Ram Vallabha Kunj
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Sri Ram Vallabha Kunj is a much-loved Ramanandi ashram-temple set close to the Sarayu riverfront at Janki Ghat in Ayodhya Dham. It belongs to the rasik strand of the Ramanandi tradition — the devotional school that worships Sri Ram and Sita (Janki) in the tender, intimate mood of loving service rather than only as cosmic king and queen. Behind its bright, garland-draped facade, the kunj functions at once as a temple, a residential ashram, and a working Vedic gurukul, and for many pilgrims it is the gentle, unhurried heart of an Ayodhya visit — a place to sit quietly and let the sound of the Holy Name wash over you.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Ram Vallabha Kunj's own free bhandara – strictly satvik pure-vegetarian community meal served to pilgrims without charge; timings vary, so confirm on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg prasad stalls and kachori-sabzi vendors around Janki Ghat and the Kanak Bhawan lanes – entirely vegetarian pilgrim quarter; freshly fried, best in the morning.
- ✦Dahi-jalebi and peda/khurchan sweet shops near the Sarayu ghats – Ayodhya's classic pure-veg mithai; look for busy, freshly made counters.
- ✦Ayodhya Dham is a wholly vegetarian, alcohol-free town, so eateries around the temple core are pure-veg – still, confirm the outlet on arrival.
About
Sri Ram Vallabha Kunj is a much-loved Ramanandi ashram-temple set close to the Sarayu riverfront at Janki Ghat in Ayodhya Dham. It belongs to the rasik strand of the Ramanandi tradition — the devotional school that worships Sri Ram and Sita (Janki) in the tender, intimate mood of loving service rather than only as cosmic king and queen.
- Behind its bright, garland-draped facade, the kunj functions at once as a temple, a residential ashram, and a working Vedic gurukul, and for many pilgrims it is the gentle, unhurried heart of an Ayodhya visit — a place to sit quietly and let the sound of the Holy Name wash over you.
- The presiding shrine enshrines beautifully adorned murtis of Sri Sita-Ram, dressed and garlanded afresh each day and honoured with the classical rhythm of mangala aarti at dawn, bhog offerings through the day, and a lamp-lit sandhya aarti at dusk.
- What sets the kunj apart is its tradition of near-continuous Ram-naam kirtan and sankirtan: the akhand chanting of "Sri Ram, Jai Ram" and Ramarcha-style worship that gives the courtyard its meditative hum from early morning into the evening.
- Devotees come simply to fold their hands, join the singing for a while, and receive the darshan of the deities before moving on to Kanak Bhawan, Hanumangarhi, and the wider Ram Janmabhoomi circuit nearby.
- The ashram is also a centre of learning and seva (selfless service).
- Resident students of the gurukul study the Vedas, the Puranas, and traditional ritual under resident acharyas, and their recitation forms part of the daily soundscape.
- Alongside the teaching, the kunj is celebrated for its hospitality: it maintains simple rooms for pilgrims and runs a large free bhandara (community kitchen), where a strictly satvik, pure-vegetarian meal is served without charge — a living expression of the Ayodhya ideal that no pilgrim should go hungry.
- For vegetarian travellers, this makes Ram Vallabha Kunj especially easy to love.
- Ayodhya Dham is a wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free pilgrimage town, and the kunj itself offers pure-veg prasad and bhandara meals.
- Entry is free and visitors of every background are welcomed warmly; simply remove your shoes, dress modestly, keep phones quiet during aarti, and ask before photographing the sanctum.
- A stop here pairs naturally with a walk along the Sarayu ghats at sunrise or the evening Saryu aarti.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Janki Ghat, near the Sarayu riverfront, Ayodhya Dham, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224123
How to Reach: At Janki Ghat in Ayodhya Dham, a short walk from the Sarayu ghats and close to Kanak Bhawan. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is roughly 2-3 km; an auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw costs about ₹40-80 (10-15 minutes). From the Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi core it is an easy 10-15 minute walk or a short e-rickshaw hop. Ayodhya's Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is about 12-15 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the timings of Ram Vallabha Kunj at Janki Ghat, Ayodhya?
The ashram-temple is reported to open roughly 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, with mangala aarti near dawn and a lamp-lit sandhya aarti at dusk. Its free bhandara (community meal) is generally served around midday and again in the evening. Timings shift on festival days, so it is worth confirming locally when you arrive.
Is there an entry fee for Ram Vallabha Kunj?
No, entry is free. Ram Vallabha Kunj is an active Ramanandi ashram-temple and pilgrims of every background are welcomed warmly, with no admission ticket. Please remove your shoes, dress modestly, and keep quiet during aarti.
What makes Ram Vallabha Kunj special?
It is a rasik Ramanandi ashram-temple, Vedic gurukul, and pilgrim rest-house rolled into one, enshrining beautifully adorned murtis of Sri Sita-Ram. It is best known for its near-continuous Ram-naam kirtan, its resident students who study the Vedas and Puranas, and its large free bhandara serving pure-vegetarian meals to pilgrims — a gentle, meditative counterpoint to Ayodhya's busier temples.
How do I reach Ram Vallabha Kunj in Ayodhya?
It sits at Janki Ghat, near the Sarayu ghats and close to Kanak Bhawan. From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is about 2-3 km — an auto or e-rickshaw costs roughly ₹40-80 (10-15 minutes). From the Ram Janmabhoomi and Hanumangarhi core it is an easy 10-15 minute walk. The nearest airport, Maharishi Valmiki International, is about 12-15 km away.
Is there free food or a bhandara at Ram Vallabha Kunj?
Yes. The kunj is well known for its free bhandara, where a strictly satvik, pure-vegetarian meal is served to pilgrims without charge, generally around midday and again in the evening. It reflects the Ayodhya ideal that no pilgrim should go hungry. Serving times can vary, so confirm on arrival.
Is Ram Vallabha Kunj vegetarian-friendly?
Completely. Ayodhya Dham is a wholly vegetarian and alcohol-free pilgrimage town, and the kunj itself offers pure-veg prasad and bhandara meals. The surrounding Janki Ghat and Kanak Bhawan lanes are lined with pure-vegetarian kachori-sabzi, dahi-jalebi, and peda/khurchan shops — best enjoyed freshly made in the morning.
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