Ratnapuri Digambar Jain Tirth (Dharmanath)
Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry FeeFree Entry
Ratnapuri Digambar Jain Tirth is one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites in the Ayodhya region, revered as the birthplace of Bhagwan Dharmanath, the fifteenth Tirthankara of the present cosmic age. In Jain tradition, Dharmanath was born into the ancient Ikshvaku dynasty to King Bhanu Raja and Queen Suvrata Rani at Ratnapuri (the "city of jewels"), and the site is venerated as the ground where four of his five kalyanaks — the auspicious life-events of a Tirthankara — unfolded: garbha (conception), janma (birth), tapa (renunciation), and gyan (omniscience). His final kalyanak, moksha (liberation), is remembered at Shikharji in Jharkhand, so Ratnapuri holds a special place in the devotee's map of the Tirthankara's earthly journey. Pilgrims come here to bow before the very land associated with a Jina's birth and enlightenment, an act of deep merit in the Digambar path.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Temple bhojanshala at the Ratnapuri Jain kshetra – pure-vegetarian, Jain-style satvik meals for pilgrims; timings and availability vary, so confirm at the dharamshala office on arrival.
- ✦Pure-veg dhabas along the Ronahi / Ayodhya–Lucknow highway stretch – simple dal, sabzi, roti and rice; being a highway strip, verify the kitchen is fully vegetarian before ordering.
- ✦Sweet and snack shops in Ayodhya Dham (about 24 km east) – dependable pure-veg pedas, kachori-sabzi and dahi-jalebi if you are returning to the temple town.
- ✦Free Ram Rasoi and bhandaras in Ayodhya – community pure-veg meals for pilgrims; a reliable vegetarian option when back in the main pilgrimage town.
About
Ratnapuri Digambar Jain Tirth is one of the most significant Jain pilgrimage sites in the Ayodhya region, revered as the birthplace of Bhagwan Dharmanath, the fifteenth Tirthankara of the present cosmic age.
- In Jain tradition, Dharmanath was born into the ancient Ikshvaku dynasty to King Bhanu Raja and Queen Suvrata Rani at Ratnapuri (the "city of jewels"), and the site is venerated as the ground where four of his five kalyanaks — the auspicious life-events of a Tirthankara — unfolded: garbha (conception), janma (birth), tapa (renunciation), and gyan (omniscience).
- His final kalyanak, moksha (liberation), is remembered at Shikharji in Jharkhand, so Ratnapuri holds a special place in the devotee's map of the Tirthankara's earthly journey.
- Pilgrims come here to bow before the very land associated with a Jina's birth and enlightenment, an act of deep merit in the Digambar path.
- The complex sits in a calm rural setting off the Ayodhya–Lucknow highway near Ronahi, its whitewashed spires and mandapas rising above green fields.
- The Digambar tirth centres on the mulnayak (principal) idol of Dharmanath, traditionally shown in the vajrasana meditation posture in the unclad Digambar iconographic style, seated in serene composure with the vajra (thunderbolt) as his emblem.
- Subsidiary shrines, an ornately carved main sanctum, and a manastambha-style pillar lend the courtyard a quiet grandeur.
- A well-run dharamshala with simple pilgrim rooms and a bhojanshala (community dining hall serving pure-vegetarian, Jain-style satvik meals) makes Ratnapuri a place where devotees can stay overnight, attend the morning abhishek and aarti, and absorb the meditative stillness that defines a Digambar kshetra.
- For all visitors, regardless of faith, the tirth is welcoming and instructive.
- Modest dress is expected — shoulders and knees covered — and shoes are removed before entering the temple; leather items (belts, wallets, bags) are traditionally left outside as a mark of ahimsa (non-violence), a core Jain value.
- Photography of the sanctum should only follow a polite request.
- The atmosphere is unhurried and contemplative rather than crowded, swelling mainly around Dharmanath Jayanti and other Jain festivals.
- Ratnapuri pairs naturally with an Ayodhya pilgrimage as a peaceful half-day detour, offering a window into the region's living Jain heritage.
- Being a Jain sacred site, the entire kshetra is strictly pure-vegetarian; no meat, egg, or alcohol has any place here, and even root vegetables are often avoided in the temple kitchen in keeping with Jain dietary discipline.
- Travellers seeking a serene, reflective counterpoint to the busier temple town will find Ratnapuri a genuinely restorative stop.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
Address
Ratnapuri Jain Kshetra, near Ronahi, Ayodhya–Lucknow highway (NH-27), Sohawal tehsil, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, 224141
How to Reach: Ratnapuri is on the Ayodhya–Lucknow highway (NH-27) near Ronahi, about 24 km west of Ayodhya in Sohawal tehsil. From Ayodhya Dham, a taxi or auto-rickshaw takes about 40–50 minutes (roughly ₹500–800 by cab, negotiable). From Ayodhya Dham Junction railway station it is around 45 minutes by road, and from Ayodhya (Maharishi Valmiki) International Airport about 35–45 minutes. Shared jeeps and buses running the Ayodhya–Lucknow route can drop you near Ronahi, from where a short local auto reaches the kshetra. Confirm the final approach with the dharamshala office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Ratnapuri Digambar Jain Tirth?
Ratnapuri is revered as the birthplace of Bhagwan Dharmanath, the fifteenth Tirthankara of the present age. Four of his five kalyanaks (auspicious life-events) — conception, birth, renunciation and omniscience — are associated with this land, making it an important Digambar Jain pilgrimage site. Devotees come to bow before ground linked to a Tirthankara's birth and enlightenment.
Where is Ratnapuri Jain Tirth located and how do I reach it?
It lies on the Ayodhya–Lucknow highway (NH-27) near Ronahi in Sohawal tehsil, about 24 km west of Ayodhya. From Ayodhya Dham a taxi or auto takes roughly 40–50 minutes; shared buses and jeeps on the Ayodhya–Lucknow route can drop you near Ronahi, from where a short local auto reaches the kshetra. It is about 35–45 minutes from Ayodhya's airport.
Is there an entry fee for Ratnapuri Digambar Jain Tirth?
No, entry is free. Like most Jain tirths it is open to all visitors regardless of faith, with no admission ticket. Voluntary donations to the temple trust are welcome but never required. A dharamshala and bhojanshala on the premises serve staying pilgrims.
Can non-Jain visitors and tourists visit the temple?
Yes. The tirth warmly welcomes visitors of every faith. Please dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, remove your shoes before entering the sanctum, and leave leather items (belts, wallets, bags) outside as a mark of ahimsa (non-violence). Observe quietly during the abhishek and aarti, and ask before taking photographs of the idol.
Is there food and accommodation available at Ratnapuri?
Yes. The kshetra runs a dharamshala with simple pilgrim rooms and a bhojanshala serving pure-vegetarian, Jain-style satvik meals; timings vary, so confirm at the dharamshala office. The whole site is strictly pure-vegetarian and alcohol-free. For more choice, Ayodhya Dham, about 24 km away, has many pure-veg eateries and the free Ram Rasoi.
What is the best time to visit Ratnapuri Jain Tirth?
October to March offers the most pleasant weather. Visit during Dharmanath Jayanti or major Jain festivals such as Mahavir Jayanti and Paryushan for the most devotional atmosphere, or come early in the morning for the abhishek and a peaceful, uncrowded darshan. It pairs well as a serene half-day detour from an Ayodhya pilgrimage.