Kanak Bhawan, Ayodhya — Darshan & Aarti Timings, History & Guide
Kanak Bhawan — the “Golden Palace” or Sone ka Ghar — is one of Ayodhya's most beautiful temples, dedicated to Goddess Sita and Lord Ram, whose idols are adorned with gold ornaments. Legend says it was gifted to Sita by Queen Kaikeyi as a wedding present. The temple is open in two sessions, roughly 8:00 AM–11:30 AM and 4:30 PM–9:30 PM, darshan is free, and it sits a short walk from Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir.
- Timings
- Two sessions · ~8 AM–9:30 PM
- Deity
- Goddess Sita & Lord Ram
- Highlight
- Gold-adorned idols (Kanak)
- Entry
- Free darshan · no ticket
Kanak Bhawan
Ayodhya · The Golden Palace of Sita-Ram
4.9 / 5 · Darshan Help
Kanak Bhawan · Ram Mandir
- Timings
- ~8:00 AM–11:30 AM & 4:30 PM–9:30 PM
- Deity
- Sita-Ram (Sone ka Ghar)
- Highlight
- Gold-ornamented Sita-Ram idols
- Entry
- Free · no ticket required
- Location
- Tulsi Nagar, Ayodhya (near Hanuman Garhi)
- Best Festivals
- Ram Navami, Vivah Panchami, Deepotsav
Kanak Bhawan Darshan & Aarti Timings (2026)
Kanak Bhawan opens in two sessions each day — a morning session and an evening session — with a midday break, in the style of Ayodhya's traditional temples. Darshan of the gold-adorned Sita-Ram is free, with aartis morning and evening. Timings shift a little between summer and winter and during festivals like Ram Navami and Vivah Panchami.
Morning Session
Opens slightly later in winter
Midday Break
Temple closed
Evening Session
Most pleasant for darshan
Shringar / Morning Aarti
Idols adorned in gold
Rajbhog Aarti
Before the midday close
Sandhya (Evening) Aarti
Beautiful evening darshan
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 Kanak Bhawan — Month-by-Month (2026)
Kanak Bhawan 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 Jhula and Deepotsav. Reach early and plan your sessions around the midday break.
The History & Significance of Kanak Bhawan
What Is Kanak Bhawan?
Kanak Bhawan — literally the “Golden Palace” (also called Sone ka Ghar) — is one of Ayodhya's most beautiful and beloved temples, dedicated to the divine couple Sita and Ram. Its idols are adorned with golden crowns and ornaments, giving the temple its name and its radiant beauty.
Sita's Golden Palace
According to tradition, Kanak Bhawan was gifted to Goddess Sita by her mother-in-law, Queen Kaikeyi, as a muh-dikhai (wedding) present when she arrived in Ayodhya as Lord Ram's bride. It is revered as the private palace of Sita and Ram — a temple of marital love and devotion.
The Temple's History
While the site is ancient, the present grand temple was rebuilt in 1891 by Rani Vrishabhanu Kunwari, the queen of Tikamgarh (Orchha) in present-day Madhya Pradesh. Its distinctive Bundela–Rajput architecture sets it apart from other Ayodhya temples.
The Gold-Adorned Idols
The sanctum houses three pairs of Sita-Ram idols of different sizes, the largest installed by Rani Vrishabhanu Kunwari. Decorated daily in gold ornaments and fine garments, the shringar (adornment) darshan here is considered especially auspicious and is a feast for the eyes.
Architecture & Importance
With its ornate courtyards, arches and carved facades, Kanak Bhawan is regarded as one of the finest temples in Ayodhya. It is a key stop on every Ayodhya pilgrimage, located within a short walk of Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi temple.
Did you know? Kanak Bhawan houses three sets of Sita-Ram idols of different sizes, and the deities are dressed and adorned in gold ornaments daily — which is why it is lovingly called the “Sone ka Ghar” (House of Gold).
How to Have Darshan at Kanak Bhawan — Step by Step
A Kanak Bhawan visit is simple and serene. Knowing the two-session timing and the flow makes it easy to combine with Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Mandir. Here is exactly how it goes.
