Ram Mandir Ayodhya Timing and History - Places to Visit in Ayodhya

The Ram Mandir Ayodhya temple is a symbol of the faith and devotion of millions of Hindus who revere Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Vishnu. The temple is being built at the site of Ram Janmabhoomi, the place where Rama is believed to have been born in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The temple has a long and contentious history as it was the location of a mosque, the Babri Masjid which was demolished by Hindu activists in 1992 sparking communal riots and legal disputes.

Who was Lord Ram and why is he important in Hinduism?

Lord Ram was the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the supreme god in Hinduism. He is important in Hinduism because:

He is considered the ideal king, husband, son, and brother, who followed dharma (righteousness) in every situation
He is the hero of the Ramayana, an ancient epic that teaches the values of loyalty, courage, devotion, and sacrifice
He is worshipped by millions of Hindus as a personal god, who protects, guides, and blesses his devotees
He is a symbol of cultural and national identity for Hindus, especially in India, where his birthplace Ayodhya is a sacred site

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Temple Opening Date

After a landmark verdict by the Supreme Court of India in 2019, the land was given to the Hindus for the construction of the temple, while the Muslims were allotted a separate plot for a mosque. The foundation stone for the temple was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 August 2020, and the inauguration is scheduled for 22 January 2024.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir	Key Facts
Location	Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Significance	Birthplace of Rama, a revered deity in Hinduism
Construction	Started in 2020, and completed in 2024
Architecture	Nagara style, a traditional Hindu architectural style
Height	161 feet
Width	235 feet
Length	360 feet
Number of Floors	3

The temple is expected to be a grand and magnificent structure, reflecting the Nagara style of architecture, with a central shrine and six smaller temples around it. The temple is also a source of controversy, as some critics have accused the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, of politicizing the temple and misusing the donations for its construction. The temple, however, remains a matter of pride and joy for many Hindus, who see it as a fulfillment of their long-cherished dream and a restoration of their cultural heritage.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Timings

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Darshan Timings for both morning and evening:

Morning Darshan	Time
Monday to Saturday	7:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Sunday	6:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Evening Darshan	Time
Monday to Saturday	2:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Sunday	2:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Aarti Timings

Aarti	Timings
Morning Aarti	6:30 AM
Afternoon Aarti	12:00 PM
Evening Aarti	7:30 PM

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Significance & Architecture

It represents the faith and devotion of millions of Hindus who worship Lord Ram as an ideal king and a symbol of righteousness
It marks the end of a long and contentious legal dispute over the ownership of the land, which was resolved by the Supreme Court of India in 2019. The court gave the land to the Hindus for the temple, while allotting a separate land for the Muslims to build a mosque
It showcases the rich and diverse cultural heritage of India, as the temple is being designed in the Nagara style of architecture, with features from various regions and traditions.
The temple will have a central shrine of Lord Ram, surrounded by six smaller temples dedicated to other deities
It symbolizes the unity and harmony of the Indian people, as the temple is being constructed with the donations and contributions of people from all walks of life, religions, and backgrounds.
The temple is also expected to boost the economy and tourism of Ayodhya and the surrounding areas.

Ram Mandir Temple	Architecture
Total Area	2.7 Acres
Total Built-up Area	57400 sq. ft.
Total Length	360 feet
Total Width	235 feet
The total height	161 feet

Ram Mandir Temple	Architecture
Total Number of Floors	3
Height of Each Floor	20 feet
Columns on The Ground Floor	160
Columns on The 2nd Floor	74
Number of pavilions	5
Columns on The First Floor	132
Number of Gates	12

Who Funded for the Construction of Ram Mandir Ayodhya Temple?

The construction of the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya is funded by the donations and contributions of people from all walks of life, religions, and backgrounds. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, formed on the Supreme Court’s orders, estimated an expenditure of Rs 1,800 crore for the temple.

The trust conducted a nationwide fundraising campaign from January 15 to February 27, 2021, which collected Rs 2,500 crore from over 12.7 crore families. The trust also plans to expand the temple complex from 70 acres to 108 acres, which will require more land acquisition and public facilities. The trust has assured that the funds will be audited and transparently used for the temple project.

Festival Celebration at Ram Mandir Ayodhya Temple

The Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is a place of great joy and celebration for the devotees of Lord Ram. There are many festivals that are celebrated at the temple, but the most prominent ones are:

Diwali: Diwali, the festival of lights, commemorates the return of Lord Ram to Ayodhya after defeating Ravana.

Ram Navami: Ram Navami marks the birth anniversary of Lord Ram, which falls on the ninth day of the Hindu month of Chaitra.

Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami, also known as Dussehra, celebrates the victory of Lord Ram over Ravana.

How to Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir?

There are different ways to reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir, depending on your location and preference. You can travel by air, train, bus, or taxi. Here are some of the options:

By air: You can fly to Ayodhya Airport (AYD), which is connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach Ram Mandir.
By train: You can take a train to Ayodhya Junction (AY) or Faizabad Junction (FD), which are well-connected to other railway stations in India. From the station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw to reach Ram Mandir.
By bus: You can take a bus to Ayodhya from cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Allahabad, and Gorakhpur. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) provides regular and comfortable bus services to Ayodhya. From the bus station, you can hire an auto-rickshaw or a cycle rickshaw to reach Ram Mandir.
By taxi: You can hire a taxi or a cab from nearby cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, or Allahabad to Ayodhya. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the distance and traffic conditions.

