Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: History, Timings & How to Reach

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: History, Timings & How to Reach

The Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir) stands proudly on the banks of the sacred Saryu River in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. This beautiful temple is dedicated to Lord Ram, one of Hinduism’s main deities, and represents his five-year-old form—hence its other name, Ramlala Temple.

The temple is sacred for Hindus worldwide, standing as a symbol of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and national unity. After many years of disagreement, the Supreme Court’s 2019 decision allowed the temple’s construction to begin. The Pran Pratishtha (consecration) ceremony was held on January 22, 2024, with the beautiful idol of Balak Ram created by famous sculptor Mr. Arun Yogiraj.

Today, the Ram Mandir boast Ayodhya tourism by attracting millions of devotees from around the world each year. Therefore, if you’re planning to visit, it’s highly recommended to book your darshan in advance.

Ram Mandir History:

The history of Ram Mandir is closely linked with the long-running dispute over the site believed to be Lord Ram’s birthplace. For generations, Hindus have honored this location as Ram Janmabhoomi, a place of great religious importance.

The dispute was about religious structures at the site. After years of court cases, the Allahabad High Court made a decision in 2010 that split the land. Finally, in 2019, the Supreme Court of India made a key ruling that gave the site for the construction of Ram Mandir, ending the long-standing disagreement.

This decision was a turning point in India’s history, allowing the temple to be built at the site of Lord Ram’s birthplace.

Spiritual Importance

The Ram Mandir holds great spiritual value for Hindus. According to the Ramayana, Lord Ram is seen as the seventh avatar (form) of Lord Vishnu, who took birth as human to establish dharma (right living).

The temple is more than just a structure—it represents the deep faith and cultural journey of millions of Hindus. For followers, visiting Ram Mandir is a chance to connect with their spiritual roots and honor Lord Ram’s qualities of goodness, honesty, and kindness.

Architectural Beauty

Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir showcases the beautiful Nagara style of the Gurjara architectural tradition, displaying North Indian temple design at its best. Currently ranked as the world’s third-largest Hindu temple, its construction mixes traditional craftsmanship with modern building methods.

Quick Facts:

  • Area: About 2.77 acres
  • Width: 250 feet (76 meters)
  • Length: 380 feet (120 meters)
  • Height: 161 feet (49 meters)
  • Stories: Three floors, each 20 feet tall

Key Design Elements

  • Pillars and Doors: Has 392 finely carved pillars and 44 doors, decorated with beautiful images of Hindu gods
  • Mandaps (Halls): Five special halls for different activities:
    • Nritya Mandap (for dance)
    • Sabha Mandap (for meetings)
    • Prarthana Mandap (for prayers)
    • Kirtan Mandap (for devotional songs)
    • Rang Mandap (for performances)
  • Boundary Wall: A 732-meter wall around the temple with Dravida-style features
  • Eco-friendly Design: Green spaces and sustainable building elements

Each design element has deep meaning, reflecting India’s rich religious traditions and historical culture, while strengthening the unity among followers.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Timings

Regular Temple Timings

  • Morning Hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  • Evening Hours: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Sunday Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 2:00 PM – 7:30 PM

Daily Prayer Schedule

  • Suprabhat Arti: 6:30 AM
  • Bhog Arti: 12:00 PM
  • Sandhya Arti: 7:30 PM
  • Shayan Arti: 10:00 PM (entry pass needed)

For information on booking darshan slots, ticket prices and VIP passes, see our complete booking guide.

Please note that times may change during special events and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Ram Mandir Ayodhya

Ram mandir temple premise

For the most comfortable and rewarding experience at Ram Mandir, consider these seasonal tips:

Seasonal Tips:

  • October to March (Winter): The best time to visit, with nice weather that makes the spiritual experience better. While crowds are present year-round, winter’s mild temperatures make waiting in line and exploring the temple more comfortable.
  • April to June (Summer): Temperatures can be very hot, making long waits hard. However, hotel prices are usually lower during this time.
  • July to September (Monsoon): Heavy rain may affect travel plans and outdoor activities around the temple area.

Throughout the day:

  • Morning (7:00 AM – 11:30 AM): Often busy with local devotees; expect longer wait times.
  • Afternoon/Evening (2:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Usually offers a more peaceful darshan experience with possibly shorter lines.

