Sugam Darshan — quick answer
Sugam Darshan is the official free e-pass system for Ram Mandir Ayodhya. Book at online.srjbtkshetra.org using mobile OTP, pick a date and 2-hour slot, upload Aadhaar or passport, and show the QR code at the Sugam gate. Wait time drops from 2–4 hours (general queue) to roughly 30–90 minutes on weekdays.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free — no payment on official portal |
| Official portal | online.srjbtkshetra.org / srjbtkshetra.org |
| Max pilgrims per booking | Up to 8 persons |
| ID required | Aadhaar (Indians), Passport (foreigners) |
| Children | Below 10 years — no separate pass needed |
| Slot window | Opens ~15 days before visit date |
What is Sugam Darshan?
After the Pran Pratishtha in January 2024, daily footfall at Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir runs into lakhs on peak days. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust introduced Sugam Darshan — a free, slot-based entry system that assigns devotees a time window and routes them through a separate, faster-moving queue.
Sugam Darshan is not a paid VIP ticket. Search engines and travel agents often use the words "VIP pass" because the Sugam queue is shorter than the general line — but the trust has repeatedly clarified that there is no official paid premium darshan. Anything sold for money outside the official portal is a scam.
What Sugam Darshan gives you:
- A pre-assigned 2-hour entry window
- A dedicated gate with shorter queues
- Organised crowd flow inside the complex
- Same darshan of Ram Lalla as general entry — no special sanctum access
What it does not give you:
- Skip security screening (everyone goes through metal detectors)
- Carry phones inside (still prohibited)
- Guaranteed darshan on Ram Navami (Sugam passes may be suspended on the main festival day)
Step-by-step booking on the official portal
1. Visit the official website
Go to online.srjbtkshetra.org or srjbtkshetra.org. Bookmark this URL — do not use links from WhatsApp forwards or third-party "VIP booking" sites.
2. Login with mobile OTP
Enter your mobile number. You receive a one-time password via SMS. No account password is needed.
3. Select "Free Sugam Darshan"
The portal menu includes options like Donation, Free Aarti, Free Sugam Darshan, and Transaction History. Choose Free Sugam Darshan.
4. Pick date and time slot
- Select the number of devotees (maximum 8 per booking)
- Choose your preferred date — slots appear roughly 15 days ahead
- Pick an available time slot (morning slots fill fastest)
Pro tip: Log in at midnight when new dates open. Weekday 7:00–9:00 AM slots are the easiest to get. Saturday and Sunday slots vanish within minutes.
5. Enter pilgrim details and upload ID
For each devotee, enter name exactly as on ID and upload:
- Indian citizens: Aadhaar card (front)
- Foreign nationals: Passport
The name on the e-pass must match the physical ID you carry to the temple.
6. Confirm and download the e-pass
After confirmation, download the PDF or take a screenshot of the QR code. Print a copy — phone screens may not work at the gate since phones cannot enter the complex.
At the temple — what to expect
- Arrive 15–30 minutes before your slot — not hours early (you may be turned away if too early) and not late (missed slots are not always reissued).
- Go to the Sugam Darshan gate — separate from the general queue; ask security or follow signage near the main complex entrance.
- Show printed e-pass + original ID — Aadhaar or passport for every adult on the booking.
- Deposit prohibited items at the free locker — phones, cameras, bags, belts with large metal buckles.
- Clear security — arch detector and manual check, same as general entry.
- Join the Sugam queue — moves faster but still expect 30–90 minutes on weekdays, longer on weekends.
For a full walkthrough of dress code, locker rules, and what happens inside the garbhagriha, read our step-by-step darshan guide.
Sugam Darshan vs general darshan
| General darshan | Sugam Darshan | |
|---|---|---|
| Booking | Not required | Free e-pass required |
| Cost | Free | Free |
| Typical wait (weekday) | 1.5–3 hours | 30–90 minutes |
| Typical wait (weekend/festival) | 4–8+ hours | 2–4 hours (if pass available) |
| Best for | Spontaneous visits | Planned trips, families, elderly |
General darshan remains open to all — you do not need any pass. Sugam is optional but strongly recommended if you can get a slot.
Free Aarti passes (separate from Sugam)
The same portal also offers Free Aarti passes for Mangala Aarti (~4:00 AM), Shringar Aarti (~6:00 AM), and Shayan Aarti (~10:00 PM). These are different from Sugam Darshan — they grant entry during aarti rituals, not a general darshan slot.
Aarti passes are extremely limited and fill within seconds of release. If your goal is darshan of Ram Lalla in the sanctum, book Sugam Darshan. If your goal is witnessing aarti, book the aarti pass separately.
See our aarti timings page for the full daily schedule.
Fraud warnings — read before you pay anyone
These are common scams targeting Ayodhya pilgrims:
- "VIP darshan tickets for ₹500–5,000" — The trust does not sell these. Report to local police.
- Third-party websites mimicking the official portal — Only srjbtkshetra.org and online.srjbtkshetra.org are official.
- Agents near the temple promising "guaranteed entry" — No one can bypass security or crowd management.
- Tour packages advertising "VIP temple access" — Packages may include hotels and transport, but temple entry is still via free Sugam or general queue.
When in doubt, book yourself on the official portal. It takes 5–10 minutes.
Booking tips by season
| Period | Advance booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oct–Feb weekdays | 7–10 days ahead | Easiest slots; ideal for first-timers |
| Weekends | 12–15 days ahead | Book the moment slots open |
| Ram Navami (Mar–Apr) | 15–20 days; may be unavailable on main day | Lakhs of pilgrims; consider visiting 2–3 days before |
| Deepotsav / Diwali (Oct–Nov) | 15–20 days ahead | Extended hours but extreme crowds |
| Summer (Apr–Jun) | Often available same week | Fewer pilgrims; heat is the challenge |
Frequently asked questions
Can I cancel or change my Sugam slot?
The portal allows cancellation per its current rules — check the Transaction History section. Rebooking depends on slot availability.
Do children need a separate pass?
Children below 10 years typically do not need a separate e-pass but must accompany an adult with a valid booking.
Can I book for someone else?
Yes, but each pilgrim's ID must match the name on the pass. You cannot use your Aadhaar for another adult.
What if I miss my slot?
There is no guarantee of entry outside your window. Arrive on time; if you miss it, join the general queue or try to book a new slot online.
Is Sugam Darshan available every day?
Yes, except on certain festival days when the system may be suspended or modified. Check the portal for announcements before travel.
Plan the rest of your Ayodhya trip
Once your Sugam pass is confirmed:
- Book hotels near Ram Mandir — 1–2 km radius fills fast on weekends
- 2-day itinerary — Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi
- How to reach Ayodhya — trains, flights, road from Delhi, Mumbai, Lucknow
- Dress code and rules — what to wear and what to leave at the hotel