Raja Dashrath Samadhi Sthal (Bilharghat)
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · monument
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Raja Dashrath Samadhi Sthal is the traditionally venerated spot where devotees believe the last rites of King Dasharatha — the beloved Ikshvaku ruler of Ayodhya and father of Lord Rama — were performed. It stands at Bilharghat (also written Bilvahari Ghat) on the bank of the Saryu, near Pura Bazar, roughly 15 kilometres out of the temple town along Harlalka Road. Ramayana tradition holds that a cremation ground befitting a king was sought at a respectful distance from the capital, and the quiet riverside stretch discovered here became the sanctified site of his final journey. For pilgrims following the story of the Ramayana across the Ayodhya landscape, reaching this memorial is a moment of gentle reflection on Dasharatha's grief-stricken passing and the dharma of his sons.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ram Rasoi and bhandaras in Ayodhya (before setting out) - the well-known free community kitchens serve simple, wholesome pure-veg meals to pilgrims; entirely vegetarian.
- ✦Ayodhya bazaar sweet and snack shops near Ram Path - dependable pure-veg kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda to eat before the drive out; strictly vegetarian holy-city fare.
- ✦Simple roadside dhabas along the Pura Bazar / Harlalka Road route - basic veg thali and tea; options are limited in this rural belt, so confirm the kitchen is pure-veg on arrival.
- ✦Carry your own water and packed vegetarian snacks - facilities at Bilharghat itself are minimal, so self-catering is the safest bet for this out-of-town stop.
About
Raja Dashrath Samadhi Sthal is the traditionally venerated spot where devotees believe the last rites of King Dasharatha — the beloved Ikshvaku ruler of Ayodhya and father of Lord Rama — were performed.
- It stands at Bilharghat (also written Bilvahari Ghat) on the bank of the Saryu, near Pura Bazar, roughly 15 kilometres out of the temple town along Harlalka Road.
- Ramayana tradition holds that a cremation ground befitting a king was sought at a respectful distance from the capital, and the quiet riverside stretch discovered here became the sanctified site of his final journey.
- For pilgrims following the story of the Ramayana across the Ayodhya landscape, reaching this memorial is a moment of gentle reflection on Dasharatha's grief-stricken passing and the dharma of his sons.
- The modest complex is cared for by a resident mahant and preserves a cluster of deeply revered relics.
- Devotees come to offer respects at the charan-paduka (sacred footprint impressions) associated with the four royal brothers — Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna — and at the footprints attributed to Guru Vashishtha, the family preceptor.
- A Pind Vedi (a raised platform for ancestral pind-daan offerings) anchors the site's role as a place of shraaddha and remembrance, and murtis of King Dasharatha, Bharata, Shatrughna and Guru Vashishtha are enshrined for darshan.
- Local lore also points to old ceremonial implements kept here that are said to have stayed remarkably untarnished over the years — the kind of storied detail that lends the place its air of hushed antiquity.
- Once quiet and little-visited, the sthal has in recent years received renovation and pilgrim facilities, including a dharamshala for those who make the journey out from the city.
- The setting is rural and unhurried: fields, the wide slow Saryu, and the soft sound of temple bells rather than crowds.
- Because Bilharghat lies well outside Ayodhya's temple core, carry water and eat before you set out.
- Ayodhya itself is a strictly vegetarian holy city — the celebrated free Ram Rasoi and roadside bhandaras serve pure-veg meals, and the bazaar lanes brim with kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda.
- Out along the Pura Bazar route the options thin to simple dhabas, so pure-veg travellers do best to fuel up in town and treat this as a serene half-day pilgrimage loop combined with other Saryu-side stops.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Bilharghat (Bilvahari Ghat), Harlalka Road, Pura Bazar, on the Saryu bank, about 15 km from Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224171
How to Reach: Bilharghat is about 15 km from Ayodhya's temple core, off Harlalka Road near Pura Bazar on the Saryu bank. Hire an auto-rickshaw or taxi from Ayodhya (roughly 30-45 minutes each way depending on the road); a private cab or shared jeep toward Pura Bazar is the most practical option, as public transport is limited. Best done as part of a half-day loop with other Saryu-side sites. Confirm the exact turning locally, as it sits down a rural lane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Raja Dashrath Samadhi Sthal and why is it revered?
It is the traditionally venerated site where devotees believe the last rites of King Dasharatha, father of Lord Rama and ruler of Ayodhya, were performed. Set on the Saryu bank at Bilharghat near Pura Bazar, it preserves charan-paduka (sacred footprints) linked to the four brothers, footprints of Guru Vashishtha, a Pind Vedi for ancestral offerings, and murtis of Dasharatha, Bharata, Shatrughna and Guru Vashishtha. For Ramayana pilgrims it is a quiet, reflective stop.
How far is Dashrath Samadhi Sthal from Ayodhya and how do I reach it?
It is about 15 km from Ayodhya's temple core, off Harlalka Road near Pura Bazar on the Saryu bank. The practical way is to hire an auto-rickshaw, taxi or private cab from Ayodhya, roughly 30-45 minutes each way depending on the rural road. Public transport is limited, so a booked vehicle is best, and it fits neatly into a half-day Ramayana-circuit loop. Confirm the final turning locally as it lies down a country lane.
Is there an entry fee for Raja Dashrath Samadhi Sthal?
No, there is no entry fee - it is a freely accessible memorial and pilgrimage site. As with most such places, a small voluntary donation for upkeep is welcome but never required.
What are the timings and best time to visit?
Being a small rural site, it does not keep strict ticketed hours; access is generally during daylight, reported roughly 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM, so it is best to confirm locally. October to March offers the most pleasant weather, and an early-morning visit gives you a calm Saryu-side atmosphere and easier road travel.
What can I see at the site?
You can offer respects at the charan-paduka associated with Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna, and at the footprints attributed to Guru Vashishtha, alongside a Pind Vedi used for ancestral pind-daan offerings. Enshrined murtis of King Dasharatha, Bharata, Shatrughna and Guru Vashishtha are present for darshan, and local tradition points to old ceremonial implements said to have stayed untarnished over the years. Recent renovation has added pilgrim facilities including a dharamshala.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Dashrath Samadhi Sthal?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian holy city, so it is best to eat before you drive out: the free Ram Rasoi and bhandaras serve simple pure-veg meals, and the bazaar lanes near Ram Path offer kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi and fresh peda. Along the rural Pura Bazar route the choices thin to basic dhabas, so confirm any kitchen is pure-veg on arrival, and carry water and packed vegetarian snacks for the trip.