Note: Avoid visiting during major Hindu festivals like Ram Navami and Diwali if you prefer less rush, as these times attract devotees more than usual.

Ram Mandir Darshan Booking:

For visitors planning their trip to Ram Mandir, knowing how to book darshan slots in advance can save time and ensure a smoother experience. We’ve created a detailed guide covering everything you need to know about Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Booking 2025.

The guide includes:

  • Step-by-step booking instructions

  • VIP pass information and benefits

  • Special arrangements for festivals

  • Online booking platforms

  • Tips for hassle-free darshan

How to Reach Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

How to Reach Ram Mandir in Ayodhya

Ayodhya is well-connected to major cities across India through various travel options:

By Air

  • Ayodhya Airport (Maryada Purushottam Shri Ram International Airport): About 7 km from Ram Mandir, this is the closest airport. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available for the rest of the journey.
  • Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport (Lucknow): About 140 km from Ayodhya, this bigger airport offers more flight choices. Taxis and buses are available for the trip to Ayodhya.

By Train

  • Ayodhya Junction: Well-connected to major cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai. The station is about 7 km from Ram Mandir, needing a 15-20 minute drive depending on traffic.
  • Regular trains serve Ayodhya from across the country, making train travel easy for pilgrims and tourists.

By Road

  • National Highway 27: Offers good roads to Ayodhya from nearby states.
  • Bus Services: Regular buses run to Ayodhya from:
    • Delhi
    • Lucknow
    • Agra
    • Jaipur
    • Other major cities

Local Transportation

Once in Ayodhya, auto-rickshaws and taxis are easily available to reach Ram Mandir. The temple is about 7 km from Ayodhya Junction railway station.

Important: There are no entry fees for Ram Mandir darshan.

Must-Visit Places Near Ram Mandir

Make your spiritual journey better by exploring these important sites near Ram Mandir:

Nearby Temples

  • Hanuman Garhi Mandir (500 meters from Ram Mandir): Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, tradition suggests visiting this temple before Ram Mandir for a complete pilgrimage.
  • Kanak Bhawan Temple (1 km): Also known as “Sone ka Ghar,” this temple is dedicated to Lord Ram and Goddess Sita together.
  • Nageshwarnath Temple (2 km): An old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
  • Raj Dwar Mandir: Famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful designs, located on the banks of the Saryu River.

 

Historical Sites

  • Moti Mahal: Dating back to 1743 AD, this historical building shows impressive Mughal architecture.
  • Dashrath Bhawan: Believed to be the original home of King Dasharatha (Lord Ram’s father), located in Ramkot, Ayodhya.

Other Attractions

  • Saryu Ghat: The sacred riverfront where pilgrims take ritual baths.
  • Sita ki Rasoi: The traditional kitchen linked to Goddess Sita.
  • Tulsi Bhavan: Dedicated to the poet-saint Tulsidas, who wrote the Ramcharitmanas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ram Mandir in Ayodhya:

The Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi Temple) is located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, on the banks of the Saryu River. The address is Ramghat Chauraha, Near Manas Bhawan, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – 224123.

The beautiful 51-inch idol showing the 5-year-old form of Lord Ram was made by Mysore-based sculptor Mr. Arun Yogiraj, with help from Mr. Ganesh Bhatt and Mr. Satyanarayan Pandey. The idol was carved from a special 3-billion-year-old stone from Karnataka.

No, as of early 2025, the construction is about 96% complete. The remaining work should be finished by June 2025. The temple trust has already held the Pran Pratishtha ceremony, allowing devotees to visit while construction continues.

The construction cost is about ₹2,150 crore. Devotees from around the world have given over ₹3,500 crore in donations. The temple trust has paid about ₹390 crore in taxes, including GST, over the past five years.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a leading Indian construction company, is handling the building of Ram Mandir. L&T has previously worked on other big projects, including the Statue of Unity (Sardar Patel Statue) in Gujarat.

The most direct way to receive prasad is by visiting the temple in person and getting it from the temple priests. Another option is that people who make donations to the Ram Mandir Trust may receive prasad by mail, as decided by the trust officials.

The temple hosts several grand festivals, including Maha Shivratri, Kartik Purnima, Shravan Maas, and Diwali. These events attract thousands of devotees from across the country.