Kanak Bhawan
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Kanak Bhawan — literally the 'Golden Palace,' and affectionately called Sone-ka-Ghar — is among the most cherished temples in Ayodhya, dedicated to the divine couple Sita and Ram. In the devotional tradition drawn from the Ramayana, the palace on this spot was a private residence lovingly gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi, mother-in-law and doting elder of the household, immediately after Sita's marriage into the royal house of Ayodhya. For this reason Kanak Bhawan is revered as the intimate ghar (home) of Sita-Ram rather than a formal court temple, and pilgrims come here to seek the tender, domestic grace of the deities as bride and groom.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ram Rasoi / community bhandaras near the Ram Janmabhoomi zone – simple sattvic pure-vegetarian meals served free to pilgrims; Ayodhya's temple-town lanes are entirely vegetarian.
- ✦Sweet and kachori stalls around Tulsi Nagar and Hanuman Garhi – pure-veg kachori-sabzi, jalebi with dahi, and Ayodhya peda; confirm freshly cooked on arrival.
- ✦Khurchan and peda shops in the Ram Kot bazaar lanes – traditional Ayodhya milk sweets; pure-vegetarian, best sampled fresh in the morning.
- ✦Pure-veg thali eateries near Ayodhya Dham railway station – dependable vegetarian meals; verify pure-veg status at the counter before ordering.
About
Kanak Bhawan — literally the 'Golden Palace,' and affectionately called Sone-ka-Ghar — is among the most cherished temples in Ayodhya, dedicated to the divine couple Sita and Ram.
- In the devotional tradition drawn from the Ramayana, the palace on this spot was a private residence lovingly gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi, mother-in-law and doting elder of the household, immediately after Sita's marriage into the royal house of Ayodhya.
- For this reason Kanak Bhawan is revered as the intimate ghar (home) of Sita-Ram rather than a formal court temple, and pilgrims come here to seek the tender, domestic grace of the deities as bride and groom.
- The present ornate structure was raised in 1891 by Queen Vrishabhanu Kunwari of Orchha–Tikamgarh (Bundelkhand), and its architecture is a graceful blend of Bundeli, Rajput and North-Indian temple idioms — a broad courtyard, arched verandahs, carved brackets and a triple sanctum reached by a short flight of steps.
- The central shrine holds three pairs of Sita-Ram idols of differing sizes, the principal murtis famously crowned and adorned with gold and gem-studded ornaments that give the temple its name; the glint of the jewelled crowns in the lamplight during aarti is one of the most memorable sights in all of Ayodhya.
- Bhajans and the Ramcharitmanas are sung softly through the day, and the mood inside is one of homely devotion rather than grand ceremony.
- Kanak Bhawan sits in the Tulsi Nagar–Ram Kot heart of the old temple town, only a short walk from the Ram Janmabhoomi complex, so it slots naturally into a morning or evening darshan circuit that can also take in Hanuman Garhi and the riverside ghats.
- Entry is free, as at most Ayodhya temples; shoes are left at the gate, modest dress is expected, and photography of the inner sanctum is usually restricted, so ask before raising a camera.
- Ayodhya is a wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, and the lanes around Kanak Bhawan reflect this completely.
- Pilgrims break their darshan with pure-vegetarian kachori-sabzi, hot jalebis with dahi, and the town's famous peda and khurchan from the surrounding sweet stalls, while the nearby community kitchens and bhandaras serve simple sattvic meals to visitors in the true spirit of Ayodhya's hospitality.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Tulsi Nagar, Ram Kot, near Ram Janmabhoomi, Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: Tulsi Nagar (Ram Kot), a short walk northeast of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex in the old town. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2 km — an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40–80 (10 minutes). From Ayodhya's Maharshi Valmiki International Airport it is around 12–15 km by taxi (30–40 minutes). Vehicles stop at the edge of the temple zone, and the final stretch through the narrow lanes is covered on foot or by e-rickshaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Kanak Bhawan in Ayodhya?
Kanak Bhawan is generally open in two darshan sessions — reported around 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the morning and 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening — with aarti held morning and evening. Exact times shift slightly with the season, so it is best to confirm locally on the day of your visit.
Is there an entry fee for Kanak Bhawan?
No. Like most temples in Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan is free to enter and open to all visitors. You simply leave your footwear at the gate; there is no admission ticket.
Why is it called Kanak Bhawan (the Golden Palace)?
'Kanak' means gold, and the temple is also known as Sone-ka-Ghar, the Golden House. The name comes from its principal Sita-Ram idols, which are crowned and adorned with gold and gem-studded ornaments. In devotional tradition the palace here was a private residence gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi after her marriage to Ram, making it revered as the intimate home of the divine couple.
What can you see inside Kanak Bhawan?
The central sanctum houses three pairs of Sita-Ram idols of differing sizes, the main pair famous for their jewelled golden crowns and ornaments. The 1891 structure, built by Queen Vrishabhanu Kunwari of Orchha–Tikamgarh, features a broad courtyard, arched verandahs and carved Bundeli-Rajput detailing. The glow of the jewelled crowns during aarti is a highlight, accompanied by soft bhajans and Ramcharitmanas recitation.
How do I reach Kanak Bhawan and what else is nearby?
It sits in Tulsi Nagar (Ram Kot), a short walk northeast of the Ram Janmabhoomi complex. From Ayodhya Dham Junction it is about 2 km by auto or e-rickshaw (₹40–80, 10 minutes); the airport is 12–15 km away. It combines naturally with darshan at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple, Hanuman Garhi and the riverside ghats in a single morning or evening circuit.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Kanak Bhawan?
Ayodhya is a strictly vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so the whole temple quarter is pure-veg. Around Tulsi Nagar and Hanuman Garhi you'll find kachori-sabzi, jalebi with dahi, and Ayodhya's famous peda and khurchan, while community kitchens and bhandaras near the Janmabhoomi zone serve simple sattvic meals to pilgrims. As always, confirm anything is freshly prepared before ordering.
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