Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya — Aarti & Darshan Timings, History & Guide
Hanuman Garhi is the most important temple of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya, traditionally visited before Ram Lalla darshan as Hanuman is the guardian (Kotwal) of the city. The fort-like temple sits on a hillock reached by 76 steps and is open daily from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Darshan is free, with morning and evening aartis; Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest. It is about 1.5 km from the Ram Mandir.
- Timings
- Daily ~5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Deity
- Lord Hanuman (Bal Hanuman)
- Access
- Hilltop temple · 76 steps
- Entry
- Free darshan · no ticket
Hanuman Garhi
Ayodhya · The guardian shrine of Lord Hanuman
4.9 / 5 · Darshan Help
Hanuman Garhi · Ram Mandir
- Timings
- Daily ~5:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Deity
- Lord Hanuman — Kotwal of Ayodhya
- Access
- Hilltop · climb of 76 steps
- Entry
- Free · no ticket required
- Location
- Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya (~1.5 km from Ram Mandir)
- Busiest
- Tuesdays, Saturdays & Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Garhi Aarti & Darshan Timings (2026)
The Hanuman Garhi temple opens early at around 5:00 AM and remains open for darshan until about 10:00 PM, with morning and evening aartis. Tuesdays and Saturdays — the days of Lord Hanuman — and festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami draw enormous crowds. Reach early and be ready to climb the 76 steps.
Temple Opens
Morning aarti at opening
General Darshan
Free darshan through the day
Temple Closes
After the evening aarti
Morning Aarti
Shringar / morning aarti
Evening Aarti
Sandhya aarti after sunset
Tuesdays & Saturdays
Hanuman's days — huge crowds
Tip: timings vary slightly by season, and on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami the queues are very long. WhatsApp us for the exact aarti time and the best darshan window on your travel date.
Best Time to Visit Hanuman Garhi — Month-by-Month (2026)
Hanuman Garhi welcomes darshan year-round, but weather and crowds shift through the year. Winter (October–March) is most comfortable, while Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami and Sawan bring huge, devout crowds.
Crowds peak every Tuesday & Saturday and on Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, Sawan and Deepotsav. Reach early.
The History & Significance of Hanuman Garhi
What Is Hanuman Garhi?
Hanuman Garhi is a fort-like temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, set atop a small hill in the heart of Ayodhya. The name means “Hanuman's Fort,” and tradition holds that Hanuman lived here in a cave, watching over Ayodhya. It is among the most revered and most visited temples in the holy city.
The Guardian (Kotwal) of Ayodhya
Hanuman is regarded as the Kotwal — the divine guardian and commander — of Ayodhya. By long-standing tradition, pilgrims visit Hanuman Garhi first, before having darshan of Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir, seeking Hanuman's blessings to enter the city of Lord Ram.
The Temple's History
While the site's sanctity is ancient, the present fort-like structure was built in the 18th century during the era of the Nawabs of Awadh, who are said to have granted land for the temple — a celebrated symbol of Ayodhya's shared heritage. Its four-sided fortress design with bastions gives Hanuman Garhi its distinctive look.
The 76 Steps & the Idol
Devotees climb a flight of 76 steps to reach the temple. Inside the sanctum is a beloved idol of Bal Hanuman (Hanuman as a child) seated on the lap of his mother, Mata Anjani — a uniquely tender and cherished form of the deity.
Festivals & Devotion
Hanuman Garhi is busiest on Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days of Hanuman, and comes alive during Hanuman Jayanti (with a grand fair), Ram Navami, Sawan and the spectacular Deepotsav. Devotees offer sindoor, chola and boondi laddu, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa and Sundarkand.
Did you know? It is customary to seek Hanuman's permission at Hanuman Garhi before visiting the Ram Janmabhoomi temple — Hanuman, as Kotwal, is believed to guard the gates of Ram's city.
How to Have Darshan at Hanuman Garhi — Step by Step
A Hanuman Garhi visit follows a simple, time-honoured flow. Knowing the steps — and the tradition of visiting before the Ram Mandir — makes your Ayodhya darshan smooth and meaningful. Here is exactly how it goes.
- 1
Visit Hanuman Garhi First
By tradition, begin your Ayodhya pilgrimage here, seeking the blessings of Hanuman — the guardian of the city — before proceeding to Ram Lalla's darshan.
- 2
Climb the 76 Steps
Walk up the flight of 76 steps to the hilltop temple. The climb is gentle; assistance is available for senior citizens, and the lanes below are lined with prasad and offering shops.
- 3
Deposit Footwear & Belongings
Leave footwear at the designated stands at the base and keep large bags and (where restricted) phones aside before entering the sanctum.
- 4
Darshan of Bal Hanuman
Have darshan of the idol of Bal Hanuman seated on Mata Anjani's lap in the inner sanctum — the spiritual heart of the temple.
- 5
Offer Sindoor, Chola & Laddu
Make the traditional offerings — sindoor (vermilion), a chola, and boondi laddu prasad — to Lord Hanuman.
