Dashrath Mahal, Ayodhya — Darshan & Aarti Timings, History & Guide
Dashrath Mahal (also called Bada Asthan) is the royal palace of King Dashrath, the father of Lord Ram, and is revered as the place where Lord Ram spent his childhood. Today it is a beautiful temple enshrining the Ram Darbar and resounding with continuous Ram-naam kirtan. It is open in two sessions, roughly 8:00 AM–noon and 4:00 PM–9:00 PM, darshan is free, and it sits steps from Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi.
- Timings
- Two sessions · ~8 AM–9 PM
- Deity
- Ram Darbar (royal family)
- Highlight
- Lord Ram's childhood palace
- Entry
- Free darshan · no ticket
Dashrath Mahal
Ayodhya · The royal palace of King Dashrath
4.9 / 5 · Darshan Help
Dashrath Mahal · Ram Mandir
- Timings
- ~8:00 AM–12:00 PM & 4:00 PM–9:00 PM
- Deity
- Ram Darbar (Ram, Sita, Lakshman & family)
- Significance
- King Dashrath's palace · Ram's childhood home
- Entry
- Free · no ticket required
- Location
- Ramkot, Ayodhya (near Kanak Bhawan)
- Best Festivals
- Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami, Deepotsav
Dashrath Mahal Darshan & Aarti Timings (2026)
Dashrath Mahal opens in two sessions each day — a morning and an evening session with a midday break — in the style of Ayodhya's traditional temples. Darshan of the Ram Darbar is free, accompanied by continuous Ram-naam kirtan and morning and evening aartis. Timings shift slightly between summer and winter and during festivals like Ram Navami.
Morning Session
Opens slightly later in winter
Midday Break
Temple closed
Evening Session
Most pleasant for darshan
Morning Aarti
Mangala / shringar aarti
Evening Aarti
Sandhya aarti
Ram-Naam Kirtan
Continuous akhand kirtan
Tip: timings vary between summer and winter and on festivals like Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami and Deepotsav. WhatsApp us for the exact aarti time and the best darshan window on your travel date.
Best Time to Visit Dashrath Mahal — Month-by-Month (2026)
Dashrath Mahal welcomes darshan year-round, but weather and crowds change through the year. Winter (October–March) is the most comfortable, while Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami and Deepotsav bring large, joyful crowds.
Crowds peak on Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami, Sawan and Deepotsav. Reach early and plan around the midday break.
The History & Significance of Dashrath Mahal
What Is Dashrath Mahal?
Dashrath Mahal — also known as Bada Asthan or Badi Jagah — is revered as the royal palace and residence of King Dashrath, the ruler of Ayodhya and father of Lord Ram. It is one of the holiest and most atmospheric temples in the city.
Lord Ram's Childhood Home
By tradition, this is the very place where Lord Ram spent his childhood with his brothers Bharat, Lakshman and Shatrughna. Standing here, pilgrims feel a direct connection to the Ramayana and the early life of Maryada Purushottam Ram.
The Ram Darbar
The temple's sanctum enshrines the Ram Darbar — beautifully decorated idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and the royal family, with Hanuman in devotion. The deities are richly adorned, and the temple is alive with colour and devotion.
A Living Centre of Devotion
Dashrath Mahal is an important religious seat (gaddi) in Ayodhya, home to resident saints and sadhus, and known for its continuous Ram-naam sankirtan — the unbroken chanting of Lord Ram's name that fills the temple throughout the day.
Festivals & Importance
The temple celebrates Ram Navami (the birth of Lord Ram) with great grandeur, along with Vivah Panchami, Sawan and Ayodhya's spectacular Deepotsav. Located in Ramkot near Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi, it is a key stop on every Ayodhya pilgrimage.
Did you know? Dashrath Mahal is famous for its akhand (unbroken) Ram-naam kirtan — the name of Lord Ram is chanted here continuously, day and night, by resident devotees.
