Top 11 Famous Temples in Ayodhya to Visit

Many people believe that Lord Rama was born in Ayodhya, which draws pilgrims worldwide seeking heavenly benefits. The holy city, dispersed over Uttar Pradesh, is home to various tourist attractions.

You will be enthralled with these religious attractions once you learn about them, as most of them have fascinating histories connected to them.

Explore the list of 11 famous temples in Ayodhya that guide you through the spiritual heartland of India; here are those 11 temples:

1. Ram Janmabhoomi Temple | Sai Nagar

Birthplace of Lord Rama, a central figure in Hindu mythology and one of the incarnations of the god Vishnu. The term "Janmabhoomi" translates to "birthplace" in Sanskrit, emphasizing the significance of this site in Hindu belief.

• Best Time to Visit: October to December.
• Temple Timings: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Kanak Bhavan, Tulsi Udyan, and Tomb of Bahu Begum.

2. Hanuman Garhi | Sai Nagar

One that has become well-known among its devoted followers as well as a popular tourist destination in Ayodhya. This sacred site, one of the most visited religious shrines in Ayodhya, is situated right in the middle of the city and is a must-see.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Sita Ki Rasoi, Gulab Bari, Treta Ke Thakur, and Ram Katha Park.

3. Nageshwarnath Temple | Faizabad

An influential figure in the epic Ramayana, Kush, the younger son of Lord Ram, is said to have constructed this shrine. Kusha once misplaced his amulet while taking a dip in the Saryu River.

• Best Time to Visit: November to February.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Guptar Ghat, Ram Ki Paidi, and Gulab Gari.

4. Kanak Bhavan Temple | Tulsi Nagar

The heavily embellished idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita, covered in abundant gold jewellery, are the source of the temple's name. The Kanak Bhawan Temple remains a unique attraction for pilgrims and visitors.

• Best Time to Visit: March to April.
• Temple Timings: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.- Every day.
• Nearby Places: Janaki Mahal, Ghagra River, Saryu New Ghat, and Shri Lakshman Kila.

5. Sumanthanath Temple | Sumanthanath

Not only is Ayodhya regarded as one of the most significant Hindu pilgrimage sites, but Jains also accord it equal significance. Constructed by Kesari Singh, the Nawab of Faizabad's treasurer, to honour the birthplace of several Jain Tirthankaras.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June.
• Temple Timings: 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Ram Katha Museum, Ramkot Citadel, and Babri Masjid.

6. Sita Ki Rasoi | Faizabad

The temple has idols of the four brothers Ram, Lakshman, Bharat, and Shatrughan, along with their wives Sita, Urmila, Mandavi, and Srutakirti in one corner of the premises, and a model of an ancient kitchen with symbolic kitchen utensils.

• Best Time to Visit: October to December.
• Temple Timings: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Ramkatha Park, Mausoleum of Bahu Begum, and Raja Mandir.

7. Treta Ke Thakur Temple | Naya Ghat

Situated along the Naya Ghat of Ayodhya, the Treta Ke Thakur Temple houses numerous idols, including that of Lord Ram, Sita, Lakshman, Hanuman, Bharat, and Sugreev. These statues are said to have been sculpted out of a single black sandstone.

• Best Time to Visit: November to March.
• Temple Timings: 24 hrs - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Ram Katha Park, Choti Chawni, Raja Mandir, and Dashrath Bhavan.

8. Shri Kale Ram Temple | Theri Bazaar

Being the only temple to feature an idol of Lord Rama alongside his brothers Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, it is well-known both inside and outside of India. Moreover, there are idols of Goddess Sita and Lord Hanuman in this shrine.

• Best Time to Visit: February to April.
• Temple Timings: 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Saryu Ghat, Naya Ghat, Surgeev Kila, and Ram Katha Park.

9. Swaminarayan Mandir | New Colony

Situated on Ayodhya's Patrapur Road was once the residence of Shri Swaminarayan, who moved to Ayodhya from Chhapaiya. The exquisitely carved images of Harikrishna Maharaj and Radha Krishna Deva adorn the grand temple.

• Best Time to Visit: April to June.
• Temple Timings: 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Dashrath Mahal, Gulab Bari, Raj Dwar Mandir, and Saryu River.

10. Ammaji Mandir | Tulsi Nagar

One of the 108 Divya Desams of Lord Vishnu is the well-known and exquisite Ammaji Mandir. Maintained chiefly by Tamils, the temple is famed for hosting the Hevilambi Varusha Pavithrotsavam. This shrine dates back more than a century.

• Best Time to Visit: April to July.
• Temple Timings: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Janaki Mahal, Ghagra River, Saryu New Ghat, and Shri Lakshman Kila.

11. Raj Dwar Mandir | Tulsi Nagar

This exquisite temple's Shikara was initially crafted from pure gold, but the government replaced it after independence. The authorities of the Temple host an annual fair that attracts thousands of crowd.

• Best Time to Visit: October to March.
• Temple Timings: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Every day.
• Nearby Places: Valmiki Bhavan, Tomb of Bahu Begum, and Tulsi Udyan.

Ayodhya stands as a testament to India's rich cultural and religious heritage, particularly significant for Hindus worldwide. The city's temples not only serve as places of worship but also symbolize the deep-rooted reverence and devotion towards Lord Rama, a central figure in Hindu mythology.