- 6
Recite the Hanuman Chalisa
Many devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand at the temple, or arrange a path (recitation) for special wishes.
- 7
Proceed to Ram Mandir & Ram Ki Paidi
With Hanuman's blessings, continue to the Ram Janmabhoomi temple for Ram Lalla darshan and to Ram Ki Paidi for the evening Saryu Aarti.
Best Time to Visit Hanuman Garhi
You can have darshan any day, but the season, time of day and festival calendar change the weather, the queue and the atmosphere. Here is when to plan your visit.
Best Season — October to March
Ayodhya's winter is cool and pleasant — ideal for the climb and for combining Hanuman Garhi with the Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu Aarti. Avoid the peak summer heat of May–June.
Best Time of Day — Early Morning
Arrive at opening (~5 AM) for the morning aarti and the most peaceful darshan before the crowds build. Early evening, around the Sandhya aarti, is also beautiful.
Most Devout — Tuesdays, Saturdays & Festivals
Tuesdays and Saturdays are Hanuman's special days, and Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami and Deepotsav are spectacular but extremely crowded. Plan ahead and start early.
What to See at Hanuman Garhi
Beyond the main darshan, Hanuman Garhi's fort-like setting and surroundings have a few highlights worth knowing before you climb.
The Sanctum — Bal Hanuman
Top PickThe Main Darshan
The inner shrine houses the cherished idol of the child Hanuman (Bal Hanuman) seated on the lap of Mata Anjani — the spiritual focus of every visit.
The 76 Steps
The Climb
The iconic flight of 76 steps leads up to the temple, lined with shops selling sindoor, chola, flags and boondi laddu prasad.
The Fort-like Complex
18th-Century Architecture
Built like a small fortress with four corner bastions, the temple's distinctive design reflects its name, 'Hanuman's Fort'.
Surrounding Shrines & Bazaar
Around the Temple
Smaller shrines and a lively bazaar surround the hill — a good place for prasad, offerings and a feel of old Ayodhya before you head to the Ram Mandir.
Rituals & Offerings at Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi has a rich tradition of offerings and recitations. Here are the most cherished ways devotees worship Lord Hanuman here — we can help arrange any of them.
Sindoor & Chola
Offering vermilion (sindoor) and a chola to Lord Hanuman is the most traditional and auspicious offering at the temple.
Boondi Laddu Prasad
The famous boondi laddu is the signature prasad of Hanuman Garhi — offered to the deity and shared as a blessing.
Hanuman Chalisa & Sundarkand
Reciting the Hanuman Chalisa or arranging a Sundarkand path at the temple is believed to remove obstacles and fulfil wishes.
Nishan (Flag) Offering
Devotees offer a nishan (sacred flag) to Hanuman as a mark of devotion and the fulfilment of vows.
Hanuman Garhi Darshan & Offering Cost (2026)
Darshan and aarti at Hanuman Garhi are completely free — there is no entry ticket. The only costs are optional offerings, prasad and any special path (recitation) you choose. Here is a realistic guide.
Darshan and aarti are free. We offer a guided Ayodhya darshan covering Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir (with Sugam Darshan help), Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu Aarti — confirmed in writing.
Offering prices are indicative; buy prasad and chola from authorised shops near the steps.
Hanuman Garhi & Ayodhya Darshan — Reviews from Our Guests
1,742 verified reviews
The guide arranged by Ayodhya Varanasi Guides took us to Hanuman Garhi first, exactly as per tradition, then to Ram Lalla darshan. He explained the history of the 76 steps and the Bal Hanuman idol beautifully. Smooth, well-planned and very devotional.
Vinod Tripathi
Gorakhpur
We visited on a Saturday and the crowd was huge, but the team guided us through perfectly and helped my elderly mother with the climb. Combined Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan and the Saryu Aarti in one smooth day.
Sarita Devi
Patna
Excellent local knowledge. They arranged a Sundarkand path at Hanuman Garhi for us and explained every offering. The whole Ayodhya darshan was hassle-free and meaningful. Highly recommended.
Aakash Mehta
Surat
Visited during Deepotsav — magical but very crowded. Our guide timed Hanuman Garhi and Ram Mandir perfectly and we never felt lost. Transparent pricing and genuine care for senior citizens.
Lata Krishnan
Bengaluru
Did the full Ayodhya circuit with them. Hanuman Garhi at sunrise was the highlight — peaceful and powerful. Clean transport and a knowledgeable, polite guide. Will book again for Varanasi.
Devendra Yadav
Kanpur
A Perfect Ayodhya Darshan Day from Hanuman Garhi
Begin with Hanuman Garhi, as tradition dictates, then flow through Ayodhya's holiest sites. Here is a simple, time-tested plan our guests love — easily customised to your pace.
Hanuman Garhi darshan. Start at Hanuman Garhi for the morning aarti and a peaceful darshan of Bal Hanuman before the crowds.