How to Have Darshan at Dashrath Mahal — Step by Step
A Dashrath Mahal visit is simple and deeply devotional. Knowing the two-session timing and the flow makes it easy to combine with Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir. Here is exactly how it goes.
- 1
Reach Dashrath Mahal
The temple is in Ramkot, a short walk from Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi and about 1.5 km from the Ram Mandir — easy to include in your Ayodhya darshan circuit.
- 2
Note the Session Timing
Plan around the two darshan sessions (morning and evening) with a midday break, so you arrive when the temple is open.
- 3
Leave Footwear & Enter
Leave footwear at the stands and step through the colourful gateway into the temple courtyard.
- 4
Soak in the Kirtan
Take a moment to absorb the continuous Ram-naam sankirtan that fills the temple — a uniquely uplifting atmosphere.
- 5
Darshan of the Ram Darbar
Have darshan of the beautifully adorned idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and the royal family in the sanctum.
- 6
Attend the Aarti
If timed right, witness the morning or evening aarti, and offer your prayers and any offerings.
- 7
Continue Your Ayodhya Darshan
Walk on to Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir for Ram Lalla darshan, and Ram Ki Paidi for the evening Saryu Aarti.
Best Time to Visit Dashrath Mahal
You can have darshan any day, but the season, time of day and festival calendar change the weather, the crowd and the atmosphere. Here is when to plan your visit.
Best Season — October to March
Ayodhya's winter is cool and pleasant — ideal for combining Dashrath Mahal with Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir and the Saryu Aarti. Avoid the peak summer heat of May–June, or visit only in the evening session.
Best Time of Day — Morning / Evening
The morning session offers a fresh, serene darshan, while the evening session and Sandhya aarti are atmospheric and devotional. Both avoid the closed midday hours.
Most Special — Ram Navami & Festivals
Ram Navami, marking Lord Ram's birth, is celebrated here with great splendour and Ramleela, along with Vivah Panchami, Sawan and Deepotsav. Beautiful but crowded; plan ahead.
What to See at Dashrath Mahal
Beyond the main darshan, Dashrath Mahal's devotional setting and surroundings make it a rewarding stop in Ayodhya. Here are the highlights.
The Ram Darbar Sanctum
Top PickThe Main Darshan
The richly decorated idols of Ram, Sita, Lakshman and the royal family with Hanuman — the spiritual focus of every visit, glowing with colour and devotion.
The Akhand Ram-Naam Kirtan
Living Tradition
The continuous, unbroken chanting of Lord Ram's name that fills the temple all day — one of the most uplifting experiences in Ayodhya.
The Royal Courtyard
Palace Heritage
The temple's ornate gateway and courtyards evoke the royal palace of King Dashrath where Lord Ram is said to have grown up.
Ramkot Surroundings
Temple Heart of Ayodhya
Set in Ramkot beside Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi, the temple is easy to combine with the rest of Ayodhya's holy sites.
Darshan & Experiences at Dashrath Mahal
Dashrath Mahal offers some of Ayodhya's most devotional moments. Here are the experiences not to miss — we can help time and arrange your visit around them.
Ram Darbar Darshan
See the royal family of Ayodhya — Ram, Sita, Lakshman and brothers — beautifully adorned in the sanctum of King Dashrath's palace.
Akhand Ram-Naam Kirtan
Join or simply absorb the continuous chanting of 'Ram, Ram' that resounds through the temple day and night.
Morning & Evening Aartis
Attend the morning or Sandhya (evening) aarti for a deeply devotional experience of the Ram Darbar.
Ram Navami & Ramleela
Experience the temple during Ram Navami and festival days, when celebrations, Ramleela and special decorations bring it alive.
Dashrath Mahal Darshan & Offering Cost (2026)
Darshan and aarti at Dashrath Mahal are completely free — there is no entry ticket. The only optional costs are prasad, offerings and any special seva you choose. Here is a realistic guide.
Darshan and aarti are free. We offer a guided Ayodhya darshan covering Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir (with Sugam Darshan help) and the Saryu Aarti — confirmed in writing.
Offering prices are indicative; buy prasad and flowers from authorised shops near the temple.
Dashrath Mahal & Ayodhya Darshan — Reviews from Our Guests
1,488 verified reviews
Dashrath Mahal had the most beautiful, devotional atmosphere of our Ayodhya trip — the continuous Ram-naam kirtan gave me goosebumps. Our guide from Ayodhya Varanasi Guides explained that this was Lord Ram's childhood home and timed everything perfectly.
Gopal Mishra
Varanasi
Lovely guided darshan covering Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi in one smooth morning. The team handled the crowds and the session timings so we never missed an aarti. Highly recommended.
Indira Nair
Kochi
Visited during the evening aarti — the Ram Darbar darshan was divine and peaceful. Transparent pricing and excellent care for my elderly mother. A must-visit on any Ayodhya pilgrimage.
Pramod Joshi
Nashik
Our guide knew exactly when Dashrath Mahal opens and closes, so we planned the day perfectly. Loved the kirtan and the royal courtyard. The whole Ayodhya darshan was stress-free and meaningful.
Sneha Agarwal
Kanpur
Did the full Ayodhya circuit during Deepotsav. Dashrath Mahal was a highlight — vibrant and full of devotion. They managed the crowds beautifully and combined it with the Saryu Aarti. Will book again.
Balram Singh
Patna
A Perfect Ayodhya Darshan Day with Dashrath Mahal
Weave Dashrath Mahal into a classic Ayodhya darshan circuit. Here is a simple, time-tested plan our guests love — easily customised to your pace and the temple sessions.
Hanuman Garhi darshan. Begin, as tradition dictates, at Hanuman Garhi to seek the blessings of the guardian of Ayodhya.
Ram Janmabhoomi (Ram Lalla). Proceed to the Ram Mandir for Ram Lalla darshan — we help with Sugam (VIP) Darshan to skip the queue.
Kanak Bhawan & Dashrath Mahal. Visit the nearby Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal in the morning session — the Ram Darbar and Ram-naam kirtan are a highlight.
Nageshwarnath & old Ayodhya. See the ancient Nageshwarnath temple and explore the lanes and ghats of old Ayodhya.
Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi. End the day with the beautiful evening Saryu Aarti on the banks of the Saryu river.
How to Reach Dashrath Mahal, Ayodhya
Dashrath Mahal is in the Ramkot area of Ayodhya, a short walk from Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi and about 1.5 km from the Ram Mandir. Here is how to get there.
By Air
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham is ~11 km away. Lucknow airport (~140 km) is the larger alternative. Take a taxi to Dashrath Mahal.
By Train
Ayodhya Dham Junction is ~2.5 km from the temple, well connected to Lucknow, Varanasi and Delhi. Hire an auto or e-rickshaw.
By Road / Taxi
Ayodhya is connected via NH-27 and the new Ram Path. It is ~135 km from Lucknow, ~200 km from Varanasi and ~165 km from Prayagraj.
The Last Mile
Dashrath Mahal is in the temple zone of Ramkot near Kanak Bhawan; vehicles drop you close by and it is a short walk or e-rickshaw ride.
Dashrath Mahal Location — Ayodhya
Dashrath Mahal stands in the Ramkot area of central Ayodhya, close to Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi. Use the map below to navigate.
Ayodhya
- Area: Ramkot, near Kanak Bhawan
- PIN: Ayodhya 224123
- From Ayodhya Dham Junction: ~2.5 km
- From Ram Mandir: ~1.5 km
- From Kanak Bhawan: ~300 m
Where to Stay Near Dashrath Mahal
Staying central in Ayodhya keeps Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir and the Saryu Aarti within easy reach. Here are the best areas to stay — our team can recommend and book the right option for your budget.
Ramkot & Ram Path
Guesthouses and new hotels in Ramkot and along the Ram Path, within walking distance of Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi — ideal for morning darshan.
