The Ram Mandir at Ayodhya is nothing less than a pilgrimage-esque sanctuary. It is a profoundly spiritual edifice of an all resolute centuries old legacy of faith and cultural continuity. This temple is the result of decades of worship with all kinds of legal wrangling. The temple that has jumped from the sacred spot where Lord Ram is believed to have been born has become a supreme point of worship, drawing devotees and travellers.

If you’re considering a pilgrimage or just making a cultural visit, here is an in-depth guide to help you navigate your pilgrimage to this sacred site.

Relevance Of Ram Janmabhoomi In History

Ayodhya, located on the bank of Sarayu River in Uttar Pradesh, is significant both mythologically and historically. Hindus consider it as the birthplace of Lord Ram, the warrior-hero from Ramayana, an ancient Indian epic. Lord Ram is regarded as the one of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Because of this it has been one of the centres of worship for centuries.

Over the centuries it got snared in political and religious wrangling, especially after Babri Masjid was built in the 16th century by Mughal emperor Babur. But its past has been none-too controversy-free, especially the Babri Masjid that once occupied the same spot and was destroyed in 1992.

After decades of courtroom battles and  archaeological research, the Supreme Court of India decided decisively in favor of the Hindu claim in a landmark 2019 decision. Then allocated the land to build a temple. Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in 2020 allowing the construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya.

When Was Ram Mandir Open to the Public?

On January 22, 2024, the Ram Mandir was inaugurated. The magnificent PranPratishtha Mahotsav was held in August in the presence of the respectful Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and numerous holy saints and dignitaries!

Public "darshan" of the temple began on January 23, 2024, and since then it has been thronged by lakhs of devotees from across the country and abroad.

Darshan and Aarti Darshan Timings:

There are specific times for darshan and aarti at this temple to control certain things like the crowd and avoid any kind of chaos.

• Morning Darshan: 7:00 AM to 11:00 AM
• Second Darshan (Afternoon Darshan): 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM

‘Aarti’ is conducted daily at the following timings:

• Shringar Aarti (Morning): 6:30 am
• Bhog Aarti (Noon): 12:00 PM
• Sandhya Aarti (Evening): 7:30 PM

You can book in advance online for special aarti access through the temple’s official website and at authorized travel portals.

How to Reach Ayodhya?

Ayodhya is connected by air, rail and road.

By Air

The nearest functional airport is Maharsi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya which was inaugurated in 2023 and is located approximately 140 km from there. Direct flights are also available from major metros, including Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow etc. You can book a taxi or catch a bus to Ayodhya from Lucknow.

By Train

Connectivity Ayodhya Railway Station (AY) is connected to many of the major towns like Delhi, Varanasi and Lucknow. It is advise to booking ahead during festival period.

By Road

It is connected by bus and taxi to various cities. Roads are mostly good and picturesque in places, especially en route from Lucknow/Gorakhpur.

Where to Stay in Ayodhya?

Because the temple is so popular, accommodations have proliferated. You can choose everything from a budget guesthouse to mid-range hotel or a deluxe religious stay.

Popular Areas to Stay:

• Near Naya Ghat (adjacent to the river)
• Faizabad Road
• Path of Ram (temple corridor space)

Pro tip: If you’re visiting during important Hindu festivals (Ram Navami or Diwali, for example), book your stay at least 2–3 months in advance.

Dress Code and Temple Etiquette

As it is considered a sacred space, the following respectful visitor guidelines are recommended:

• Dress code: Modest and respectful attire is suggested. Since this site is religious, modest manner of dressing is advised.
• Footwear : While entering the nick and corners of the temple complex visitors are required to remove foot wears, so wearing easy to take off foot wears are suggested.
• Noise and Respect: Keep noise to a minimum and display respectful attitude in the temple. Keep your voice down and do not disturb other people who might be praying.
• Photography: Some parts of the temple complex may prohibit photography. Observe these guidelines and ensure the place is left for future generations.
• Alcohol: Alcohol-based gifts, tobacco, or leather items should not be taken as gifts.
• Observe queue mechanism and cooperate with the temple volunteers.

Security and Facilities at Ayodhya Temple:

The temple complex is heavily guarded and provisioned, with lakhs visiting every week:

• Security: Expect security checks at multiple points in the temple premises. Work and go along with the security detail for a pleasant and trouble free event.
• Electronics: Few of the temples do not allow usage of mobiles and electronic gadgets. If there are any instructions please follow to prevent any inconvenience.
• CCTV Surveillance and Screening machines for security at entry points.
• You can get drinking water for Free of cost.
• Facilities of shoe racks
• Wheelchair accessible and separate queue for senior citizens
• Locker rooms used for the storage of personal belongings

Note: It is advisable to bring government issued photo identification.

Best Time to Visit Ram Mandir

The best time to explore Ayodhya is in the winter season (October-March). Peak religious periods like:

Ram Navami (March–April)

Diwali (October–November)

Makar Sankranti (January)

You can experience an increase in visitors in special festivities.

To escape the sweltering summer temperature that can touch as high as 40 degree celsius, visiting between (May–June) peak summer is not recommended.

Other Places of Interest in Ayodhya

Ram Mandir is the crown jewel, though Ayodhya has many other sacred and historical sites:

• Hanuman Garhi: Temple of Lord Hanuman, standing guard to Ayodhya.
• Kanak Bhawan: A lovely temple presented to Sita as a gift by Queen Kaikeyi.
• Sita Ki Rasoi: An ancient kitchen of Sita, where here Beloved Sita used to cook. Product Description. Names of Gods, considered auspicious in our culture, …
• Nageshwarnath Temple: Constructed by Kush, son of Lord Ram.
• The Ram Katha Museum: Exhibits based on scripts, paintings of Ramayana scenes and sample of literature on Ram.

Shopping and Local Delicacies near Ayodhya Ram Mandir

Don’t miss the local bazaars around Ram Path and Naya Ghat. You’ll find:

• Photograph: Vishal SabharwalRam idols.
• PRAMG conducts free medical check-up camps twice in a year and about 400 to 500 people benefit from the hospital's services.
• Hand-looms, brass works, incense sticks and religious books
• Local sweets to Try- Pedha, Rabri, Laddus.
• Ayodhya thali from local eateries with a couple of puris, a vegetable gravy and sweet dishes

Important Travel Tips

• Plan Ahead: Pre-book your travel and hotels.
• Honor Rituals: Even if you’re a tourist, respect temple etiquette.
• Hydrate: Keep water on hand, particularly in summer.
• Hire a Guide: Locals are trained in the mythology and are fascinating to learn from.
• Say No to Plastic: Ayodhya is promoting green tourism, carry cloth or jute bags.

Final Thoughts

The Ram Mandir is not just a temple; it is the fulfillment of a spiritual dream for which generations of devotees have prayed. There’s a lot that’s personal, and a lot that’s cultural, and a lot that’s both. Whether a pilgrim or a student of history, Ayodhya has something deeply poignant to offer.

You will find yourself bathing in an atmosphere that is both timeless and saturated, the streets upon which Lord Ram walked, and where you were as devoted and unassuming as you liked to be told you were. By respecting the alignment and intentional creation of the space, and with careful consideration of how you structure your visit, you will have a moving and meaningful visit.