Ram Mandir, Ayodhya: history, darshan timings, e-pass booking, how to reach, and everything to plan a visit — including why Deepotsav turns the entire city into one of India’s biggest Diwali celebrations.
In the city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir marks the site Hindus believe is the birthplace of Lord Rama. Since its consecration, it has become one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations — and every Diwali, the entire city takes part in Deepotsav, a lamp-lighting celebration on a scale few places in the world can match. Here’s what to know before visiting.
History of the temple
The site has been the subject of a long-running religious and legal dispute in modern Indian history, resolved by a 2019 Supreme Court of India verdict that awarded the disputed land for construction of a Ram temple. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was formed to oversee construction, and the foundation ceremony (Bhoomi Pujan) was performed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 5 August 2020. The temple’s consecration ceremony (Pran Pratishtha) took place on 22 January 2024, and construction of the full complex has continued in phases since.
Darshan timings
Entry is free. The temple closes for a midday break, and timings extend slightly on Sundays — confirm before you travel, and expect longer hours and heavier crowds during festivals.
| Slot | Timings |
|---|---|
| Morning darshan | 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM |
| Midday break | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM (temple closed) |
| Evening darshan | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (until 7:30 PM on Sundays) |
Entry fee: Free general darshan. The Trust offers a free Sugam Darshan e-pass to book a specific time slot online and skip the general queue, available through the official website: srjbtkshetra.org. There is no separate paid VIP darshan.
Deepotsav: Diwali in Ayodhya
Ayodhya’s Deepotsav has grown into one of the country’s largest organised Diwali events, with lakhs of earthen lamps (diyas) lit along the banks of the Saryu river and across the city to mark Lord Rama’s return from exile. If you’re visiting for Deepotsav, expect the city’s hotels to book out well in advance, heavy road traffic on the day itself, and a genuinely spectacular evening once the lamps are lit at dusk.
How to reach Ayodhya
- By air – Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (AYJ) is about 10 km from the city centre, roughly 30–40 minutes to the temple by taxi.
- By rail – Ayodhya Dham Junction is about 1.2 km from the temple, a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride away, with direct connections to Delhi, Lucknow, and other major cities.
- By road – Ayodhya is well connected by highway to Lucknow (about 135 km) and other major Uttar Pradesh cities.
Map location
Where to stay near Ram Mandir
Ayodhya’s hotel scene has expanded rapidly since 2024, from simple pilgrim guesthouses to new full-service hotels near the temple corridor. Book well ahead if you’re visiting around Deepotsav.
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