Question 1

What are the Ram Mandir timings?

Accepted Answer

Open daily 6:30 AM – 9:30 PM with a midday break from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. Aartis: Mangala (4:30 AM), Shringar (6:30 AM), Bhog (12:00 PM), Sandhya (7:00 PM), Shayan (9:00 PM).

Question 2

Is there a VIP pass for Ram Mandir?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Free VIP Aarti passes are issued by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust. Book online at online.srjbtkshetra.org or at the counter inside the complex. Carry a valid government photo ID.

Question 3

How much time does darshan take?

Accepted Answer

On weekdays, 1–2 hours including security. On weekends and festivals it can be 4–8 hours. Reach by 6 AM or after 3 PM to minimize wait.

Question 4

Is there an entry fee?

Accepted Answer

No. Entry and darshan at Ram Mandir are completely free. VIP aarti passes are also free.

Question 5

Are mobile phones allowed inside?

Accepted Answer

No. Mobile phones, cameras, GoPros, bags, pens, lighters and outside food are NOT allowed. Free lockers are available at the entrance.

Question 6

Is there a dress code?

Accepted Answer

Modest traditional attire is encouraged — no shorts, sleeveless or torn clothing. There is no strict enforcement, but full-length clothing is recommended.

Question 7

How do I reach Ayodhya?

Accepted Answer

By air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ), 15 km from the temple. By rail: Ayodhya Dham Junction, 1.5 km. By road: NH-27 / NH-330, well connected from Lucknow (135 km), Varanasi (200 km) and Gorakhpur (140 km).

Question 8

How far is the airport from Ram Mandir?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 15 km, around a 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

Question 9

Which is the nearest railway station?

Accepted Answer

Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) is the nearest, just 1.5 km from Ram Mandir. Ayodhya Cantt (AYC) is 8 km away and handles larger trains.

Question 10

Where do pilgrims stay near Ram Mandir?

Accepted Answer

Options range from luxury hotels (often searched: The Ramayana Hotel, Taj Vivanta, Radisson) to mid-range lodges on Ram Path and trust-run dharamshalas (Birla, Jain, Kanak Bhawan). UP Ayodhya does not recommend any property — see our Hotels page for review-sourced suggestions and verify ratings on Google Maps before booking.

Question 11

Can I stay in a dharamshala?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Several trust-run dharamshalas (e.g. Birla, Jain, Kanak Bhawan) offer simple, low-cost rooms on donation or nominal charges. Facilities are basic — read recent visitor reviews and contact the trust directly for festival availability.

Question 12

When is Deepotsav celebrated?

Accepted Answer

Deepotsav is held on Chhoti Diwali (one day before Diwali), in October or November. 25+ lakh diyas are lit on the Saryu ghats — a Guinness world record event.

Question 13

When is Ram Navami in Ayodhya?

Accepted Answer

On Chaitra Shukla Navami (March/April). The highlight is the Surya Tilak ritual on Ram Lalla at noon, with lakhs of pilgrims.

Question 14

Why is Ayodhya famous?

Accepted Answer

It is the birthplace of Lord Rama, one of the seven Moksha-puri cities of Hinduism, and home to the new Ram Mandir consecrated on 22 January 2024. The Saryu river, Hanuman Garhi and Kanak Bhawan are other key landmarks.

Question 15

Best time to visit Ayodhya?

Accepted Answer

October to March — pleasant weather (12–28°C). Avoid May–June (40°C+) unless visiting for a specific festival.

Question 16

Is Ayodhya safe for solo female travelers?

Accepted Answer

Yes — it is generally very safe, especially in the temple corridor. Standard travel precautions apply at night and at crowded stations.

Question 17

What food is available?

Accepted Answer

Pure-vegetarian, mostly onion-garlic-free sattvic food. Try Maharaja thalis, kachori-jalebi, peda and the temple prasad. Several dharamshala langars offer free meals.

Question 18

Are ATMs and UPI accepted?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ATMs, UPI (PhonePe, Paytm, GPay) and card payments are widely accepted. Carry some cash for prasad shops and rickshaws.

Question 19

Is mobile network good?

Accepted Answer

Jio and Airtel give the best 4G/5G coverage. Inside the temple complex networks may be patchy due to crowd density.

Ayodhya FAQ

DarshanWhat are the Ram Mandir timings?

DarshanIs there a VIP pass for Ram Mandir?

DarshanHow much time does darshan take?

DarshanIs there an entry fee?

RulesAre mobile phones allowed inside?

RulesIs there a dress code?

TravelHow do I reach Ayodhya?

TravelHow far is the airport from Ram Mandir?

TravelWhich is the nearest railway station?

StayWhere do pilgrims stay near Ram Mandir?

StayCan I stay in a dharamshala?

FestivalsWhen is Deepotsav celebrated?

FestivalsWhen is Ram Navami in Ayodhya?

CityWhy is Ayodhya famous?

CityBest time to visit Ayodhya?

CityIs Ayodhya safe for solo female travelers?

FoodWhat food is available?

PracticalAre ATMs and UPI accepted?

PracticalIs mobile network good?