Quick answer: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya is open for general darshan from about 7 AM to 9 PM, with a midday break, and entry is free. Mobile phones, bags, cameras and electronic items are not allowed inside, so use the free cloakrooms near the entry. October to March is the most comfortable season, and early morning or evening slots are usually the least crowded.
Ayodhya, revered as the birthplace of Lord Ram, welcomes lakhs of devotees to the Ram Mandir. A little planning makes the visit calm and unhurried, especially for families and senior travellers. This guide covers timings, passes, security, what to carry, the best months and the temples to add nearby. For ready itineraries, explore the Ayodhya and Lord Ram tour packages by House of Ullassa.
Ram Mandir Darshan Timings
According to the schedule notified by the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust in 2026:
- General darshan: 7 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 9 PM, in timed slots. Last entry is around 9 PM.
- Mangala Aarti: 4 AM, entry by pass.
- Shringar Aarti: 6 AM, entry by pass.
- Bhog Aarti: 12 PM, when darshan pauses briefly.
- Shayan Aarti: 10 PM, entry by pass.
Timings change for festivals, seasons and special events. Always check the official Trust portal before visiting.
Passes and Bookings
General darshan needs no booking. The Trust also offers a free Sugam Darshan e pass for a timed slot and free passes for the Mangala, Shringar and Shayan aartis through its official website, online.srjbtkshetra.org. Each devotee needs a government photo ID. The Trust states that it charges no fee for any darshan or aarti pass, so avoid anyone selling paid passes.
About Assisted Darshan Packages
The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust does not sell paid or VIP darshan, and all passes, including the Sugam Darshan e pass, are free. House of Ullassa offers an Ayodhya assisted darshan package with help booking the free Sugam Darshan pass where available, transfers, a local guide and planning around queues. Entry follows temple rules and availability, and the package does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. Confirm the exact services included before booking.
Security Checks and Rules
The Ram Mandir has multiple security layers. Expect to walk a fair distance from the entry gate to the sanctum and to pass through frisking at more than one point.
Items not permitted inside:
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, earbuds and power banks
- Cameras and any recording devices
- Bags and backpacks
- Food, water bottles and packaged items
- Flowers, garlands and prasad brought from outside
- Tobacco and other intoxicants
Free cloakrooms and shoe stands operate near the entry. Keep your token safe, and fix a meeting point with your family before going in, since nobody will have a phone inside.
What to Carry and Wear
- A government photo ID for every adult, and your printed or saved pass if you booked one
- A small wallet with some cash for the cloakroom area and local transport
- Modest, comfortable clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- Footwear that is easy to remove, and socks in winter, since the stone floors get cold
- A shawl or light jacket for early morning visits between December and February
Leave heavy luggage at your hotel. Lockers near the temple take only small items.
Best Months to Visit Ayodhya
Ayodhya welcomes devotees throughout the year. October to March generally offers the most comfortable weather for temple visits and sightseeing. April to June is hot, and July to September brings monsoon rain.
The busiest periods are Ram Navami, Deepotsav around Diwali, Vivah Panchami and long weekends. Tuesdays and Saturdays also draw larger crowds. If you visit then, plan extra time for travel, security and darshan.
Nearby Temples to Add
Most itineraries combine the Ram Mandir with these sacred places:
- Hanuman Garhi: a hilltop temple of Lord Hanuman reached by a flight of steps. Devotees traditionally visit here before the Ram Mandir.
- Kanak Bhawan: a temple gifted to Sita, known for its graceful idols of Sita and Ram.
- Dashrath Mahal: the palace associated with King Dashrath.
- Saryu ghats: Ram ki Paidi and Naya Ghat host the evening Saryu Aarti.
- Nageshwarnath Temple: an ancient Shiva temple near Ram ki Paidi.
The 3 Day Ayodhya Pilgrimage Tour: Ram Janmabhoomi, Ghats and Temples covers these at a relaxed pace. For a longer journey, Ayodhya combines naturally with Varanasi and Prayagraj.
How Long to Stay
One full day covers the Ram Mandir and the main temples. Two to three days allow an unhurried pace, a second darshan, the Saryu Aarti and time to explore. Families travelling with elders often prefer three days.
Tips for Senior Travellers
For senior citizens, House of Ullassa arranges assisted darshan with help booking the free Sugam Darshan pass where available, a local guide, planning around queues, nearby hotels and private transfers. Entry follows temple rules and availability, and assisted darshan does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times. Walking and waiting are still involved, so share any mobility requirements before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Ram Mandir darshan timings?
General darshan runs from about 7 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 9 PM in timed slots, with aartis at 4 AM, 6 AM, 12 PM and 10 PM. Timings change for festivals, so check the official Trust portal before visiting.
Are mobile phones allowed inside Ram Mandir?
No. Mobile phones, smartwatches, cameras, bags and other electronic items are not allowed. Free cloakrooms near the entry hold phones and small items.
Is there a fee for Ram Mandir darshan?
No. The Trust charges no fee for general darshan, the Sugam Darshan e pass or aarti passes. Book passes only through the official Trust website.
What is the best time of day for darshan?
The first slot from 7 AM and the evening slots after 7 PM are usually less crowded. Tuesdays, Saturdays and festivals draw the largest crowds.
Does House of Ullassa arrange assisted darshan at Ram Mandir?
Yes. House of Ullassa offers an Ayodhya assisted darshan package with transfers, a local guide and help booking the free Sugam Darshan pass where available. The temple trust does not sell paid or VIP darshan, so entry follows temple rules and availability. The package does not guarantee immediate entry or skip security checks and waiting times.
Planning a visit to Ayodhya? Message House of Ullassa on WhatsApp to plan a customised pilgrimage.