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Ayodhya is one of the old holy cities in India, sitting on the banks of the Saryu River. It lies about 135 kilometres from Lucknow and comes under the seven holy cities of India. Various facets of Hindu myths and culture are reflected in the temples here. Each shrine has its own story and unique charm. The pictures of Hindu legends and local culture drawn by the temples of Ayodhya are mesmerising. The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is also very beautiful. It has a deep love for its devotees. Right from the peaceful Hanuman Garhi to the old Nageshwarnath Temple, its grandeur stretches out there. These places of worship show the spiritual journey that one can have here.
The Most Famous Ayodhya Temples
Here is a comprehensive list of the most revered Ayodhya temples to visit on your next outing
1. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple
Photo: Prime Minister’s Office / Wikimedia Commons/ Image For Representation Only
According to the Indian epic Ramayana, Ram, Lord Vishnu’s seventh avatar, grew up near Ayodhya’s Sarayu river. The Ram Janmabhoomi, located in the ancient city of Ayodhya, is a holy site for Hindus. The significance of Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya originates chiefly from its connection to the great Hindu text, the Ramayana. Construction on the Ram Temple in Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya began in 2020 and was completed on January 22, 2024. The temple complex is intended to be a huge architectural masterpiece, capable of accommodating millions of pilgrims and devotees from all over the world.
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 9:30 PM
Nearby Places: Kanak Bhavan, Tulsi Udyan
2. Hanuman Garhi
Photo: Prashant Kharote / Wikimedia Commons
Hanuman Garhi is a tenth-century shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Hanuman. Hanuman Garhi is one of the most prominent temples in Ayodhya, and it is usual to visit it before visiting the Ram Temple. It is thought that Lord Hanuman dwelt at the temple that guarded Ayodhya. The main shrine features an inside cave filled with several idols of Lord Hanuman and his mother, Maa Anjani. Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti, which commemorate the births of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, respectively, bring thousands of devotees to the Hanuman Garhi.
Temple Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM
Nearby Places: Sita Ki Rasoi, Ram Katha Park
3. Nageshwarnath Temple
Photo: Rajesh Dhungana / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This temple is located in Ram Ki Paidi in Ayodhya. The temple of Nageshwarnath is claimed to have been built by Kush, Rama’s son. According to legend, Kush lost his armlet while bathing in the Saryu, and it was taken up by a Nag-Kanya, who fell in love with him. She was a Shiva admirer, therefore Kush built this shrine for her. Even during the reign of Vikramaditya, the temple was in fine condition. Naval Rai, Safdar Jung’s minister, erected the existing shrine around 1750. Many devotees visit the temple during Mahashivratri.
Temple Timings: 5 AM – 8 PM
Nearby Places: Gulab Gari, Ram Ki Paidi
4. Kanak Bhawan Temple
Photo: Vishwaroop2006 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Kanak Bhawan, also known as Sone-ka-Mandir (Gold shrine), is a stunning shrine honouring Lord Rama and his bride, Goddess Sita. The temple at Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya, is located northeast of Ramkot. Kanak Bhawan is one of the most beautiful and famous temples in Ayodhya, and it is a must-see. It is believed that Kaikei gave Devi Sita this Bhawan right after her marriage to Lord Ram. Vikramaditya had it renovated. Later, Vrish Bhanu Kunwari rebuilt/renovated it, and it still remains now. The primary idols in the garbhagriha (sanctum) are Lord Ram and Devi Sita.
Temple Timings: 8 AM – 11 PM, 4:30 PM – 9 PM
Nearby Places: Saryu New Ghat, Shri Lakshman Kila
5. Treta Ke Thakur Temple
Photo: Mansingbhor / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Treta Ke Thakur is a Hindu temple located beside Ayodhya’s Naya Ghat. It is one of the most famous temples on the banks of Sarayu Ghat and a must-see during your Ayodhya tour.
The Treta ke Thakur Temple, one of Ayodhya’s most prominent temples, is dedicated to Lord Rama, also known as the Lord of the Treta Yug. Idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Lord Hanuman, and Sage Vashishtha are kept in the temple. It is believed that the idols of Sita, Shri Ram, and his three brothers were carried from the old temple on the banks of the Saryu River.
Temple Timings: 12 AM – 12 PM
Nearby Places: Ram Katha Park, Raja Mandir
6. Shri Kalaram Temple
Photo: AmanAgrahari01 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Shri Kale Ram Temple in Ayodhya is a prominent Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Rama. This ancient temple holds great religious significance for those who visit; they regard it as one of the most important sites in the context of the Ramayana. It is particularly known for its black idol of Lord Rama, hence the name “Kale Ram,” which means “Black Ram.” Thousands of pilgrims around the year visit the temple, which takes its peak during festivals like Ram Navami. During Ram Navami, a huge crowd with their family participates in the prayer and celebration of Lord Rama’s birth.
Temple Timings: 5 AM – 11 PM, 12 PM – 4 PM
Nearby Places: Saryu Ghat, Naya Ghat
7. Sita Ki Rasoi Temple
Photo: Pratish Khedekar / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sita Ki Rasoi is a holy temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, said to be the kitchen where Goddess Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, prepared meals during her exile. The literal meaning of the name is “Sita’s Kitchen.” The architecture of the temple is very traditional Hindu architecture and is beautifully decorated with wood carvings and paintings which express various stories of the epics. This temple is decorated with beautiful idols of Sita, Rama, and other deities. It receives a lot of pilgrims who visit the complex during festivals like Ram Navami and Dussehra.
Temple Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Places: Ram Katha Park, Raja Mandir
8. Chotti Devakali Mandir
Photo: SuvadipSanyal / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Chotti Devakali Mandir is one of the fine temples of Ayodhya that is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is worshipped as mighty and protective in nature. The temple itself is beautiful in its architecture and holds an imposing idol of the goddess as well, covered with flowers and offerings. Thousands of devotees, especially during festivals like Navaratri, visit the site, holding special prayers and celebrations there. As Chotti Devakali Mandir is close to other great sites, this too becomes a very important holy centre for people seeking blessings and empowerment.
Temple Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Nearby Places: Ram Katha Park, Raja Mandi
9. Swaminarayan Temple
Photo: PP Younoos / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
This is Swaminarayan Temple in Ayodhya. The Lord Swaminarayan temple is respected by Hindus due to his preaching on spiritual and worship activities. The architecture of the temple is contemporary with traditional elements, which makes it peaceful for worship. The temple has decorated idols that beautifully portray Lord Swaminarayan and other deities. Followers have been associated with the temple, and more often, spiritual gatherings and rituals occur during the festivals. Because it is situated near other key temples, Swaminarayan Temple has become a holy sanctuary which encourages peace, devoutness, and community among all visitors through a strong sense of being.
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Places: Badi Rani Gadi, Kanak Bhavan
10. Raj Dwar Mandir
Photo: Prashant Kharote / Wikimedia Commons
Among the important temples of Ayodhya, Raj Dwar Mandir is one dedicated to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. Ideals of righteousness, devotion, and love that are depicted in them are given expression through Raj Dwar Mandir. The word “Raj Dwar” literally means “Royal Gate,” signifying an entrance into the realm of the gods. It is a typical Hindu temple with finely carved and sculpted depictions of Ramayana scenes. It is one of those temples that attracts drifts of pilgrims to attend in particular during festivals such as Ram Navami, as many view it as a site of prayer as well as contemplation.
Temple Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 4 AM – 9 PM
Nearby Places: Badi Rani Gadi, Kanak Bhavan
Cover Photo: Narendra Modi / Wikimedia Commons
