Asharfi Bhawan (Lakshmi-Narayan Temple)
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Asharfi Bhawan is one of Ayodhya's most graceful temple-maths, set in the devout heart of Ramkot within easy walking reach of Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Its presiding deities are Lakshmi-Narayan — Lord Vishnu (Narayan) with the goddess Lakshmi at his side — worshipped here in the serene Vaishnava tradition that gives Ayodhya so much of its devotional character. Founded roughly a century ago, the temple was originally consecrated as Sitaram Vilas Bhavan; over time it took the name by which every pilgrim now knows it, Asharfi Bhawan, the "House of Gold Coins."
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ram Rasoi and community bhandaras near the Ram Janmabhoomi complex — free pure-vegetarian seva meals for pilgrims (timings and availability vary; confirm on arrival).
- ✦Pure-vegetarian sweet and snack shops around Hanuman Garhi — peda, khurchan, dahi-jalebi and hot kachori-sabzi; this is an entirely vegetarian temple quarter.
- ✦Naya Ghat / Ram ki Paidi area eateries — several well-known pure-vegetarian thali and chaat outlets a short e-rickshaw ride away (verify each is pure-veg locally before ordering).
- ✦Prasad and snack stalls along the Ramkot temple lanes — pure-vegetarian kachori, samosa and sweets catering to pilgrims (area-level; confirm freshness and veg status on the spot).
About
Asharfi Bhawan is one of Ayodhya's most graceful temple-maths, set in the devout heart of Ramkot within easy walking reach of Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
- Its presiding deities are Lakshmi-Narayan — Lord Vishnu (Narayan) with the goddess Lakshmi at his side — worshipped here in the serene Vaishnava tradition that gives Ayodhya so much of its devotional character.
- Founded roughly a century ago, the temple was originally consecrated as Sitaram Vilas Bhavan; over time it took the name by which every pilgrim now knows it, Asharfi Bhawan, the "House of Gold Coins." The name carries a much-loved local story.
- According to the temple's own tradition, an urn of ancient gold asharfis (old gold coins) came to light from the earth during the building work, and the discovery was treated not as private fortune but as a divine trust — the wealth was turned toward dharmic and charitable ends, and the shrine was named in memory of the miracle.
- In keeping with that origin, the math has long maintained a spirit of seva (selfless service), and is associated with free education and charitable works run under its managing trust, the Madhusudan Dharm Setu Trust.
- Devotees see in the tale a reminder that abundance offered to the divine returns to the community.
- Architecturally the bhawan is an intimate, well-kept complex of courtyards, a pillared prayer hall and a sanctum where the Lakshmi-Narayan murtis are dressed, garlanded and offered daily aarti amid bells, conch and the soft murmur of Vishnu-sahasranama recitation.
- The atmosphere is unhurried and reverent — a quieter counterpoint to the busier lanes around Hanuman Garhi.
- The temple's signature occasion is the Godamba Utsav, a month-long celebration observed from around mid-December to mid-January (roughly 16 December to 14 January), when the shrine is lit and decorated and special bhajan-kirtan sessions draw devotees each evening.
- Other high points of its calendar include Chaitra Ram Navami, the Shravan Jhula (monsoon swing festival) and the Kartik-month parikramas, when all of Ayodhya turns to circumambulation and song.
- For every visitor, regardless of faith, the courtesy is simple: remove footwear before entering, dress modestly, keep your voice low during aarti, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
- As part of Ayodhya, Asharfi Bhawan sits in a strictly vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city — the surrounding lanes offer only pure-vegetarian fare, from temple prasad to kachori-sabzi and dahi-jalebi, making it an easy and welcoming stop for vegetarian and Jain travellers on a Ramkot temple walk.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Ramkot, near Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanuman Garhi, central Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: In the Ramkot area of central Ayodhya, a short walk from Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2 km — an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40–80 (10–15 minutes). From the Naya Ghat / Ram ki Paidi area it is a 10–15 minute e-rickshaw ride. During peak pilgrimage days the inner lanes are pedestrianised, so the last stretch is covered comfortably on foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Asharfi Bhawan in Ayodhya and which deity is worshipped there?
Asharfi Bhawan is a roughly century-old Vaishnava temple-math in the Ramkot area of Ayodhya, near Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. Its presiding deities are Lakshmi-Narayan — Lord Vishnu (Narayan) with the goddess Lakshmi — worshipped daily with aarti in the serene Vaishnava tradition.
Why is it called Asharfi Bhawan?
The temple was originally consecrated as Sitaram Vilas Bhavan. According to its own tradition, an urn of ancient gold coins (asharfis) came to light from the earth during construction, and the wealth was devoted to dharmic and charitable purposes. The shrine came to be known as Asharfi Bhawan, the "House of Gold Coins," in memory of that discovery.
What is the Godamba Utsav at Asharfi Bhawan?
Godamba Utsav is the temple's signature month-long festival, observed from around mid-December to mid-January (roughly 16 December to 14 January). Through the month the shrine is specially lit and decorated, with daily bhajan-kirtan and evening celebrations that draw devotees. It is the most festive time to visit.
What are the timings and is there an entry fee?
Entry is free, as at most Ayodhya temples. It is reported to open roughly 6:00 AM to 12:00 noon and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with aarti times varying by season — please confirm current timings locally, as they can change on festival days.
How do I reach Asharfi Bhawan?
It is in Ramkot, central Ayodhya, a short walk from Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2 km (₹40–80 by auto or e-rickshaw, 10–15 minutes), and about a 10–15 minute e-rickshaw ride from the Naya Ghat / Ram ki Paidi area. The final stretch through the temple lanes is usually walked.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Asharfi Bhawan?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so the whole temple quarter is pure-vegetarian. Around Hanuman Garhi you'll find peda, khurchan, dahi-jalebi and hot kachori-sabzi, free seva meals are served at community bhandaras and the Ram Rasoi near the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, and the Naya Ghat area has pure-veg thali and chaat outlets a short ride away — do confirm each place locally before ordering.