Chandra Hari Temple
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Chandra Hari Temple (Chandrahari) is one of the celebrated Sapta Hari shrines of Ayodhya — an ancient set of Vishnu ("Hari") temples that map the city's Vaishnava sacred geography along the Sarayu. It stands on the west side of the Swargdwar ghat, close to the terraced river steps of Ram Ki Paidi, and belongs to a devotional cluster that traditionally includes Vishnuhari, Chakrahari, Guptahari, Dharmahari, Bilvahari and Punyahari. Of these seven, only a handful survive as living shrines today, which lends Chandra Hari a special place on the pilgrim's map: it is one of the enduring anchors of the old Hari circuit that once ringed the holy town.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Riverside stalls around Ram Ki Paidi and Swargdwar — hot kachori-sabzi, aloo-puri and jalebi; entirely pure-vegetarian pilgrim belt, freshly fried; confirm on arrival.
- ✦Ram Rasoi / bhandara seva near the main temple corridor (about 1.5 km) — free satvik pure-veg meals for pilgrims; timings and access vary, so check locally.
- ✦Traditional sweet houses in the Swargdwar–Naya Ghat lanes — peda, khurchan and dahi-jalebi; look for busy, well-run pure-veg counters and confirm freshness on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg thali and snack points along Naya Ghat — simple satvik meals for pilgrims; area-level suggestion, verify the specific outlet when you arrive.
About
Chandra Hari Temple (Chandrahari) is one of the celebrated Sapta Hari shrines of Ayodhya — an ancient set of Vishnu ("Hari") temples that map the city's Vaishnava sacred geography along the Sarayu.
- It stands on the west side of the Swargdwar ghat, close to the terraced river steps of Ram Ki Paidi, and belongs to a devotional cluster that traditionally includes Vishnuhari, Chakrahari, Guptahari, Dharmahari, Bilvahari and Punyahari.
- Of these seven, only a handful survive as living shrines today, which lends Chandra Hari a special place on the pilgrim's map: it is one of the enduring anchors of the old Hari circuit that once ringed the holy town.
- The temple's name carries its origin legend.
- Devotees hold that the deity here was consecrated by Chandradeva, the moon-god, who is said to have performed long penances on the banks of the Sarayu to please Lord Vishnu and then installed a Deity prefixed with his own name — hence Chandra-Hari, "Hari of the Moon." Local tradition also records renovations across the centuries, and the sanctum is unusual in the way it braids Vaishnava and Shaiva devotion: alongside the Hari association, worshippers venerate a Shivalinga known as Chandreshwar and a group of twelve jyotirlinga forms, so that a single quiet shrine gathers several strands of Sanatana worship under one roof.
- A sacred well within the precinct is regarded as an auspicious spot for a symbolic ablution and small acts of charity.
- The atmosphere is intimate and unhurried rather than grand.
- Set among the lanes and ghats of the Swargdwar quarter, Chandra Hari sees a steady flow of devotees who fold it into a riverfront walk that takes in Ram Ki Paidi, Nageshwarnath and the Sarayu ghats.
- Mornings and the golden hour before the evening Sarayu aarti are the most atmospheric times, when lamps, temple bells and the river's murmur carry across the steps.
- Devotees observe the usual etiquette — remove footwear, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and stay quiet during worship; ask before photographing the sanctum.
- For vegetarian travellers, the whole of Ayodhya is a strictly pure-vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so the Swargdwar–Ram Ki Paidi belt around the temple is dependable for satvik eating: temple prasad, hot kachori-sabzi and jalebi at riverside stalls, peda and khurchan from old sweet houses, and the free bhandaras and Ram Rasoi seva that feed pilgrims near the main temple corridor.
- Chandra Hari makes a serene, historically rich stop that rewards a slow, reverent visit.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
West side of Swargdwar ghat, near Ram Ki Paidi, on the Sarayu riverfront, Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: On the west side of Swargdwar ghat near Ram Ki Paidi, on the Sarayu riverfront in old Ayodhya. From Ayodhya Dham (Ayodhya) railway station it is about 2 km — an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40–80 (10–15 minutes). From the Ram Janmabhoomi corridor it is a short e-rickshaw ride or a riverside walk via Ram Ki Paidi. The lanes are narrow, so the last stretch is best covered on foot; the temple pairs naturally with Nageshwarnath and the Sarayu ghats.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chandra Hari Temple in Ayodhya known for?
Chandra Hari (Chandrahari) is one of Ayodhya's ancient Sapta Hari temples — a traditional set of seven Vishnu ("Hari") shrines that mark the city's Vaishnava sacred geography. Its name links it to Chandradeva, the moon-god, who is said to have consecrated the deity after penance on the Sarayu. The sanctum also honours a Shivalinga called Chandreshwar and twelve jyotirlinga forms, making it a quietly layered shrine of both Vaishnava and Shaiva devotion.
Where is Chandra Hari Temple located?
It stands on the west side of the Swargdwar ghat, close to Ram Ki Paidi on the Sarayu riverfront in old Ayodhya. It is one of the surviving shrines of the old Hari circuit and pairs well with a riverside walk taking in Ram Ki Paidi, Nageshwarnath and the Sarayu ghats.
Is there an entry fee for Chandra Hari Temple?
No, entry is free, as at most Ayodhya temples. It is an active shrine open to all devotees regardless of background, with no admission ticket. Simple offerings and flowers are available from stalls nearby if you wish to make one.
What are the timings of Chandra Hari Temple?
The shrine is reported to open roughly from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, sometimes with a midday break. As a smaller neighbourhood temple its hours are informal and can vary with festivals and seasons, so it is best to confirm locally — early morning and the hour before the evening Sarayu aarti are the most atmospheric times.
How do I reach Chandra Hari Temple in Ayodhya?
It is about 2 km from Ayodhya Dham railway station; an auto or e-rickshaw costs around ₹40–80 and takes 10–15 minutes. From the Ram Janmabhoomi corridor it is a short e-rickshaw ride or a pleasant walk along Ram Ki Paidi. The final lanes are narrow, so expect to cover the last stretch on foot.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Chandra Hari Temple?
All of Ayodhya is a strictly pure-vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so the Swargdwar and Ram Ki Paidi belt around the temple is easy for satvik eating. Riverside stalls serve kachori-sabzi, aloo-puri and jalebi, old sweet houses offer peda, khurchan and dahi-jalebi, and free bhandaras or the Ram Rasoi seva near the main corridor feed pilgrims. Look for busy, well-run counters and confirm freshness on arrival.
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