Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir)
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, popularly the Ram Mandir, is the devotional centre of Ayodhya — the ancient city on the Sarayu that Hindu tradition venerates as the birthplace (janmabhoomi) of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana. Rising in warm pink Bansi Paharpur sandstone quarried in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district, the temple is built in the classical Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture, its curvilinear shikharas (spires), tiered mandapas and richly carved pillars following canons set out in ancient shilpa-shastra texts. Designed by architects of the Sompura family, who have shaped temples for generations, the structure rises some 161 feet across three levels and is famously assembled in the traditional way — interlocking stone without structural iron or steel — so that it is conceived to endure for centuries.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ram Rasoi / temple-trust bhandara (near the Ram Janmabhoomi complex) – free, simple pure-vegetarian meals served to pilgrims; timings vary, so confirm on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg kachori-sabzi and jalebi stalls along Ram Path and the Hanuman Garhi lanes – Ayodhya's classic pilgrim breakfast; the old-city area is entirely vegetarian, but confirm the specific stall on arrival.
- ✦Ayodhya peda and khurchan sweet shops near the temple approach – traditional pure-veg mithai and prasad sweets; choose a busy, well-reviewed counter.
- ✦Sattvik/pure-veg thali eateries around the Ram Path pilgrim area – wholesome North Indian vegetarian meals; verify pure-veg status locally, as the Faizabad side of the city may differ.
About
The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, popularly the Ram Mandir, is the devotional centre of Ayodhya — the ancient city on the Sarayu that Hindu tradition venerates as the birthplace (janmabhoomi) of Lord Ram, the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana.
- Rising in warm pink Bansi Paharpur sandstone quarried in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district, the temple is built in the classical Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture, its curvilinear shikharas (spires), tiered mandapas and richly carved pillars following canons set out in ancient shilpa-shastra texts.
- Designed by architects of the Sompura family, who have shaped temples for generations, the structure rises some 161 feet across three levels and is famously assembled in the traditional way — interlocking stone without structural iron or steel — so that it is conceived to endure for centuries.
- At the heart of the temple, in the sanctum on the ground floor, is the murti of Ram Lala — the Lord depicted as a serene five-year-old child, whose sacred installation (pran-pratishtha) was performed on 22 January 2024.
- Devotees move through a sequence of grand pillared halls toward the garbha-griha for darshan, passing carvings of deities, sages and episodes from the Ramayana.
- The complex is planned around a rectangular parkota (perimeter wall) with subsidiary shrines, and set within the wider precinct pilgrims often walk the tree-lined Ram Path that links Ayodhya's principal sites.
- Darshan and aarti follow a daily rhythm, with early-morning Mangala and Shringar aartis and an evening Sandhya aarti among the most cherished; passes for aarti are issued free of charge by the temple trust, and entry to the temple itself is free.
- The Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust distributes prasad to devotees, and Ayodhya's celebrated free community kitchens (the Ram Rasoi and various bhandaras) serve simple, wholesome meals to pilgrims.
- Ayodhya is a wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free holy city, and the lanes around the temple brim with pure-vegetarian devotional fare — hot kachori-sabzi and jalebi at dawn, Ayodhya's soft pedas and khurchan, and free prasad and bhandara meals.
- Dress modestly, remove footwear before entering, and be prepared to deposit phones and bags at the cloakroom, as photography inside the sanctum is not permitted.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Ram Janmabhoomi complex, Ram Path, near Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra, central Ayodhya, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: Central Ayodhya, on Ram Path. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2 km — auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹30–60 (about 10 minutes). From Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, a taxi takes around 30–40 minutes. From the Sarayu ghats (Ram Ki Paidi) it is a short e-rickshaw ride or a pleasant walk. Vehicles are restricted near the complex, so expect a short walk through security to the darshan queue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the darshan timings at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple in Ayodhya?
The temple is generally open for darshan from around 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM, typically with a midday break, and aartis such as the early-morning Mangala and Shringar aartis and the evening Sandhya aarti punctuate the day. Exact darshan and aarti slots change seasonally and on festival days, so it is best to confirm the current timings locally or with the temple trust on arrival.
Is there an entry fee for the Ram Mandir, and how do I attend the aarti?
Entry to the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple is free. Aarti passes are also issued free of charge by the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust, but seats are limited and demand is high, so pilgrims who wish to attend a specific aarti should arrange a pass in advance and arrive early.
What architectural style is the Ram Mandir built in?
It is built in the classical Nagara style of North Indian temple architecture, using pink Bansi Paharpur sandstone from Rajasthan. Designed by the Sompura family of temple architects, it rises about 161 feet across three levels with carved pillars, tiered mandapas and curvilinear shikharas, and is assembled in the traditional way without structural iron or steel.
Who is the deity enshrined in the temple?
The sanctum enshrines Ram Lala — Lord Ram depicted as a serene five-year-old child. The murti was formally installed through the pran-pratishtha (consecration) ceremony on 22 January 2024, and it is the focus of daily darshan and aarti.
How do I reach the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple?
The temple sits in central Ayodhya on Ram Path. It is about 2 km from Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station (a ₹30–60 auto or e-rickshaw ride), roughly 30–40 minutes by taxi from Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya, and a short ride or walk from the Sarayu ghats at Ram Ki Paidi. Vehicles stop short of the complex, so expect a walk through security to the darshan queue.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near the temple?
Ayodhya is a wholly vegetarian, alcohol-free holy city, so the lanes around the temple are full of pure-veg options: hot kachori-sabzi and jalebi at dawn, soft Ayodhya pedas and khurchan, and the temple trust's free prasad. Ayodhya's famous free community kitchens, including the Ram Rasoi and various bhandaras, also serve simple wholesome meals to pilgrims — confirm timings on arrival.
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