Ayodhya, a historic city in Uttar Pradesh, India, holds immense significance for millions of devotees worldwide as it is revered as the birthplace of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. This sacred city has been a focal point of religious fervor and historical contention, culminating in the construction of the much-awaited Ram Janambhoomi Mandir in recent years. Besides the famous Ram Mandir, among the top places for pilgrimage in India, Ayodhya is also home to several other historic temples that attract pilgrims and tourists alike. Apart from the Ram temple, various places hold spiritual significance in Ayodhya. Here is a list of temples in Ayodhya that you should not miss as part of the Ayodhya tour packages.
Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi, a Hindu temple dating back to the 10th century, is situated atop a hill in the heart of the holy city of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. Constructed by the Nawab of Awadh, this temple is dedicated to the revered Hindu deity, Hanuman. Legend has it that Lord Hanuman resided in a cave here and protected the Janambhoomi Temple or Ramkot. Renowned as one of the prominent Hanuman temples in North India, Hanuman Garhi is a significant pilgrimage site in Ayodhya as it is customary for devotees to pay homage at Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Janambhoomi Temple, among the top places to visit in Ayodhya. Accessible by a staircase of 76 steps, this ancient temple features a grand structure resembling a four-sided fort with circular bastions at each corner. Within the main sanctum sanctorum, there is a 6-inch-tall idol of Hanuman alongside his mother, Maa Anjani.
Nageshwarnath Temple
Located near Theri Bazaar, Nageshwarnath Temple is a revered Hindu temple in Ayodhya, apart from Ram Mandir. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the patron deity of the area. The inner sanctum of the temple contains a magnificent Shiva lingam, believed to have been installed by Kush, the younger son of Lord Rama. Legend has it that Kush lost his armlet while bathing in the Sarayu River, only to have it returned by Naag-Kanya, an ardent follower of Lord Shiva. In appreciation, Kush constructed the Nageshwarnath Temple for Naag-Kanya. The temple attracts many worshippers during Mahashivaratri and Trayodashi, also known as Pradosh Vrat. The festivals are particularly notable for the Shiva Barat, a grand procession of Lord Shiva in Ayodhya, among the top places to visit near Delhi.
Kanak Bhawan
Situated to the northeast of Ram Janam Bhoomi or Ramkot, Kanak Bhawan is another prominent Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, among the must-include places in Uttar Pradesh tour packages. Dedicated to Lord Ram and Sita, it is believed to be the private palace of Devi Sita and Lord Rama. The temple was gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei after her marriage to Lord Rama. Vikramaditya renovated it, and Vrish Bhanu Kunwari completely rebuilt it in 1891 in Bundelkhand architecture style. The temple is considered the most beautiful structure in Ayodhya before Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. Inside, the central hall features arched doorways on three sides, and the sanctum sanctorum houses three pairs of gold-crowned idols of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. The largest pair was installed by Rani Vrish Bhanu Kunwari, the medium one by King Vikramaditya, and the smallest was given by Lord Krishna to a woman hermit meditating on Lord Ram here. These idols are adorned with heavy gold ornaments, giving the temple its name Kanak Bhawan, meaning a house made of gold.
Treta Ke Thakur
Tretanath Temple, also known as Treta Ke Thakur, is a renowned temple situated on the banks of Sarayu Ghat. It is considered one of the must-visit places in Ayodhya, along with the Ram Janambhoomi Temple, during your Ayodhya Darshan packages. This temple is dedicated to Lord Rama, who is revered as the Lord of the Treta Yug. Originally constructed by the king of Kullu, it underwent renovations in 1784 AD under the patronage of Maratha queen Ahilyabai Holkar. The temple holds great religious significance as it is believed to stand on the very same ground where the famous Ashwamedha Yagna was performed by Lord Rama. Constructed in the Nagar style of architecture, the temple houses idols of Lord Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, Bharat, Shatrughan, Hanuman, and Sage Vashishtha. It is open to devotees only once a year on Kartik Shukla Ekadashi, which typically falls in October or November.
Dashrath Bhavan
Dashrath Bhavan is a religious place situated in Ayodhya, among the top places to visit near Lucknow. Situated in the heart of the city, Dashrath Bhavan is believed to have been built on the same spot where the original palace of King Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya and father of Lord Sri Rama, once stood. Lord Ram and his siblings spent their formative years in this area. Commonly referred to as Bada Asthan or Badi Jagah, this exquisite palace features a beautiful entrance adorned with stunning paintings. Inside the Bhavan, there is a shrine housing the idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. Although smaller than its original counterpart where King Dasrath resided, Dashrath Bhavan is a major attraction during various festivities such as Ram Vivah, Karthik Mela, Diwali, Ram Navami, and Shravan Mela.