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 ornate Kanak Bhawan and Dashrath Mahal, central to the Ramayana story.
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 Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi is in the heart of Ayodhya, about 1.5 km from the Ram Mandir and close to Ram Ki Paidi. Vehicles drop you near the base, from where you climb the 76 steps to the temple. Here is how to get there.
By Air
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya Dham is ~10 km away. Lucknow airport (~140 km) is the larger alternative. Take a taxi to Hanuman Garhi.
By Train
Ayodhya Dham Junction is ~2–3 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 Final Climb
Vehicles stop near the base of Hanuman Garhi; from there it is a short walk and a climb of 76 steps to the temple.
Hanuman Garhi Location — Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi sits on a hillock in central Ayodhya, a short distance from the Ram Mandir and Ram Ki Paidi. Use the map below to navigate.
Ayodhya
- Area: Central Ayodhya, near Ram Path
- PIN: Ayodhya 224123
- From Ayodhya Dham Junction: ~2–3 km
- From Ram Mandir: ~1.5 km
- Access: Climb of 76 steps
Where to Stay Near Hanuman Garhi
Staying central in Ayodhya keeps 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.
Near Hanuman Garhi & Ram Path
Dharamshalas, guesthouses and new hotels along the Ram Path, within walking distance of Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir — ideal for early-morning darshan.
Near Ram Ki Paidi / Saryu
Riverside stays close to Ram Ki Paidi, perfect for the evening Saryu Aarti and a peaceful 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 Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi is the perfect start to an Ayodhya pilgrimage. Here are the top sites nearby to combine into your itinerary — most are within a short walk or drive.
Ram Mandir (Ram Janmabhoomi)
The grand temple of Ram Lalla, ~1.5 km away — visit after Hanuman Garhi. We help with Sugam (VIP) Darshan.
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.
Kanak Bhawan & Dashrath Mahal
The ornate 'golden palace' gifted to Sita and the palace of King Dashrath — central to the Ramayana.
Ayodhya Guide & Tours
Plan a complete guided Ayodhya darshan covering all the major temples and ghats.
Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj
Extend your trip on the Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Varanasi circuit with a Sangam snan at Prayagraj.
Hanuman Jayanti & Ram Navami at Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Jayanti — the birthday of Lord Hanuman — is the grandest occasion at Hanuman Garhi, celebrated with a huge fair (mela), continuous recitations and lakhs of devotees climbing the 76 steps. Ram Navami, marking the birth of Lord Ram, is equally fervent across Ayodhya.
The temple is also especially busy on every Tuesday and Saturday, through Sawan, and during Ayodhya's spectacular Deepotsav around Diwali, when the city is lit with millions of diyas. These are unforgettable times to visit — but plan transport, darshan and stay well in advance.
Things to Know Before Visiting Hanuman Garhi
A little preparation makes your Hanuman Garhi visit smooth and meaningful. Keep these practical, locally-verified tips in mind.
Visit before the Ram Mandir
By tradition, take Hanuman's blessings at Hanuman Garhi first, then proceed to Ram Lalla darshan at the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
Be ready for 76 steps
The temple is on a hillock reached by 76 steps. The climb is manageable; assistance is available for senior citizens.
Reach early, especially Tue & Sat
Tuesdays, Saturdays and festivals are extremely crowded. Early morning gives the most peaceful darshan.
Leave footwear at the base
Footwear stands are available near the steps. Carry minimal belongings as the sanctum gets crowded.
Buy prasad from authorised shops
Boondi laddu, sindoor and chola are sold by shops lining the steps — agree prices beforehand.
Dress modestly
Wear comfortable, modest clothing suitable for a temple and the climb, and easy-to-remove footwear.
Phones may be restricted inside
Photography of the sanctum may be limited — follow the temple staff's guidance and keep phones away during darshan.
Combine your Ayodhya darshan
Pair Hanuman Garhi with the Ram Mandir, Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath and the evening Saryu Aarti for a complete day.
Mind your belongings in crowds
On busy days keep wallets and phones secure and stay with your group, especially on the steps.
Hanuman Garhi Ayodhya — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions travellers most often ask about Hanuman Garhi — timings, aarti, the steps, history, darshan and tips.
Hanuman Garhi is open daily from about 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with morning and evening aartis. Timings vary slightly by season, and the temple is busiest on Tuesdays, Saturdays and festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami.
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 Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir every day. This guide is based on first-hand, on-ground experience and is reviewed regularly. Last updated: June 2026. Temple timings can change on festivals — message us for the latest on your travel date.
Begin your Ayodhya pilgrimage at Hanuman Garhi
Let Ayodhya Varanasi Guides plan your complete Ayodhya darshan — Hanuman Garhi first, then Ram Lalla at the Ram Mandir (with Sugam Darshan help), Kanak Bhawan, Nageshwarnath and the evening Saryu Aarti — with a knowledgeable local guide and comfortable transport. We confirm everything in writing.