Dashrath Mahal: The Royal Palace

The story

Dashrath Mahal, in the Ramkot quarter a short walk from Hanuman Garhi, is revered as the site of the palace of King Dasharatha, father of Shri Ram. This is where, in the telling of the Bala Kanda, the four princes spent their childhood, where Vishwamitra came to ask for Ram, and where the wedding party returned from Mithila. It is also where the events of one terrible night in the Ayodhya Kanda unfolded: the king's collapse before Kaikeyi's demand, and his death calling for his son.

Locally the temple is known as Bada Asthan or Badi Jagah, "the great place", and it is an important seat of the Ramanandi order.

What you will see

A tall, brightly painted gateway opens on to a courtyard, with a shrine holding images of Ram, Sita and the three brothers. The present building is a few centuries old and has been renovated; it is a temple in the form of a palace rather than an ancient ruin. What makes it memorable is the atmosphere: groups of sadhus and devotees sing Ram-naam and kirtan through much of the day, and you are welcome to sit and listen.

Why visit

Standing here helps the Ramayana feel like the story of a household: a father, three mothers, four sons and their brides, and a decision that broke the family for fourteen years. For reflections on that household, read Brotherhood and family.

Tips for visiting

• Combine it with Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan; all three are within a few minutes' walk of each other.
• Ram Navami, Deepotsav and the Sawan swing festival are celebrated here with special decoration.
• The lanes are narrow and crowded; walking is easier than taking a vehicle.

Next: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir.