Ayodhya Ram Mandir Travel Guide 2026: Darshan Timings, Booking Process and How to Reach the Temple

Morning worship begins at Ram Mandir at 4 am, followed by Mangala Aarti at 4:30 am. Devotees using the regular darshan queue are admitted from 7 am. These hours came into effect on November 1, 2026, when the temple’s closing time also changed to 10 pm. Overnight travellers may spend several hours waiting if they arrive too early.

The trust has increased daily online Sugam Darshan passes from 975 to 2,000.

Key Highlights

  • Regular darshan begins at 7 am and is free.
  • Mangala Aarti starts at 4:30 am; Shayan Aarti at 9:30 pm.
  • Darshan pauses for bhog offerings and the midday rest.
  • Sugam Darshan and aarti passes are free, subject to availability.
  • Visitors should leave phones and other prohibited items outside.

Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Timings From November 1, 2026

Darshan stops for rituals, including a one-hour midday rest. DD News published the trust’s revised schedule

Ritual or EntryTime
Temple doors open4:00 AM
Mangala Aarti4:30–4:40 am
Shringar Aarti6:30 AM
Public darshan begins7:00 AM
Raj Bhog Aarti12:00 noon
Midday rest12:30–1:30 pm
Darshan resumes1:35 PM
Sandhya Aarti7:00 PM
Shayan Aarti9:30 PM
Temple closes10:00 PM

Morning entry pauses from 8 to 8:10 am and 11:30 am to noon. Later ritual closures include 4–4:10 pm, 6:45–7 pm, 8–8:30 pm and 9:15–9:30 pm. Festival arrangements may change these hours.

The trust also confirmed the revised schedule through its official X announcement.

How to Book Sugam Darshan and Aarti Passes

Ordinary darshan needs no ticket. Sugam Darshan has limited free passes, while aarti attendance requires a separate pass. The trust does not sell VIP access.

Pass requests go through the temple trust’s official website. To apply for a pass:

  1. Use the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust’s official online reservation page.
  2. From the available services, choose Sugam Darshan or the aarti pass needed for your visit.
  3. Only dates released for booking will have slots available. Find a date with a vacancy.
  4. Fill in the visitor information requested on the screen and follow the remaining instructions.
  5. Carry the confirmation and the identification used for booking.

In October 2026, the trust announced pass releases 90, 62, 30, 14, seven, three and one day ahead, plus a same-day category. The system is being introduced in stages; not every future date will necessarily be open for booking.

The pass category also affects which shrines visitors can enter. Akashvani reported that Sugam Darshan covers Ram Lalla, Ram Parivar and six Parkota temples, whereas the General Darshan pass includes additional sites such as Kuber Tila. The trust revised the maximum to five devotees per pass.

How to Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir by Air, Train and Road

Traffic diversions and security checks can affect the last stretch, even when your hotel is close to the temple.

  • Flight: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is about 10 km from Ayodhya Dham. Travellers arriving by air can use local transport to reach their accommodation before heading towards the temple.
  • Train: Ayodhya Dham and Ayodhya Cantt are separate major railway stations. Trains serve both stations, so the arrival point printed on the ticket determines where the onward journey begins.
  • Road: The district administration places Ayodhya around 130 km from Lucknow and 140 km from Gorakhpur by road. State transport buses operate services to the city.

The Ayodhya district administration’s travel information does not guarantee vehicle access to the temple gate.

Entry Rules and New Facilities for Pilgrims

Phones, cameras and bags should be left at designated storage points. A printed pass is worth carrying because visitors may have to deposit their devices before completing security. Flowers and offerings brought from outside have also been discouraged by the trust.

Ayodhya district recorded 164.4 million visitors in 2024, the Ministry of Tourism told Parliament in February 2025. This counts district visitors, not distinct people entering Ram Mandir, but it explains why travellers should leave flexibility for entry queues and transport delays.

On November 7, 2026, an 800-metre stretch of tactile and Braille-enabled panels was inaugurated at the temple for visitors with visual impairments. Those accompanying elderly pilgrims or visitors with limited mobility can enquire with temple staff about wheelchair assistance and the available entry routes.

The temple trust’s official channels carry notices about changes to darshan hours and entry arrangements. For a visit on a fixed date, the authorised booking website shows which pass slots have been released and are available.

FAQs

Is Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Free in 2026?

Yes. Public darshan is free. The trust also issues Sugam Darshan and aarti passes without charging visitors, although the number available for each slot is limited.

Can I Attend Mangala Aarti at 4:30 am Without a Pass?

No. Aarti attendance has a separate pass arrangement. The 4:30 am Mangala Aarti takes place before regular darshan begins, which is scheduled for 7 am.

Can I Book a Sugam Darshan Pass 90 Days Ahead?

The trust announced a 90-day advance release, with several later booking stages. Availability depends on which parts of the updated system have gone live.

Which Railway Station Is Best for Visiting Ram Mandir?

Ayodhya Dham is closer to the temple area, but not every train stops there. Passengers arriving at Ayodhya Cantt can use local transport for the onward journey.

Are Mobile Phones Allowed Inside Ayodhya Ram Mandir?

Mobile phones are restricted inside the temple complex. Devices must be deposited at the designated storage area before entry. Keep your identification and printed pass with you where required.

Explore more stories of faith, films and fascinating headlines!

1. Why Is Maa Katyayani Worshipped Today?

Explore the story and significance of Navratri Day 6 in 2026.

2. What Makes Ramayana’s Release Date Special?

Find why the release date holds special significance for Ranbir Kapoor.

3. What’s Behind Ranbir Kapoor’s Ayodhya Property?

Uncover details about the actor’s luxury property investment in Ayodhya.

4. Who Stars In Ramayana’s 2026 Film?

Check out the star cast, release date, budget and latest updates.

5. What Preceded The Ram Temple FIR?

Reveal the reported cash recovery details and events preceding the FIR.

Related Articles