Pilgrimage

Temple Guide

Pilgrimage

Temple Guide

Overview

•Ayodhya, one of the seven sacred cities (Sapta Puri) of Hinduism, lies on the banks of the Saryu River in Uttar Pradesh and is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama.
•This temple guide covers three of its most significant shrines: Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, and Nageshwarnath Temple, each offering unique spiritual and architectural experiences within the sacred city.

Dress Code

Modest, traditional attire is recommended. For men, dhoti-kurta or shirt-pyjama is acceptable; for women, saree, salwar-kameez, or modest Western clothing. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothes. It is customary to remove footwear before entering the temple premises.

Rituals

Hanuman Garhi: Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and offering sindoor (vermilion) and chola (a cloth) to Hanuman is a common ritual.
Kanak Bhawan: Offering flowers and sweets to the deities, and participating in the 'Shringar' ritual where the idols are dressed in new attire.
Nageshwarnath Temple: Performing Rudrabhishek (ritual bathing of the Shiva linga with water, milk, and honey) is a key ritual.
All temples: Lighting a ghee lamp and performing a parikrama (circumambulation) around the sanctum.
Hanuman Garhi: Tying a sacred thread (moli) and making a wish, a practice done by many devotees.

Festivals

•Hanuman Garhi: Hanuman Jayanti (birth of Hanuman) is celebrated with great fervor, with special processions and aartis.
•Kanak Bhawan: The festival of Ram Navami (birth of Rama) is a major celebration, with the temple decorated and special darshan.
•Nageshwarnath Temple: Maha Shivaratri is the most important festival, with night-long prayers and abhishek.
•Additionally, all temples participate in the grand Deepotsav festival in Ayodhya, where lakhs of diyas are lit on the Saryu ghats.

Darshan Guide

•Hanuman Garhi: Darshan is open from early morning (around 5:00 AM) to 10:00 PM.
•The best time is early morning or evening during aarti.
•The temple is crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
•Kanak Bhawan: Open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
•The main darshan is of the royal idols, and a special aarti is performed at noon.
•Nageshwarnath Temple: Open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
•The temple is quieter in the early morning, ideal for a peaceful darshan.
•Note: All temples require removing shoes before entering; cameras may be restricted inside sanctums.

History

•Hanuman Garhi: This hilltop temple, located in the heart of Ayodhya, is traditionally the first stop for pilgrims before visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi.
•It is believed to have been established in the 10th century by the saint Yodha Bairagi, though local legend holds that Hanuman resided here to guard the birthplace of Rama.
•The temple is famous for its resident monkey population, considered sacred.
•Kanak Bhawan: This temple is believed to have been gifted to Sita by her mother-in-law, Queen Kaikeyi, as a wedding present.
•The original structure is ancient, but the current building was renovated by the queen of Tikamgarh in the 19th century.
•It is renowned for its idols of Rama and Sita adorned in royal attire, including a crown set with jewels.
•Nageshwarnath Temple: This ancient Shiva temple is said to have been established by Kush, the son of Rama, who is believed to have installed the Shiva linga here.
•It is one of the oldest temples in Ayodhya and holds significant mythological importance.

Architecture

•Hanuman Garhi: The temple is perched atop a hill, accessed by a flight of 76 steps.
•The main sanctum houses an idol of Hanuman seated in a posture of devotion, facing the Ram Janmabhoomi.
•The architecture is typical of North Indian temple style, with a fortified complex and a red spire (shikhara) visible from afar.
•Kanak Bhawan: This temple is an exquisite example of ornate architecture, featuring intricate carvings and a golden-plated roof.
•The inner sanctum houses beautifully adorned idols of Rama and Sita, dressed in regal attire, with a distinctive 'Sita-Rama' image that is a highlight.
•Nageshwarnath Temple: The temple exhibits a classic Nagara style with a tall spire (shikhara) and a spacious courtyard.
•The main deity is a Shiva linga, and the temple walls are adorned with carvings and inscriptions that reflect its ancient heritage.

Tips

Start your pilgrimage at Hanuman Garhi before visiting Ram Janmabhoomi, as is the local tradition.
Be cautious with the monkeys at Hanuman Garhi; hold onto your belongings, spectacles, and food.
Visit Kanak Bhawan during the midday aarti (about 12 PM) to see the idols in full royal regalia.
Carry a small offering like flowers or sweets, but be aware that some temples have designated prasad counters.
Hire a local guide or use a reliable app to navigate the temple complex and understand the mythological significance.

Nearby Attractions

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple (Ram Mandir) – the newly consecrated temple at Rama's birthplace, a major pilgrimage site.
Ram Ki Paidi – the series of ghats on the Saryu river, ideal for ritual bathing and the spectacular Deepotsav festival.
Dashrath Mahal – the palace associated with Rama's father, King Dasharatha, now a memorial and museum.
Guptar Ghat – the sacred ghat where tradition holds Rama took jal samadhi (entered the Saryu) at the end of his earthly life.
Tulsi Smarak Bhawan – a museum dedicated to Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas, and also the new railway station named after Maharishi Valmiki.