Beyond Ram Mandir — 7 Sacred Sites in Ayodhya
Ayodhya is one of the Sapta Puri — the seven sacred cities of Hindu dharma. While Ram Mandir is the crown jewel of devotion, the ancient city holds many more places of deep spiritual significance. Plan your itinerary to include these seven sites.
1. Hanuman Garhi
No visit to Ayodhya is complete without stopping at Hanuman Garhi — the great fortress-temple dedicated to Sankat Mochan Hanuman, located on a hillock with 76 steps leading to the sanctum. This temple is believed to be the place where Hanumanji kept vigilant watch over Ayodhya. Most pilgrims visit here before Ram Mandir, seeking Hanumanji’s blessings to facilitate a smooth darshan.
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM | 4 PM – 10 PM
2. Kanak Bhawan
One of the most beloved temples in Ayodhya, Kanak Bhawan houses beautiful golden-crowned idols of Sita-Ram. According to tradition, this palace was gifted to Mata Sita by her mother-in-law Kaikeyi as a personal space for the divine couple. The inner sanctum is beautifully decorated and the atmosphere is profoundly devotional.
3. Saryu Ghat (Ram Ki Paidi)
The Saryu River is the life-breath of Ayodhya. An evening aarti at the ghats — particularly at Ram Ki Paidi — is a breathtaking spectacle. The sight of lamps floating on the sacred river at dusk, with chants echoing across the water, is something every devotee should experience. Early morning snan (holy bath) in the Saryu is considered deeply purifying.
4. Nageshwarnath Mandir
This ancient Shiva temple is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Lord Ram. It is one of the oldest continuously worshipped temples in the city. The Shivratri celebration here draws enormous devotion.
5. Mani Parbat & Sugriv Parbat
These ancient hillocks are associated with episodes from the Valmiki Ramayana. Mani Parbat, also called Mani Pahad, is believed to be the place where Lakshmana rested after being struck by Meghnad’s arrow. A small temple at the summit offers panoramic views of the city.
6. Treta Ke Thakur
This temple is built on the site where Lord Ram performed the Ashwamedha Yagna after returning from Lanka. The black stone idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman here are said to date back to the Treta Yuga — one of the most ancient in all of Ayodhya.
7. Dashrath Mahal
The palace complex said to stand on the site of King Dasharatha’s royal residence. The main temple here houses the idols of all four sons of Dasharatha — Ram, Lakshman, Bharata, and Shatrughna — in a deeply moving family tableau.
Planning Your Multi-Day Itinerary
With so much to experience, we recommend staying at least 2–3 nights in Ayodhya to visit all the major sites without rushing. A rushed pilgrimage is a missed pilgrimage.
Birla Dharmashala is centrally located, putting most of these sites within easy reach. Contact us at +91 93952 60698 to check availability and plan your stay.
Ayodhya awaits — with blessings at every step.