Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Booking, Aarti Passes & Locker Rules Guide

1. Sanctum Layout, Gate Nomenclature & Corridor Navigation

The newly consecrated Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir in Ayodhya spans a monumental 70-acre complex built in the traditional Nagara architectural idiom. The three-storey sandstone structure rises 161 feet high, supported by 392 intricately sculpted stone pillars and 44 teakwood doorways. The presiding deity, five-year-old Ram Lalla (carved from 2.5-billion-year-old Krishna Shila stone by sculptor Arun Yogiraj), is enshrined in the ground-floor Garbhagriha.

Navigating the complex smoothly requires understanding the three primary entry checkpoints along Ram Path and the dedicated Janmabhoomi Path corridor:

• Gate No. 11 (Sugam & Aarti Pass Gate): Located on the dedicated pilgrim corridor via the Pilgrim Facilitation Centre (PFC). Devotees holding confirmed online QR-coded tokens enter through this gate with minimal waiting.
• Gate No. 3 (General Sarva Darshan Gate): The main public line for non-token holders. During festival weekends, this line winds through sheltered barricaded holding bays equipped with RO drinking water stations and cooling mist fans.
• VIP & Protocol Entry (Sugriva Qila Gate): Exclusively reserved for state guests, constitutional dignitaries, and pre-cleared trust invitees. Golf carts operate between here and the temple podium ramp.

2. Step-by-Step Sugam Darshan & Aarti Pass Online Booking

To curb overcrowding and eliminate tout operations, the Trust implements a computerised slotted quota system. Passes are 100% free and cannot be transferred or rescheduled once issued.

The daily ritual cycle features three distinct Aarti ceremonies accessible to the public via passes:

• Mangala Aarti (4:30 AM – 5:00 AM): The morning awakening ritual. Extremely contested quota (limited to approx. 100 devotees daily).
• Shringar Aarti (6:30 AM – 7:00 AM): Adornment and ritual worship before the public sanctum opens.
• Shayan Aarti (10:00 PM – 10:30 PM): The night retiring ceremony concluding the sacred day.

Step-by-Step Online Booking Workflow:

1. Navigate exclusively to the official trust portal at srjbtkshetra.org. Do not click sponsored Google Ads links.
2. Click on 'Aarti / Darshan Pass Booking' and enter your active Indian mobile number to receive a 6-digit OTP.
3. Select the pass category: Sugam Darshan (daytime slot) or one of the three daily Aarti ceremonies.
4. Select your travel date from the calendar. Unreserved dates appear green; full dates are marked red. The booking window opens at 12:00 AM (midnight) 15 days in advance.
5. Enter the full name, gender, age, and ID type (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving License) for each member (maximum 4 pilgrims per mobile number).
6. Upload a clear photo ID scan and a passport-style face photograph for each pilgrim.
7. Upon submission, download the PDF pass containing the encrypted QR barcode. Save this on your phone and carry a physical paper printout along with original government photo IDs.

3. Pilgrim Facilitation Centre (PFC), Lockers & Prohibited Items

Security at Ram Janmabhoomi is managed directly by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the UP Special Security Force (UPSSF). High-resolution multi-tier biometric scanners and metal detector arches are deployed at all entry channels.

The Trust has constructed a massive, state-of-the-art Pilgrim Facilitation Centre (PFC) near Sugriva Qila housing over 25,000 automated electronic lockers. Devotees must deposit all prohibited items before stepping onto the temple approach corridor.

Wheelchair & Senior Citizen Facilitation: For elderly pilgrims and individuals with reduced mobility, the Trust operates free battery-operated golf carts from the parking bays to the PFC entrance. Wheelchairs with dedicated volunteers are provided free of cost at the PFC entrance; valid age or disability proof must be presented at the counter.

4. Transit Gateways, Railway Access & Local Accommodation

Ayodhya has witnessed an unprecedented infrastructure overhaul, making it accessible from all corners of India:

• By Air: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (IATA: AYJ) is located just 10 km from the Ram Mandir. Direct flights operate daily from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata. Prepaid airport taxis charge ₹350–₹500 to the temple zone.
• By Train: Ayodhya Dham Junction (AY) is situated barely 1.5 km from the temple, designed with grand Rajasthani stone facades and multi-tier passenger lounges. Ayodhya Cantt (AYC), 8 km away, handles heavy long-distance trains from western and southern zones.
• Local Conveyance: Auto-rickshaws and eco-friendly e-rickshaws dominate transit along Ram Path. Standard shared e-rickshaw fare is ₹15–₹30 per passenger; private hiring across town costs ₹100–₹150.

Where to Stay: The Trust operates multiple massive budget pilgrimage townships called Teerthakshetra Puram and Karsevakpuram providing dormitory beds and private rooms from ₹200 to ₹1,200 per night. Luxury and boutique hotel properties line the Faizabad-Ayodhya bypass road and NH-27.

5. Essential Ayodhya Circuit: Hanumangarhi, Kanak Bhawan & Saryu Aarti

According to ancient pilgrimage tradition, a yatra to Ayodhya is incomplete without visiting the guardian deity Hanuman Garhi first. Local belief dictates seeking the blessings of Lord Hanuman—who serves as the celestial sentinel of Ayodhya—before presenting oneself at Ram Janmabhoomi.

• Shri Hanuman Garhi: A 10th-century cave temple atop 76 stone steps in the heart of town. Visit between 5:00 AM and 7:00 AM to avoid the massive midday queues.
• Kanak Bhawan (Sone-ka-Ghar): The palace gifted to Sita by Kaikeyi upon her arrival in Ayodhya, renowned for its Bundelkhandi-Rajasthani architecture and evening bhajan sessions.
• Naya Ghat & Ram Ki Paidi: Flanking the holy Saryu River, this waterfront hosts the spellbinding evening Saryu Maha Aarti at 6:30 PM, where thousands of oil lamps illuminate the ghats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Connected Pilgrimage Routes & State Dossiers