Near Ram Ki Paidi / Saryu
Riverside stays close to Ram Ki Paidi, perfect for the evening Saryu Aarti and a serene Ayodhya experience.
Ayodhya Dham / Faizabad
Branded and mid-range hotels around Ayodhya Dham and Faizabad city, with more comfort and easy taxi access to the temples.
Places to Visit Near Dashrath Mahal in Ayodhya
Dashrath Mahal sits right in Ayodhya's temple heart. Here are the top sites nearby to combine into your itinerary — most are within a short walk or drive.
Kanak Bhawan
The 'Golden Palace' of Sita-Ram with gold-adorned idols, ~300 m away — an essential paired darshan.
Hanuman Garhi
The guardian shrine of Lord Hanuman, traditionally visited before Ram Lalla darshan.
Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi)
The grand temple of Ram Lalla, ~1.5 km away. We help with Sugam (VIP) Darshan to skip the queue.
Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi
The beautiful evening Saryu Aarti on the riverfront — an unmissable Ayodhya experience.
Nageshwarnath Temple
One of Ayodhya's oldest Shiva temples, founded by Lord Ram's son Kush, near the ghats.
Ayodhya Guide & Tours
Plan a complete guided Ayodhya darshan covering all the major temples and ghats.
Ram Navami & Deepotsav at Dashrath Mahal
Ram Navami — the birth of Lord Ram — is the grandest occasion at Dashrath Mahal, his very childhood home, celebrated with special decorations, Ramleela and continuous kirtan. Vivah Panchami (the Ram-Sita wedding) and the Sawan Jhula are also beautifully observed.
During Ayodhya's spectacular Deepotsav around Diwali, the whole city — including Ramkot and Dashrath Mahal — glows with millions of diyas. These festivals are joyous but very crowded; plan transport, darshan sessions and stay well in advance.
Things to Know Before Visiting Dashrath Mahal
A little preparation makes your Dashrath Mahal visit smooth and memorable. Keep these practical, locally-verified tips in mind.
Mind the two darshan sessions
The temple closes for a midday break (~12:00 PM–4:00 PM). Plan your visit for the morning or evening session.
Pair it with Kanak Bhawan
Dashrath Mahal is ~300 m from Kanak Bhawan and close to Hanuman Garhi — easy to do all three together.
Soak in the kirtan
The continuous Ram-naam sankirtan is the soul of this temple — take a quiet moment to absorb it.
Leave footwear outside
Footwear stands are available near the temple. Wear easy-to-remove shoes for the temple circuit.
Dress modestly
Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for a temple visit.
Photography may be restricted inside
Follow the temple staff's guidance on photography of the sanctum and keep phones away during aarti.
Reach early on festivals
Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami and Deepotsav are very crowded — start early and expect longer waits.
Buy prasad from authorised shops
Flowers, sweets and bhog are sold near the temple — agree prices beforehand.
Combine with the Saryu Aarti
End your day with the evening Saryu Aarti at Ram Ki Paidi for a complete Ayodhya experience.
Dashrath Mahal Ayodhya — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions travellers most often ask about Dashrath Mahal — timings, aarti, history, darshan and tips.
Dashrath Mahal is open in two sessions — roughly 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM in the morning and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the evening — with a midday break. Timings shift a little between summer and winter and on festivals.
Still have a question?
Our local team replies within 30 minutes.
Written & verified by the local Ayodhya guide team at Ayodhya Varanasi Guides
Our government-certified Ayodhya guides take pilgrims to Dashrath Mahal and the city's temples every day. This guide is based on first-hand, on-ground experience and is reviewed regularly. Last updated: June 2026. Temple session timings can change on festivals — message us for the latest on your travel date.
Visit Lord Ram's childhood home at Dashrath Mahal
Let Ayodhya Varanasi Guides plan your complete Ayodhya darshan — Dashrath Mahal, Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi, Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir (with Sugam Darshan help), Nageshwarnath and the evening Saryu Aarti — with a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transport. We confirm everything in writing.