Dashrath Kund
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · lake
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Dashrath Kund is a tranquil sacred pond in the Jiyan Pur locality of Ayodhya, cherished in local tradition as a memorial tirtha dedicated to King Dasharath (Dashrath) — the Ikshvaku-dynasty ruler of Kosala and father of Lord Rama. In the Ramayana, Dasharath is the sovereign whose deep love for his son and steadfast keeping of his word shape the epic's early chapters, and Ayodhya remembers him across a cluster of dynastic shrines and kunds. Dashrath Kund belongs to this constellation of ancestral sites: a quiet body of water where pilgrims pause to honour the forebears of the solar line and to reflect on the virtues of duty, devotion and paternal love that the king embodies.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-vegetarian kachori-sabzi and jalebi stalls along the parikrama lanes and toward Naya Ghat — the whole area is vegetarian; confirm the specific stall on arrival.
- ✦Free bhandara / community kitchens run for pilgrims near the parikrama route on major festival days — simple sattvic meals; availability varies by day.
- ✦Pure-veg sweet shops near Ram ki Paidi and Hanumangarhi (about 15–25 minutes away) for pedas, khurchan and dahi-jalebi — Ayodhya is entirely vegetarian; confirm timings locally.
- ✦Prasad and dry-snack counters around the Panchkoshi Marg temples — pure-vegetarian; hedged, so check the individual outlet when you visit.
About
Dashrath Kund is a tranquil sacred pond in the Jiyan Pur locality of Ayodhya, cherished in local tradition as a memorial tirtha dedicated to King Dasharath (Dashrath) — the Ikshvaku-dynasty ruler of Kosala and father of Lord Rama.
- In the Ramayana, Dasharath is the sovereign whose deep love for his son and steadfast keeping of his word shape the epic's early chapters, and Ayodhya remembers him across a cluster of dynastic shrines and kunds.
- Dashrath Kund belongs to this constellation of ancestral sites: a quiet body of water where pilgrims pause to honour the forebears of the solar line and to reflect on the virtues of duty, devotion and paternal love that the king embodies.
- The kund sits directly on the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg, the roughly sixteen-kilometre sacred circuit that devout pilgrims walk around the holy city.
- The traditional route threads from Chakratirtha past Naya Ghat, Ram Ghat, Sarayu Bagh and Holkar-ka-pura to Dashrath Kund, then onward through Jogiana, Ranopali and Jalpa Nala — a one-day journey linking Ayodhya's ghats, groves and ancient shrines.
- As a station on this parikrama, the kund draws a gentle, steady flow of walkers, especially during the great annual circumambulations of the month of Kartik, when lamps, chanting and bare-footed pilgrims fill the marg from before dawn.
- Many families associate the site with shraadh and memorial observances offered in remembrance of ancestors, in keeping with its dedication to Rama's father.
- In recent years the pond and its surrounds have been part of Ayodhya's broader civic beautification, with cleaned banks, paved pathways, seating and landscaped edges that make it an easy, restful stop for pilgrims completing the circuit.
- It remains a modest, contemplative place rather than a grand monument — its appeal lies in stillness, in the reflection of sky on water, and in its quiet thread of connection to the Ramayana's royal house.
- For vegetarian travellers, Dashrath Kund poses no dietary concern: the entire holy city of Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free pilgrimage centre.
- No food is sold at the pond itself, but the parikrama neighbourhoods and the temple lanes toward Ram ki Paidi offer simple pure-vegetarian fare — hot kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi, pedas and the free bhandara meals that community kitchens serve to pilgrims.
- Carry drinking water and a light snack if you are walking a long stretch of the circuit.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Jiyan Pur, on the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg, Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: In the Jiyan Pur area on the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg, Ayodhya. From Ram ki Paidi or Hanumangarhi, an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs about ₹60–120 and takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic and parikrama-day road closures. From Ayodhya Dham railway station it is a short shared-auto or e-rickshaw ride. Many pilgrims reach it on foot as one stage of the Panchkoshi circuit. Confirm the current e-rickshaw drop point locally, as routes shift during major festival crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dashrath Kund in Ayodhya and why is it significant?
Dashrath Kund is a sacred pond in the Jiyan Pur area of Ayodhya, honoured in local tradition as a memorial tirtha dedicated to King Dasharath, the Ikshvaku ruler of Kosala and father of Lord Rama. It is one of Ayodhya's cluster of dynastic sacred sites, where pilgrims pause to remember the forebears of the solar line and to reflect on Dasharath's devotion and sense of duty as told in the Ramayana.
Is there an entry fee for Dashrath Kund?
No, entry is free. Dashrath Kund is an open-air sacred pond on the Panchkoshi Parikrama route with no ticket gate. Like most of Ayodhya's tirthas, it is open to all pilgrims and visitors without charge.
How do I reach Dashrath Kund in Ayodhya?
It lies in the Jiyan Pur area on the Panchkoshi Parikrama Marg. From Ram ki Paidi or Hanumangarhi an auto- or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹60–120 and takes 15–25 minutes, and it is a short ride from Ayodhya Dham railway station. Many pilgrims also arrive on foot as one stage of the Panchkoshi circuit. On major festival days roads may be closed to vehicles, so confirm the current drop point locally.
What is the Panchkoshi Parikrama and where does Dashrath Kund fall on it?
The Panchkoshi Parikrama is a roughly sixteen-kilometre sacred circuit that devout pilgrims walk around Ayodhya in a single day, linking its ghats, groves and ancient shrines. The traditional route runs from Chakratirtha past Naya Ghat, Ram Ghat and Holkar-ka-pura to Dashrath Kund, then onward through Jogiana and Ranopali. The circuit is walked in greatest numbers during the month of Kartik.
When is the best time to visit Dashrath Kund?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather for walking the parikrama, and the month of Kartik (October/November) brings the great annual circumambulations, when lamps and chanting fill the route from before dawn. Early morning is the most peaceful time to sit by the water. Carry drinking water and a light snack if you are covering a long stretch of the circuit on foot.
Is vegetarian food available near Dashrath Kund?
Yes — the entire holy city of Ayodhya is strictly vegetarian and alcohol-free, so there is no dietary worry. No food is sold at the pond itself, but the parikrama lanes and the temple areas toward Ram ki Paidi offer pure-vegetarian kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi, pedas and free bhandara meals for pilgrims. Confirm the specific stall or kitchen on arrival, as timings and availability vary by day.
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