- 1
Reach Kanak Bhawan
The temple is in Tulsi Nagar, a short walk from 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 enter through the ornate gateway into the temple's beautiful Bundela-style courtyard.
- 4
Admire the Architecture
Take in the carved arches, balconies and courtyards — Kanak Bhawan's architecture is among the most striking in Ayodhya.
- 5
Darshan of Sita-Ram
Have darshan of the gold-adorned idols of Sita and Ram in the sanctum — the radiant shringar is the highlight of the visit.
- 6
Attend the Aarti
If timed right, witness the morning shringar aarti or the evening Sandhya aarti, and offer your prayers.
- 7
Continue Your Ayodhya Darshan
Walk on to Hanuman Garhi, the Ram Mandir for Ram Lalla darshan, and Ram Ki Paidi for the evening Saryu Aarti.
Best Time to Visit Kanak Bhawan
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 Kanak Bhawan with 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 Shringar / Evening
The morning session shows the freshly adorned (shringar) Sita-Ram idols at their most beautiful, while the evening session and Sandhya aarti are peaceful and atmospheric.
Most Special — Ram Navami & Vivah Panchami
Ram Navami (Ram's birth) and especially Vivah Panchami — celebrating the marriage of Ram and Sita — are the most joyous occasions here, along with the Sawan Jhula and Deepotsav. Beautiful but crowded; plan ahead.
What to See at Kanak Bhawan
Beyond the main darshan, Kanak Bhawan's architecture and surroundings make it one of the most rewarding temple stops in Ayodhya. Here are the highlights.
The Sita-Ram Sanctum
Top PickThe Main Darshan
The inner shrine houses the gold-adorned idols of Sita and Ram — the radiant, beautifully decorated deities that are the heart of every visit.
The Three Idol Pairs
Unique Feature
Kanak Bhawan is famous for housing three pairs of Sita-Ram idols of different sizes, each lovingly dressed and ornamented.
Bundela Architecture & Courtyard
19th-Century Beauty
The ornate courtyards, carved arches and balconies built in Bundela–Rajput style make Kanak Bhawan one of Ayodhya's most photogenic temples.
Surroundings & Tulsi Nagar
Around the Temple
Set in the Tulsi Nagar area near Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi, the temple is easy to pair with the rest of Ayodhya's holy sites.
Darshan & Experiences at Kanak Bhawan
Kanak Bhawan offers some of Ayodhya's most beautiful darshan moments. Here are the experiences not to miss — we can help time and arrange your visit around them.
Shringar Darshan
See Sita and Ram adorned in gold crowns, ornaments and fine garments — the shringar darshan here is uniquely radiant and auspicious.
Morning & Evening Aartis
Attend the morning shringar aarti or the serene Sandhya (evening) aarti for a deeply devotional experience of the divine couple.
Vivah Panchami
Experience the temple during Vivah Panchami, when the celestial marriage of Ram and Sita is celebrated with great splendour.
Sawan Jhula & Festivals
During Sawan, the deities are placed on a decorated swing (jhula); Ram Navami and Deepotsav bring further festive grandeur.
Kanak Bhawan Darshan & Offering Cost (2026)
Darshan and aarti at Kanak Bhawan 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 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.
Kanak Bhawan & Ayodhya Darshan — Reviews from Our Guests
1,614 verified reviews
Kanak Bhawan was the most beautiful temple of our Ayodhya trip — the gold-adorned Sita-Ram idols are breathtaking. Our guide from Ayodhya Varanasi Guides explained the Kaikeyi gift legend and timed our visit perfectly around the darshan sessions.
Asha Pandey
Lucknow
Beautifully organised darshan covering Kanak Bhawan, Hanuman Garhi and Ram Lalla in one smooth morning. The team handled everything and the guide's knowledge of the temple's history was excellent.
Mohan Lal Sharma
Jaipur
We visited during the evening aarti — the shringar of the deities was divine. Transparent pricing, polite staff and great care for my elderly parents. Highly recommended for an Ayodhya pilgrimage.
