Temples in Ayodhya
Most of Ayodhya's temples stand in or near Ramkot, the raised old quarter at the heart of town. Plan the Ram Mandir around its strict security rules, and fit the older shrines around it.
Ram Mandir
The Ram Mandir was consecrated on 22 January 2024 and formally completed in November 2025. It is a three-storey temple of pink Rajasthani sandstone in the North Indian Nagara style. The main image is Ram Lalla, Ram as a child, in the ground-floor sanctum; the Ram Darbar, with Ram, Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, is on the first floor. Darshan is free and needs no booking, but phones, cameras, smartwatches and bags are not allowed inside. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust runs the temple. It issues free passes online for certain aartis and darshan slots, and it changes the hours for festivals, so check its website before you go.
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi is a fort-shaped temple with round towers at each corner, reached by 76 steps in the middle of town. Inside, a small image of Hanuman as a child sits in the lap of his mother Anjani. Monks of the Ramanandi order look after it. By custom it is the first stop of a pilgrimage here. It is busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days sacred to Hanuman.
Kanak Bhawan
Tradition says Kaikeyi gave this palace to Sita as a wedding gift. The present building, Kanak Bhawan, dates from 1891 and looks like a Bundelkhand palace, with a wide courtyard. Its images of Ram and Sita wear gold crowns. It usually closes for a few hours in the afternoon.
Nageshwarnath
Nageshwarnath is a Shiva temple at Ram ki Paidi. Legend credits Ram's son Kush with founding it; the present temple was built in 1750. On Mahashivratri it holds a Shiv Barat, the wedding procession of Shiva.
More in the old quarter
Treta ke Thakur, on the riverside, marks where Ram is said to have performed the ashvamedha sacrifice. Chhoti Devkali is the temple of Sita's family goddess. Guptar Ghat, west of town, is where Ram is said to have left the world by entering the Saryu.
Visiting well
Shoes come off at every shrine. Cover your shoulders and knees. Photography inside sanctums is generally not allowed. Mornings are calmer than evenings, except on festival days, when the police control the roads into Ramkot.
Questions
Ayodhya — FAQ
How long does Ram Mandir darshan take?
It depends on the day. On a quiet weekday morning it can be under an hour, including security. On weekends, holidays and festivals it can take several hours.
Do I need a pass for the Ram Mandir aarti?
For some aartis, yes. The trust issues free passes online against a photo ID for the early morning and night aartis. Ordinary darshan needs no pass. Nobody should charge you for either.
Which temples should I visit if I only have one day?
Hanuman Garhi first, then the Ram Mandir, then Kanak Bhawan, which are all close together. Finish the day at Ram ki Paidi and Nageshwarnath by the river.
What is the Ram Darbar?
The first-floor shrine of the Ram Mandir, consecrated in June 2025. It shows Ram as king with Sita, Lakshman and Hanuman, while the ground floor holds Ram as a child.