Ayodhya Parikrama 2026 Dates & Routes: 14 Kosi, Panchkosi & 84 Kosi Guide
In Sanatana Dharma, performing Parikrama (sacred circumambulation / Pradakshina) around the holy city of Ayodhya is believed to cleanse lifetimes of sins and grant spiritual liberation (Moksha).
Every year during the auspicious Kartik Mela (October–November), over 2.5 million pilgrims gather in Ayodhya to walk the sacred paths. This 2026 guide provides the exact festival dates, kilometer distances, turn-by-turn routes, and essential pilgrim advice for all three Ayodhya Parikramas.
🗓️ 2026 Ayodhya Parikrama Confirmed Calendar
┌──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ 🌟 14 KOSI PARIKRAMA (42 KM): 18 NOVEMBER 2026 (Kartik Akshaya Navami)│
│ 🌟 PANCHKOSI PARIKRAMA (15 KM): 20 NOVEMBER 2026 (Devutthana Ekadashi) │
│ 🌟 KARTIK PURNIMA MAHA SNAN: 24 NOVEMBER 2026 (Saryu River Confluence)│
│ 🌟 84 KOSI PARIKRAMA (268 KM): APRIL – MAY 2026 (Chaitra Purnima Start)│
└──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
| Parikrama Circuit | Distance in KM | Typical Duration | 2026 Date | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panchkosi (5 Kosi) | 15 km | 4 – 6 Hours | 20 Nov 2026 | Encloses core Ramkot & ancient temple sanctums. |
| Chaturdash Kosi (14 Kosi) | 42 – 45 km | 12 – 18 Hours | 18 Nov 2026 | Encloses the greater boundary of Ayodhya and Faizabad. |
| Chaurasi Kosi (84 Kosi) | 268 – 275 km | 25 – 30 Days | April – May 2026 | Encompasses the entire royal realm of ancient Kosala. |
$$\text{Unit Conversion: } 1\text{ Kos (Kosa)} \approx 3.0 \text{ to } 3.125\text{ Kilometers}$$
🚶♂️ 1. 14 Kosi Parikrama Guide (42 km Circuit)
Route & Major Checkpoints:
The 14 Kosi circuit begins at Swargadwar / Naya Ghat on the banks of the Saryu River and moves strictly in a clockwise (Pradakshina) direction:
$$\text{Swargadwar (Saryu)} \rightarrow \text{Karha (North)} \rightarrow \text{Darshan Nagar / Surya Kund} \rightarrow \text{Ranopali} \rightarrow \text{Mahobara} \rightarrow \text{Faizabad Cantt Bypass} \rightarrow \text{Guptar Ghat} \rightarrow \text{Swargadwar}$$
- Starting Muhurat: Starts at early dawn on Akshaya Navami (18 Nov 2026).
- Surface & Facilities: Fully paved concrete roads with continuous carpet runners laid by UP Administration, water tanker stations every 500m, mobile medical camps, and community food langars (Bhandaras).
🚶♀️ 2. Panchkosi Parikrama Guide (15 km Circuit)
The Panchkosi is the most popular single-day circuit, completed by devotees of all age groups.
Route & Key Temples En Route:
- Start Point: Swargadwar / Nageshwarnath Temple on Saryu Ghat.
- Ramkot Perimeter: Sacred pathway encircling the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Complex.
- Hanuman Garhi & Dashrath Mahal: Seeking blessings of Lord Hanuman, the protector of the city.
- Mani Parvat & Sugriva Qila: Historic elevated mounds blessed during Treta Yuga.
- Kanak Bhawan & Sita Ki Rasoi: The royal palace gifted to Mata Sita.
- Finish Point: Return to Ram Ki Paidi / Saryu River for a holy cleansing dip.
🚩 3. 84 Kosi Parikrama (268 km Ancient Circuit)
The grandest of all pilgrimages traces the outer boundary of King Dasharatha’s Kosala kingdom across 5 districts:
- Districts Covered: Ayodhya, Barabanki, Gonda, Basti, and Ambedkar Nagar.
- Key Sacred Stops: Makhdoom Ashram (Makhmoor), Rishi Shringi Ashram, Chhapaiya (Swaminarayan birthplace), Sitakund, and Janaki Ghat.
- Organization: Led by traditional Sadhu Akharas with designated night tent camps (Padavs) each evening.
🎒 Essential Tips for Pilgrims Doing Parikrama
- Footwear: While traditional sadhus walk barefoot, elderly and family pilgrims may wear soft, cushioned walking shoes or anti-skid socks.
- Hydration & Warmth: November nights in Ayodhya are chilly (14°C–18°C). Carry a lightweight windbreaker jacket, water bottle, and glucose packets.
- Traffic Restrictions: Ayodhya city center is closed to motorized vehicles (cars, autos, e-rickshaws) during 14 Kosi and Panchkosi Parikrama days. Plan to walk or use designated government shuttle zones.