Sunil Banerjee
Kolkata
Loved the Bundela architecture of Kanak Bhawan. The guide arranged a smooth circuit and we never missed any darshan timing. The whole Ayodhya day was stress-free and meaningful.
Kavita Reddy
Hyderabad
Visited during Vivah Panchami — magical atmosphere at Kanak Bhawan. They planned the crowds and timings beautifully and combined it with the Saryu Aarti. Will book the full circuit with them again.
Rakesh Gupta
Delhi
A Perfect Ayodhya Darshan Day with Kanak Bhawan
Weave Kanak Bhawan 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 darshan. Visit Kanak Bhawan in the morning session for the radiant shringar darshan of the gold-adorned Sita-Ram.
Dashrath Mahal & Nageshwarnath. See the nearby Dashrath Mahal and the ancient Nageshwarnath temple, then explore 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 Kanak Bhawan, Ayodhya
Kanak Bhawan is in the Tulsi Nagar area of Ayodhya, a short walk from 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 Kanak Bhawan.
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
Kanak Bhawan is in the temple zone near Hanuman Garhi; vehicles drop you close by and it is a short walk or e-rickshaw ride.
Kanak Bhawan Location — Ayodhya
Kanak Bhawan stands in the Tulsi Nagar area of central Ayodhya, close to Hanuman Garhi and the Ram Janmabhoomi. Use the map below to navigate.
Ayodhya
- Area: Tulsi Nagar, near Hanuman Garhi
- PIN: Ayodhya 224123
- From Ayodhya Dham Junction: ~2.5 km
- From Ram Mandir: ~1.5 km
- From Hanuman Garhi: ~1 km
Where to Stay Near Kanak Bhawan
Staying central in Ayodhya keeps 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.
Tulsi Nagar & Ram Path
Guesthouses and new hotels along the Ram Path near Kanak Bhawan and Hanuman Garhi — ideal for walking to the temples and 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 Kanak Bhawan in Ayodhya
Kanak Bhawan 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.
Hanuman Garhi
The guardian shrine of Lord Hanuman, ~1 km away — 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.
Triveni Sangam, Prayagraj
Extend your trip on the Ayodhya–Prayagraj–Varanasi circuit with a Sangam snan at Prayagraj.
Ram Navami & Vivah Panchami at Kanak Bhawan
Vivah Panchami — celebrating the divine marriage of Lord Ram and Goddess Sita (usually in November/December) — is the most special occasion at Kanak Bhawan, the very palace gifted to Sita. The temple is decorated splendidly and the wedding of the deities is celebrated with great devotion.
Ram Navami (Ram's birth), the Sawan Jhula (when the deities are placed on a decorated swing) and Ayodhya's spectacular Deepotsav around Diwali are also beautiful times to visit. These festivals are joyous but crowded — plan transport, darshan sessions and stay well in advance.
Things to Know Before Visiting Kanak Bhawan
A little preparation makes your Kanak Bhawan visit smooth and memorable. Keep these practical, locally-verified tips in mind.
Mind the two darshan sessions
The temple closes for a midday break (~11:30 AM–4:30 PM). Plan your visit for the morning or evening session.
Morning shows the best shringar
Arrive in the morning session to see the freshly adorned, gold-decorated Sita-Ram idols at their most radiant.
Pair it with Hanuman Garhi
Kanak Bhawan is ~1 km from Hanuman Garhi and ~1.5 km from the Ram Mandir — easy to do all three together.
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, Sawan 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.
Kanak Bhawan Ayodhya — Frequently Asked Questions
The questions travellers most often ask about Kanak Bhawan — timings, aarti, history, darshan and tips.
Kanak Bhawan is open in two sessions — roughly 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the morning and 4:30 PM to 9:30 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 Kanak Bhawan 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.
See the golden Sita-Ram at Kanak Bhawan
Let Ayodhya Varanasi Guides plan your complete Ayodhya darshan — 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.