India is a country with a lot of history and different beliefs. One such significant religious site is the Ayodhya Ram Mandir in Uttar Pradesh. It’s where people believe Lord Rama was born. After many arguments and court cases, the temple is finally built and will open for worship from On January 22, 2024.
They expect around 7,000 people at the start and hope for three to five lakh visitors every day after that. This can bring a lot of economic opportunities. Ayodhya is undergoing significant infrastructural growth, planning for 73 new properties, including 40 currently under construction.
OYO’s plans encompass the addition of 50 hotels and homes with 1000 rooms before the grand opening of the Ram Mandir, totalling 10,000 rooms. This accommodation setup includes 150 economy hotels, 30 dharmshalas, and 20 luxury hotels.
EaseMyTrip started a new service called EasyDarshan, focusing on pilgrimage trips in India. They say there’s a 45% increase in travel bookings to spiritual places like Puri, Amritsar, Varanasi, Haridwar, and Kochi. Airfare prices to these places increased by 10-20%, and hotel reservations went up by 50% with an average price increase of 20%.
If you are planning to visit this holy site, here is all you need to know about the booking process, timings, ticket prices and more.
Ram Mandir Booking Process
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is open with limited access. Devotees can easily book tickets online through the official website of Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust at srjbtkshetra.org. The online booking process is simple and hassle-free. One can select the date and time slot of their choice and book the tickets.
If you prefer, you can also get tickets offline at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir Visitor Centre, close to the temple. The centre is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm, and tickets are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Ram Mandir Timings
The temple is open for visitors every day from 7 am to 11:30 am and from 2 pm to 7 pm. But, the timings might change on special days or festivals. Before you plan to visit, it’s a good idea to check the official website or the visitor center for any updates.
One pass holder can attend three aartis.
- Shringar Aarti at 6:30 AM
- Bhog Aarti at 12:00 PM
- Sandhya Aarti at 7:30 PM
Ticket Prices
Entry to the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is free for all devotees. But if you want a closer and longer look at Lord Rama, you can buy special darshan tickets. The cost will depend on the services you choose when buying tickets online. However, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra has not announced the ticket prices yet.
Darshan Process
The darshan process at the Ayodhya Ram Mandir is organised and well-managed. When people go inside to see the gods, they are required to follow a specific way and maintain social distancing protocols inside the temple premises. The temple will give free prasad (special food) to everyone as they exit the premises.
The main deity of the temple, Lord Rama, is enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) along with his brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. Other gods like Sita, Hanuman, and Garuda have idols in the temple too. The temple area is 2.7 acres big and is made in a Nagara style of architecture. It has beautiful carvings and sculptures that tell stories from Hindu mythology.
How to Reach at Ram Mandir in Ayodhya?
By Air: Fly to Ayodhya Airport (AYD) from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Varanasi. Taxis and auto rickshaws outside the airport can take you to the city center.
By Train: Take a train to Ayodhya Junction (AY) or Faizabad Junction (FD). Trains connect Ayodhya to big cities in India, and it’s an affordable way to travel.
By Road: Reach Ayodhya easily by bus or car through well-connected national highways. Buses run regularly from nearby cities like Varanasi, Gorakhpur, and Lucknow.
What are important tips for visitors in Ayodhya?
- Book Tickets Early: Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time because there’s a limit on how many people can visit each day due to COVID-19 rules.
- Visit on Weekdays: Plan your trip on weekdays for a smoother experience since the temple is in a busy area.
- Dress Respectfully: Wear modest and respectful clothing when you visit the temple.
- No Photos or Videos: Remember, you can’t take photos or videos inside the temple.
- Parking Available: The temple has a special parking area for visitors.
- Stay Safe: Follow safety rules like wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance from others while inside the temple.
Positive Takeaway
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir holds a special place not just in religious beliefs but also as a symbol of unity and devotion. The recently opened temple presents an opportunity for a unique spiritual journey, allowing visitors to connect with the rich history and teachings of Lord Rama.For those planning a trip, my recommendation is to visit Ayodhya Ram Mandir and experience tranquility, witness architectural marvels , and connect with Lord Rama.
