Ayodhya Visit: Everything You Need to Know

Ayodhya Visit: Everything You Need to Know

On January 22, 2024, the consecration of Lord Rama has taken place in Ayodhya. If you are planning to visit Ayodhya, the Sushant Travels's Ayodhya E-guide provides you with comprehensive information. It contains all the details that will be helpful from reaching Ayodhya to exploring the city. This guide has compiled all the information to assist you throughout your journey, ensuring a seamless experience from arriving in Ayodhya to touring the city.

Rama Temple Visit

When does the Rama Temple open?

From morning 6:30 AM to afternoon 12:00 PM

Afternoon 2:30 PM to night 10:00 PM (Subject to change)

How can one visit the temple?

Visitors can enter the temple through the main entrance gate of the Rama Temple complex. The distance from the gate to the temple door is approximately 200 meters. Facilities such as wheelchairs will be available for the elderly and differently-abled individuals to reach the temple.

To reach the temple, you will need to climb 32 stairs from the entrance gate with the assistance of a wheelchair if required. After that, you can proceed through five mandaps and then have the opportunity to view the deity in the sanctum sanctorum from a 30-foot distance.

Rama Temple Aarti Timings:

Mangala Aarti - 4:30 AM

Shringar Aarti - 6:30 AM to 7:00 AM

Bhog Aarti - 11:30 AM

Madhyanh Aarti - 2:30 PM

Sandhya Aarti - 6:30 PM

Shayan Aarti - 8:30 PM to 9:00 PM

VIP Darshan and Aarti Participation:

The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust has not yet announced any arrangements for VIP darshan and the Mangala & Shringar Aarti at the Rama Temple. Devotees can participate in the Shringar, Bhog, and Sandhya Aarti. Lord Rama will rest for two and a half hours during the day (from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM), during which the sanctum sanctorum doors will be closed.

How to Participate in Aarti:

The rules for participating in the Aarti are determined by the trust. Passes can be obtained offline from the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Karyashala office by providing valid ID proof. An online system for passes is also being set up, and registration can be done at https://online.srjbtkshetra.org/#/aarti. However, this online system is not yet active, and it is expected to become operational around January 27. After activation, online booking will be possible.

VIP Darshan Arrangements:

There is no official system, ticket, or fee for VIP darshan in the temple currently. The arrangements for VIP darshan are still under consideration and will be announced by the trust.

Prasad at the Temple:

Devotees at the Rama Temple will be offered 'Elaichi Dana' as Prasad. It is made by combining sugar and cardamom. The distribution of complimentary Prasad is arranged within the temple premises.

Where to Get Prasad:

Machines have been installed to distribute Prasad to all devotees. These machines are placed along the route of the returning worshippers within the temple complex. Currently, there is no provision for purchasing Prasad within the temple.

Can Prasad be Taken for Offering:

With special permission, devotees can offer vegetarian and pure sweets and dry fruits as Prasad. However, for security reasons, items like coconuts, flower garlands, cosmetics, or any other items for presenting to the deity cannot be taken into the temple.

What Can be Taken Inside the Temple:

During temple visits, visitors are allowed to bring only essential items such as money and glasses. Locker facilities are available on the pilgrimage route for other.

How to Reach Ayodhya - Air Connectivity:

To reach Ayodhya, you can take flights from the following major cities in the country:

Starting from February, these flights are also commencing for reaching Ayodhya.

Some major trains connecting Ayodhya from prominent cities and their timings:

The Indian Railways has planned to operate more than 1,000 special trains connecting various parts of the country to Ayodhya. The plan is to run these trains for a period of 100 days starting from January 19. You can inquire about these trains from your respective cities. The plan includes cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Kolkata, Nagpur, Lucknow, Jammu, and Kashmir, along with other cities.

Major Places to Visit in Ayodhya:

In Ayodhya, besides the Ram Mandir, there are many significant places connected to Lord Rama that you can explore. These places hold symbols and memories associated with Lord Rama. Some of these places around the Ram Mandir are:

Hanuman Garhi:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 500 meters

Significance: It is a tradition to visit Hanuman Mandir before going to Ram Mandir. The idol inside the temple depicts Hanuman Ji in the lap of Mata Anjani.

Opening Hours: 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Chhoti Devkali:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: This temple is dedicated to the Kuldevi of Mata Sita. It is believed that Mata Sita established the idol of Mata Parvati here and used to come here for worship.

Opening Hours: Open from morning till night

These places offer a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Ayodhya, showcasing the deep connection of Lord Rama with the city.

Kanak Bhavan:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: This was the personal palace of Mata Kaikeyi who gifted it to Lord Rama and Devi Sita. It was a personal residence of Lord Rama. In 1885, Maharani Vrisha Bhanu Kunwar Ji of the Orchha state had the current building constructed. The main sanctum of the temple houses the idols of Lord Rama and Mata Sita.

Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Sita Rasoi:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: Situated on the northwestern edge of the Ram Janmabhoomi, Sita Rasoi is an ancient kitchen used by Mata Sita.

Opening Hours: Open from morning till night

Sarayu Riverbank:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 2 kilometers

Significance: Ayodhya has 14 ancient ghats, each with its own significance and traditions. Devotees gather at these ghats for sacred baths during festivals. During the evening aarti on the Sarayu River, devotees come to take a holy dip.

Special Mention: The evening aarti on the Sarayu River takes place between 6 PM to 7 PM.

These places contribute to the spiritual and cultural richness of Ayodhya, providing a profound experience for devotees and visitors alike.

Maniram Das Chhavni:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: In this temple, two havelis stand facing each other. The walls of these havelis depict the entire Valmiki Ramayana.

Ramlala Sadan:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: This is the first temple in Ayodhya constructed in the Dravidian style. It is a temple dedicated to Lord Ranganathan, considered as the family deity of Lord Rama.

Dashrath Mahal:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 700 meters

Significance: King Dasharath built this palace, and although it underwent several renovations, it houses idols of Lord Rama, Mata Sita, Lakshman, and Bharat.

Rang Mahal:

Distance from Ram Mandir: 1 kilometer

Significance: The saints associated with this temple consider themselves as companions of Mata Sita. It is believed that after the marriage, the first glimpse of Mata Sita was seen in this temple.

These places add to the historical and cultural richness of Ayodhya, offering a glimpse into the mythology and history associated with Lord Rama and his divine journey.

Places to Visit near Ayodhya:

Bharat Kund:

Location: 16 kilometers from Ayodhya

Significance: Bharat ruled from this place by keeping Lord Rama's Paduka and governed for 14 years.

Guptar Ghat

Location: 10 kilometers from Ayodhya

Significance: It is believed that Lord Rama took a water burial here, and from here, he proceeded towards Saketdham.

Makhbhoomi:

Location: 20 kilometers from Ayodhya

Significance: The birthplace of Lord Rama, where King Dasharath performed the yajna for his birth.

Suryakund:

Location: 3 kilometers from Ayodhya

Significance: A temple and kund dedicated to Lord Surya.

Duration of the Plan for Ayodhya:

For Ayodhya, it is recommended to plan at least a full day. To explore the sites thoroughly, a well-organized plan of a minimum of three days should be considered.

These additional tirthas near Ayodhya contribute to the overall spiritual and historical experience of the visit.