Janki Ghat Bada Sthan
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen 24 hrs
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Janki Ghat Bada Sthan is one of Ayodhya's most venerable Ramanandi temple-ashrams, a sprawling devotional complex set close to the Sarayu on Ram Road, a short walk from Ramghat. Dedicated to Sita-Rama (Janki is a name of Sita, Janaka's daughter), it belongs to the Ramanandi Vaishnava tradition that has shaped Ayodhya's spiritual life for centuries — an order of sadhus and rasik devotees who worship Rama and Sita as the divine couple and immerse themselves in constant remembrance of the Ram-naam. The "Bada Sthan" (great seat) in its name signals its standing as a principal centre of this lineage, distinct from the several smaller Janki Ghat maths that cluster nearby.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦The temple's own free bhandara – simple satvik pure-vegetarian meals served to pilgrims; timings vary, so ask at the ashram on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg thali dhabas along Ram Path / Ram Road (area-level) – kachori-sabzi, puri-aloo and simple thalis; confirm the specific outlet is pure-veg on arrival.
- ✦Sweet shops near Ram Ki Paidi and Hanuman Garhi (area-level) – Ayodhya peda, khurchan and jalebi; the temple-facing lanes are traditionally vegetarian, but confirm locally.
- ✦Prasad and chai stalls around Ramghat – vegetarian snacks and tea for pilgrims; verify freshness and that the stall is pure-veg before eating.
About
Janki Ghat Bada Sthan is one of Ayodhya's most venerable Ramanandi temple-ashrams, a sprawling devotional complex set close to the Sarayu on Ram Road, a short walk from Ramghat.
- Dedicated to Sita-Rama (Janki is a name of Sita, Janaka's daughter), it belongs to the Ramanandi Vaishnava tradition that has shaped Ayodhya's spiritual life for centuries — an order of sadhus and rasik devotees who worship Rama and Sita as the divine couple and immerse themselves in constant remembrance of the Ram-naam.
- The "Bada Sthan" (great seat) in its name signals its standing as a principal centre of this lineage, distinct from the several smaller Janki Ghat maths that cluster nearby.
- What draws pilgrims above all is the akhand Ram-naam sankirtan — the unbroken chanting of "Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram" that is kept up here around the clock, often carried on in relays by resident sadhus and visiting devotees so that the sacred sound never lapses.
- The atmosphere inside is serene and absorbing: soft bells, the steady drone of the naam, tulsi garlands, and the murmured prayers of an ever-present congregation.
- The main shrine houses beautifully adorned murtis of Sita and Rama, dressed and decorated with the tender, intimate devotion characteristic of the rasik Ramananda school, and the temple observes the great festivals of the Ayodhya calendar — Rama Navami, Vivah Panchami (marking the marriage of Sita and Rama), Janaki Navami and Kartik Purnima — with special fervour.
- The ashram is equally renowned for its seva.
- It runs a large, open free bhandara (community kitchen) that feeds pilgrims, sadhus and the needy day after day, in the old Ayodhya spirit of annadaan, and it maintains a dharamshala offering simple lodging to travellers on pilgrimage.
- All food here is strictly pure vegetarian and satvik, in keeping with the temple's discipline and with Ayodhya's character as a holy vegetarian city.
- For all visitors regardless of faith, the temple is welcoming and quietly moving.
- The simple courtesies apply: remove footwear before entering, dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, keep voices low near the sanctum, and ask before photographing during worship.
- Combined with nearby Ram Ki Paidi, Kanak Bhawan and the Sarayu ghats, Janki Ghat Bada Sthan makes a peaceful, deeply devotional stop that shows Ayodhya's living tradition of continuous prayer and open-handed hospitality.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Janki Ghat, Ram Road, near Ramghat, Ayodhya Dham, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: On Ram Road near Ramghat in Ayodhya Dham, about 0.5 km from Ramghat Halt railway station. From Ayodhya Dham Junction (about 2 km) an auto-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40–70 (10 minutes); e-rickshaws run from Ram Ki Paidi and the Hanuman Garhi area for ₹20–40. It is an easy walk from Ram Ki Paidi and Kanak Bhawan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Janki Ghat Bada Sthan in Ayodhya?
The temple is generally open from about 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, though the Ram-naam kirtan is kept up round the clock. Aarti and darshan times shift with the season, so it is best to confirm the day's schedule at the ashram when you arrive.
Is there an entry fee for Janki Ghat Bada Sthan?
No, entry is free. As an active Ramanandi temple and ashram, it is open to all devotees and visitors regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Donations for the temple's seva and free bhandara are voluntary.
What is special about Janki Ghat Bada Sthan?
It is a large, historic Ramanandi temple-ashram dedicated to Sita and Rama, best known for its continuous round-the-clock Ram-naam sankirtan and its generous free bhandara (community kitchen) that feeds pilgrims and sadhus daily. The beautifully adorned Sita-Rama murtis, the rasik devotional atmosphere and the spirit of open hospitality make it one of Ayodhya's most moving stops.
How do I reach Janki Ghat Bada Sthan?
It sits on Ram Road near Ramghat in Ayodhya Dham, about half a kilometre from Ramghat Halt and roughly 2 km from Ayodhya Dham Junction. An auto-rickshaw from the junction costs around ₹40–70 (about 10 minutes), and e-rickshaws run from Ram Ki Paidi and Hanuman Garhi for ₹20–40. It is also an easy walk from Ram Ki Paidi and Kanak Bhawan.
When is the best time to visit?
October to March offers the most comfortable weather. For festive grandeur, visit during Rama Navami (March/April) or Vivah Panchami (November/December), which celebrates the marriage of Sita and Rama. For a calmer darshan, come for the early-morning or evening aarti. Remember to remove your footwear, dress modestly, and keep quiet near the sanctum.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Janki Ghat Bada Sthan?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian holy city, so options nearby are pure-veg. The ashram itself runs a free satvik bhandara for pilgrims — ask about timings on arrival. Along Ram Path and around Ram Ki Paidi and Hanuman Garhi you will find simple veg thali dhabas serving kachori-sabzi and puri-aloo, plus sweet shops known for Ayodhya peda, khurchan and jalebi. As always, confirm a specific outlet is pure-veg before ordering.
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