Ram Mandir Ayodhya Address

Temple Name: Ram Janmabhoomi
Street Name: Kosi Parikrama Rd, Sai Nagar
Ram Mandir District: Ayodhya
Ram Mandir State: Uttar Pradesh
Ram Mandir Pincode: 224123

You can also contact the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, which is overseeing the construction of the temple, for more information. Their contact details are:

Office Address: Mandir Nirman Karyashala, Ramghat Chauraha, Near Manas Bhawan, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh – 224123
Email: contact@srjbtkshetra.org
Helpline Number: 05278-292000, +91-80095-22111

Places to Visit in Ayodhya

Ram Janmabhoomi: This is the site where the Ram Mandir is being built, and where Hindus believe Lord Ram was born. It is also the site of a former mosque, which was demolished in 1992, sparking communal riots. The Supreme Court of India gave the verdict in favor of the construction of the Ram Mandir in 2019.
Bahu Begum Ka Maqbara: This is a tomb of Shuja-ud-Daula’s wife, Bahu Begum, who was one of the most influential women in the 18th century. The mausoleum is an example of Mughal architecture, with a dome, minarets, and gardens. It is also known as the Taj Mahal of the East.
Tulsidas Ghat: This is a river bank on the Sarayu River, named after the poet Tulsidas, who wrote the epic Ramcharitmanas, a retelling of the Ramayana in the local dialect. The ghat is a serene place to watch the sunset and perform rituals. There is also a temple dedicated to Tulsidas nearby.
Hanuman Garhi: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and a devotee of Lord Ram. The temple is situated on a hill, and has a flight of 76 steps leading to it. The temple has a statue of Hanuman holding a mountain, and is believed to protect Ayodhya from evil forces.
Kanak Bhawan: This is a temple dedicated to Lord Ram and his wife Sita. It is also known as Sone Ka Ghar, or the House of Gold, because of its gold-plated domes and walls. The temple was built by Queen Kaikeyi, the mother of Bharat, who was one of Lord Ram’s brothers. The temple has many idols and paintings of Lord Ram and Sita.
Ramkot: This is a fort-like structure, where Lord Ram is said to have lived during his 14-year exile. The structure has many temples and shrines, and is visited by pilgrims throughout the year. The structure also offers a panoramic view of the city and the river.
Shabari Dham: This is a place where Shabari, a tribal woman and a devotee of Lord Ram, lived. She is famous for offering Lord Ram berries, after tasting them herself to ensure they were sweet. Lord Ram was pleased by her devotion and blessed her. The place has a temple and a statue of Shabari, and is visited by her descendants from Gujarat.

Places to Visit in Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is a state in northern India that has a rich history, culture, and spirituality. It is home to many architectural marvels, sacred sites, and natural wonders. Some of the places to visit in Uttar Pradesh are:

Agra: Agra is famous for the Taj Mahal, a stunning monument of love built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri, which are examples of Mughal architecture and history.

Varanasi: Varanasi is regarded as one of the holiest cities in Hinduism, as it is situated on the banks of the Ganges River. It is also known as the City of Temples, where pilgrims come to perform rituals, pray, and witness the evening aarti. Varanasi is also famous for its ghats, narrow alleys, and silk sarees.

Lucknow: Lucknow is the capital and the largest city of Uttar Pradesh, and a center of culture, cuisine, and art. It is known for its Nawabi heritage, which is reflected in its monuments, such as the Bara Imambara, the Rumi Darwaza, and the Chota Imambara. Lucknow is also famous for its kebabs, biryanis, and chaats.

Ayodhya: Ayodhya is a sacred city for Hindus, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. There are many places to visit in Ayodhya, besides the Ram Mandir, which is under construction and will be consecrated on January 22, 2024. Some of the other attractions are the Ram Janmabhoomi, the Bahu Begum Ka Maqbara, the Tulsidas Ghat, and the Hanuman Garhi.

Mathura and Vrindavan: Mathura and Vrindavan are twin cities that are associated with the life and legends of Lord Krishna. Mathura is considered to be the birthplace of Krishna, while Vrindavan is where he spent his childhood. Both cities have numerous temples dedicated to Krishna and his consort Radha, such as the Dwarkadhish Temple, the Banke Bihari Temple, and the ISKCON Temple.

Allahabad: Allahabad, now officially known as Prayagraj, is a city located at the confluence of the Ganges, the Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. It is a place of pilgrimage for Hindus, especially during the Kumbh Mela, which is held every 12 years. Allahabad is also known for its historical and cultural significance, as it was the center of the Indian independence movement and the birthplace of many prominent leaders.

Sarnath: Sarnath is a Buddhist site, where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. It is one of the four holy places of Buddhism, along with Bodh Gaya, Kushinagar, and Lumbini. Sarnath has many stupas, monasteries, and museums that display the relics and teachings of Buddha.