ayodhya is remembered as the golden palace Kaikeyi gave to Sita as a bride. Its story, its gold-crowned idols and how to visit.
Dashrath Mahal: The Royal Palace
Dashrath Mahal in Ramkot, Ayodhya, is revered as the site of King Dasharatha's palace where Shri Ram and his brothers grew up. Story and visitor tips.
Ram ki Paidi: The Ghats of a Million Lamps
Ram ki Paidi is the long line of bathing ghats beside the Saryu in Ayodhya, home of the Deepotsav lamp festival. What to see and the best time to go.
Saryu Ghat and the Evening Aarti
The Saryu river at Naya Ghat, Ayodhya: why the river is sacred, the evening aarti, boat rides, the ghats to see and safety advice for bathing.
Guptar Ghat: Where Shri Ram Left the World
Guptar Ghat on the Saryu is revered as the place where Shri Ram entered the river at the end of his life on earth. Its story, temples and how to visit.
Nageshwarnath Temple: Founded by Kush
Nageshwarnath, the Shiva temple at Ram ki Paidi in Ayodhya, is said to have been founded by Kush, son of Shri Ram. The legend of the lost armlet.
Treta ke Thakur: Site of the Ashwamedha Yajna
Treta ke Thakur near Naya Ghat, Ayodhya, is believed to mark where Shri Ram performed the Ashwamedha yajna. Its black-stone idols and its story.
Mani Parvat: The Hill of Jewels
Mani Parvat is a small hill in Ayodhya linked with Hanuman's Sanjeevani mountain and King Janaka's gift of jewels. Where the Sawan swing festival begins.
Sita ki Rasoi: The Kitchen of Sita
Sita ki Rasoi near the Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya is revered as the kitchen where the new bride Sita first cooked. Its meaning and the Annapurna tradition.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan: Memorial to Tulsidas
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan in Ayodhya honours Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, with a research institute, Ramlila and a Ram Katha museum.
Bharat Kund, Nandigram: Where Bharata Waited
Bharat Kund at Nandigram, near Ayodhya, is where Bharata is believed to have lived as an ascetic for fourteen years, ruling in the name of Ram's sandals.
Suraj Kund: The Pond of the Sun
Suraj Kund at Darshan Nagar near Ayodhya is an old stepped pond and Sun temple linked with the Suryavanshi kings, the solar ancestors of Shri Ram.
Lata Mangeshkar Chowk and the Giant Veena
Lata Mangeshkar Chowk near Naya Ghat in Ayodhya is a landmark crossing with a 40-foot veena honouring the singer of countless Ram bhajans.