Ayodhya 5 Kosi Parikrama 2026: Dates, 15 km Route Map, Timings & Sacred Shrines
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│ AYODHYA PANCH KOSI (5 KOSI) PARIKRAMA 2026 — OFFICIAL SCHEDULE │
│ • Sacred Tithi: Kartik Shukla Ekadashi (Dev Uthani Ekadashi) │
│ • Confirmed Dates: November 20, 2026 (Friday) – November 21 (Sat) │
│ • Total Distance: 15 Kilometers (9.3 Miles) │
│ • Walking Time: 4 to 6 Hours │
│ • Starting Point: Saryu River Ghats (Naya Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi) │
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The Ayodhya 5 Kosi Parikrama (Panchkoshi Parikrama) is one of the most sacred pilgrimage traditions in Sanatan Dharma. Celebrated annually on Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi), over 15 to 20 lakh devotees gather in the holy city to circumambulate the inner Antargriha (royal capital) of Bhagwan Shri Ram.
Coming just two days after the intense 42 km 14 Kosi Parikrama, the 15 km Panch Kosi Parikrama offers an intimate, deeply devotional circumambulation through ancient ashrams, gardens, and monumental temples.
🗓️ 2026 Muhurat & Parikrama Timings
| Event Milestone | Date & Time | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Ekadashi Tithi Begins | November 20, 2026 — 05:15 AM | Dev Uthani Ekadashi auspicious beginning |
| Parikrama Flag-off | November 20, 2026 — 06:30 AM (Post Saryu Snan) | Devotees start clockwise walking from Saryu Ghats |
| Peak Pilgrimage Window | Nov 20 (08:00 AM) to Nov 20 (11:00 PM) | Continuous sea of devotees chanting Jai Shri Ram |
| Ekadashi Tithi Concludes | November 21, 2026 — 08:45 AM | Completion with Tulsi Vivah and Annakoot prasad |
🗺️ The 15 km Panch Kosi Parikrama Route Map
The 5 Kosi route forms a sacred circle encompassing the core historic city:
$$\text{Naya Ghat / Saryu River} \longrightarrow \text{Ranopali} \longrightarrow \text{Mani Parvat} \longrightarrow \text{Kaushalya Ghat} \longrightarrow \text{Guptar Ghat Turn} \longrightarrow \text{Ram Path} \longrightarrow \text{Rajghat / Naya Ghat}$$
Major Sacred Landmarks Along the Parikrama:
- Saryu Snan (Start): Pilgrims take a sanctifying morning dip at Ram Ki Paidi or Naya Ghat, filling small brass kamandalus with Saryu jal.
- Ranopali: Historic seat of the ancient Ramanandi Sampradaya ashrams with continuous ram-naam kirtan.
- Mani Parvat: The sacred hillock where Mata Sita is believed to have enjoyed swinging festivities with Lord Ram during monsoon.
- Dashrath Mahal & Kanak Bhawan Approach: Circumambulating the inner palace complex where Ram Lalla spent his childhood.
- Sugriv Kila & Hanuman Garhi Ring: Walking along the protective ramparts of Lord Hanuman's citadel.
- Return to Saryu River: Devotees conclude by offering flowers and diyas to Mother Saryu.
⚖️ 14 Kosi vs 5 Kosi Parikrama: Key Differences
| Feature | 14 Kosi Parikrama | 5 Kosi Parikrama (Panch Kosi) |
|---|---|---|
| Auspicious Day | Akshaya Navami (Kartik Shukla Navami) | Dev Uthani Ekadashi (Kartik Shukla Ekadashi) |
| 2026 Dates | November 18–19, 2026 | November 20–21, 2026 |
| Total Distance | 42 km (26 miles) | 15 km (9.3 miles) |
| Typical Duration | 10 to 14 Hours | 4 to 6 Hours |
| Perimeter | Outer kingdom boundary of Kosala | Inner holy city boundary (Antargriha) |
| Difficulty Level | Demanding endurance yatra | Moderate, highly family-friendly |
| Key Attraction | Surya Kund, Bharat Kund corridors | Mani Parvat, palace courtyards, Saryu Ghats |
🚶♂️ Essential Tips for Pilgrims Doing 5 Kosi Parikrama
- Footwear & Walking Advice: While many devout yatris walk barefoot, wearing comfortable walking shoes or sandals with thick socks is completely acceptable. Carpet runners and straw mats are laid out across concrete road stretches.
- Free Food & Water (Seva Camps): Hundreds of Akharas, local charities, and the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra operate non-stop bhandaras serving hot tea, poha, kitchari, fruits, and mineral water.
- Medical & Luggage Assistance: Mobile ambulance units and 108 first-aid tents are posted every 1 km along the entire 15 km route. Use the railway station cloakrooms or your hotel to keep heavy baggage before joining the route.
- Combining with Darshan: Plan your Ram Mandir Darshan either on the day before the parikrama or after finishing your parikrama rest, as security queues during Ekadashi can take 2 to 3 hours.
Explore related festival guides: 14 Kosi Parikrama Complete Guide, Deepotsav 2026 Guide, and Live Ayodhya Crowd Status.