Kanak Bhawan Ayodhya timings (2026) — quick answer
Kanak Bhawan is open for darshan 8:00 AM–12:00 PM and 4:00–9:00 PM daily, with a closed bhog break from noon to 4 PM.
| Session | Opening | Closing |
|---|---|---|
| Morning darshan | 8:00 AM | 12:00 noon |
| Bhog break (closed) | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Evening darshan | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM |
Best slot: Weekday mornings 8:00–9:30 AM for shorter queues. Sandhya Aarti (~6:30 PM) is the most popular evening visit — arrive 20 minutes early.
Plan your day with our 2-day Ayodhya itinerary and compare with Ram Mandir darshan timings. Full temple page: Kanak Bhawan.
What is Kanak Bhawan?
Kanak Bhawan (also Kanaka Bhavan or Sone ka Mandir) is one of Ayodhya's most ornate temples — gold-toned interiors and crowned idols of Sita and Ram in the sanctum. Tradition holds that Queen Kaikeyi gifted the original palace to Sita; the present structure was rebuilt by Orchha queens in the 19th century and renovated in the 2000s.
Pilgrims often visit after Hanuman Garhi and before or after Ram Mandir darshan on the same morning circuit.
Kanak Bhawan darshan timings 2026 (detailed)
| Session | Opening | Closing | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning darshan | 8:00 AM | 12:00 noon | Shringar Aarti at 8:00 AM |
| Bhog / closure | 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM | No public darshan |
| Evening darshan | 4:00 PM | 9:00 PM | Sandhya Aarti ~6:30 PM |
Ekadashi & festivals: Temple may open from 5:30 AM for Mangla Darshan. Confirm on the day with temple staff during Ram Navami and Deepotsav weeks.
Aarti timings at Kanak Bhawan
| Aarti | Time | When to attend |
|---|---|---|
| Mangla Aarti | 5:30 AM | Festival / Ekadashi days mainly |
| Shringar Aarti | 8:00 AM | Daily; idols freshly adorned |
| Bhog Aarti | 12:00 noon | End of morning session |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM | Most popular — lamps & jewellery |
| Shayan Aarti | 8:30 PM | Closing aarti |
Evening Shringar / Sandhya Aarti is famous for jewellery and hundreds of lamps in the sanctum. Stand in the inner courtyard early; the queue moves steadily but front rows fill fast on weekends.
Entry rules & dress code
| Rule | Detail |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Photography | Outer courtyard only — not inside sanctum |
| Dress | Shoulders & knees covered; traditional attire preferred |
| Phones | Silent mode inside; avoid use in sanctum |
| Footwear | Remove at entrance; free locker available |
| Leather | Not permitted inside sanctum |
Same modesty standards apply as Ram Mandir — see our first-time pilgrim checklist for what to pack.
How to reach Kanak Bhawan
| From | Distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Ram Mandir | ~700 m | Walk 10 min northeast on Janmabhoomi Marg → Kanak Bhawan Marg |
| Hanuman Garhi | ~1.2 km | Walk 12 min or auto ₹20 |
| Ayodhya Dham station | ~2 km | E-rickshaw/auto ₹30–40 |
Walking route: From Ram Mandir gate, head toward Rang Mahal — the golden shikhara is visible from ~200 m away.
What to see inside
- Main sanctum — Ram and Sita on thrones; seasonal decorations change with festivals.
- Palace chambers — Ramayana scenes in painted halls (outer areas).
- Prasad counter — Ayodhya peda and sindoor (auspicious for married women).
Significance for women pilgrims
Kanak Bhawan is especially meaningful for married women seeking Sita's blessings for marital harmony. Sindoor from the temple is considered highly auspicious.
Best time to visit
| Time | Why |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:30 AM (weekdays) | Cooler, shorter queue, fresh flowers |
| 6:00–7:30 PM | Spectacular evening aarti |
| Avoid | Friday afternoons, Ram Navami eve, long weekends |
Combine with Saryu aarti at Ram Ki Paidi the same evening, or the Ayodhya light show nearby.
Nearby temples (same day)
| Temple | Walk / auto | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Hanuman Garhi | 5–15 min | Visit before Kanak Bhawan (76 steps uphill) |
| Ram Mandir | 10 min | Book VIP aarti separately |
| Dashrath Mahal | 5 min | Bhajan through the day |
FAQ
Is Kanak Bhawan open on Monday?
Yes — same hours all week unless a special closure is announced.
Can I visit Kanak Bhawan and Ram Mandir same day?
Yes. Typical order: Hanuman Garhi → Ram Mandir (early) → Kanak Bhawan → ghats in evening. See itinerary.
Is Kanak Bhawan the same as Kanaka Bhavan?
Yes — alternate spellings for the same temple.
See the Kanak Bhawan temple page for history, photos and directions.
Last verified: June 2026. Festival hours can change — confirm at the gate on arrival.