Hanuman Garhi
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Hanuman Garhi is the spiritual gatekeeper of Ayodhya — a fortress-like hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Ram, and by long tradition the very first darshan (sacred viewing) a pilgrim takes on arriving in the holy city. The name itself means "Hanuman's Fort" (garhi = small fort), and the temple lives up to it: a compact citadel crowning a raised mound in the heart of town, its outer walls anchored by four circular bastions at the corners. Devotees climb a flight of 76 stone steps to reach the sanctum, and the ascent — lined with garland sellers, prasad stalls, and the steady ring of temple bells — is itself part of the pilgrimage. Ayodhya lore holds that Hanuman resides here as the eternal guardian of Ram's birthplace, so seeking his blessing first, before proceeding to any other shrine, is the customary order of a pilgrim's day.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Temple-lane sweet and snack stalls at the base of the 76 steps — pure-vegetarian besan laddoo (the temple prasad), kachori-sabzi and fresh jalebi; entirely vegetarian pilgrim neighbourhood (confirm freshness on arrival).
- ✦Ram Rasoi / bhandara kitchens around the Ram Janmabhoomi area (approx. 10–15 min walk) — free or nominal pure-vegetarian sattvic meals served to pilgrims; timings vary, so check locally.
- ✦Mithai shops along the Hanuman Garhi and Ayodhya Chowk lanes — khurchan, peda and rabri from traditional pure-veg halwais; area-level recommendation, confirm the specific outlet on arrival.
- ✦Devotee dharamshala and ashram dining halls near the temple precinct — simple pure-vegetarian thalis; availability and timings vary, so ask locally before relying on them.
About
Hanuman Garhi is the spiritual gatekeeper of Ayodhya — a fortress-like hilltop temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Ram, and by long tradition the very first darshan (sacred viewing) a pilgrim takes on arriving in the holy city.
- The name itself means "Hanuman's Fort" (garhi = small fort), and the temple lives up to it: a compact citadel crowning a raised mound in the heart of town, its outer walls anchored by four circular bastions at the corners.
- Devotees climb a flight of 76 stone steps to reach the sanctum, and the ascent — lined with garland sellers, prasad stalls, and the steady ring of temple bells — is itself part of the pilgrimage.
- Ayodhya lore holds that Hanuman resides here as the eternal guardian of Ram's birthplace, so seeking his blessing first, before proceeding to any other shrine, is the customary order of a pilgrim's day.
- The present structure is generally dated to the 18th century, built during the Nawabi era of Awadh, and the temple has flourished as one of the most important centres of the Ramanandi Bairagi tradition of ascetic devotion.
- The principal image within the sanctum depicts Hanuman as a child seated on the lap of his mother Anjani — a tender, maternal form that draws special affection from families and pilgrims praying for children and protection.
- The atmosphere inside is intimate and intensely devotional: the chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, the fragrance of marigold and sindoor, and the pressing warmth of the crowd, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days most auspicious to Hanuman.
- For all visitors regardless of faith, the temple is open and welcoming.
- Simple etiquette applies: remove footwear before the climb (paid shoe-minding stalls sit at the base), dress modestly, keep phones and cameras respectfully lowered near the sanctum, and be patient in the queue during festival crowds.
- The days around Hanuman Jayanti and the nine nights of Ram Navami see the temple at its most vibrant, with continuous recitation and processions filling the surrounding lanes.
- Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian holy city, and the base of Hanuman Garhi reflects it beautifully.
- The lanes are lined with pure-vegetarian offerings — the temple's own besan-laddoo prasad, crisp kachori-sabzi, jalebi fried fresh in the morning, and creamy khurchan and peda from the mithai shops.
- It is an unhurried, deeply atmospheric stop that rewards an early-morning or evening visit, when the light softens and the bells carry across the rooftops of the old town.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Sai Nagar, near Ayodhya Chowk, central Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: Sai Nagar, in the heart of old Ayodhya, roughly 1.5 km from Ayodhya Junction railway station. From Ayodhya Junction an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs about ₹30–60 and takes 5–10 minutes; from Ayodhya Dham (Ayodhya Cantt) it is a short shared-auto ride. The temple is an easy 10–15 minute walk from the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, so most pilgrims combine the two on foot. The final approach is on foot up the 76 steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya?
Hanuman Garhi is generally open daily from around 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with the morning Mangla Aarti around 6:00 AM and an afternoon aarti around 1:30 PM. Some sources note a midday break, roughly 12:00 to 4:00 PM. Timings shift seasonally and expand on festival days, so it is best to confirm locally before you set out.
Is there an entry fee for Hanuman Garhi?
No, entry to Hanuman Garhi is free. As an active pilgrimage temple, it is open to everyone regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. You may wish to carry small change for the paid shoe-minding stalls at the base of the steps and for prasad or offerings.
How many steps are there at Hanuman Garhi and why is it visited first?
Devotees climb 76 stone steps to reach the sanctum, which crowns a raised mound like a small fort — hence the name Hanuman Garhi, or "Hanuman's Fort." By long-standing Ayodhya tradition, Hanuman is regarded as the guardian of the city, so pilgrims take his darshan first, before proceeding to any other shrine. The climb, lined with garland and prasad sellers, is considered part of the pilgrimage.
How do I reach Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya?
The temple is in Sai Nagar, in the heart of old Ayodhya, about 1.5 km from Ayodhya Junction railway station. An auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw from the station costs roughly ₹30–60 and takes 5–10 minutes. It is also an easy 10–15 minute walk from the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, so most pilgrims combine the two on foot. The final stretch is up the 76 steps.
What can you see at Hanuman Garhi?
The temple is a compact hilltop citadel with four circular corner bastions, dated to the 18th century and long associated with the Ramanandi Bairagi ascetic tradition. The main sanctum enshrines Hanuman in a tender childhood form, seated on the lap of his mother Anjani — a form especially beloved by families. The devotional atmosphere, with continuous chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa and the fragrance of marigold and sindoor, is the real experience, best felt on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Hanuman Garhi?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian holy city, and the lanes around Hanuman Garhi are entirely pure-vegetarian. At the base of the steps you will find the temple's besan-laddoo prasad, kachori-sabzi and fresh jalebi, along with mithai shops selling khurchan, peda and rabri. Pilgrim kitchens and bhandaras near the Ram Janmabhoomi area (a short walk away) serve simple sattvic meals — confirm timings and freshness locally on arrival.
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