About Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Garhi is a famous hilltop temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. It stands on a mound in the centre of the old town, reached by a flight of about 76 steps. Devotees believe Hanuman lives here as the guardian of Ayodhya, protecting the city of Lord Rama. By tradition, many pilgrims visit Hanuman Garhi first and seek his blessings before going for darshan of Lord Rama.
According to legend, after Rama returned to Ayodhya, he gave Hanuman a place to live here so that he could watch over the city. The present fort-like temple is generally dated to the eighteenth century, built with land granted by a Nawab of Awadh. It is looked after by sadhus of the Ramanandi Nirvani Akhara, and the temple has long been one of Ayodhya's most important and beloved places of worship.
The temple has a fort-like appearance, with walls and bastions around it. In the main shrine, Hanuman is worshipped in the form of Bal Hanuman (child Hanuman) seated in the lap of his mother Anjani. The walls carry verses of the Hanuman Chalisa, and the hilltop gives views over the busy lanes of Ayodhya.
Hanuman Garhi timings & aarti
Usually open from early morning (about 5:00 AM) until late night (about 10:00 PM), with a short afternoon break. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | Early morning, at opening |
| Bhog Aarti | Around midday |
| Sandhya Aarti | Evening, around sunset |
| Shayan Aarti | Night, before closing |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Hanuman Garhi
By air
Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya – about 10 km; Lucknow Airport – about 140 km.
By train
Ayodhya Dham Junction – about 1.5 km; Ayodhya Cantt (Faizabad) – about 8 km.
By road
Ayodhya is well connected by road to Lucknow, Gorakhpur and Varanasi; e-rickshaws run within the town.
Festivals at Hanuman Garhi
- Hanuman JayantiMar/Apr and Oct/Nov
- Ram NavamiMar/Apr
- Deepotsav (Diwali)Oct/Nov
- Sawan Jhula MelaJul/Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest traditional clothing recommended.
- Entry
- Entry is free and open to all devotees. Phones and bags may be restricted during busy periods; check the rules at the entrance.
- Follow tradition and visit Hanuman Garhi before Ram darshan.
- Watch out for monkeys; keep glasses, phones and prasad secure.
- Visit early morning to avoid long queues, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
- Buy besan laddoo prasad from shops near the steps.
- Wear comfortable footwear up to the steps; footwear is left below.
Places to visit near Hanuman Garhi
- Shri Ram Janmabhoomi TempleGrand temple at the birthplace of Lord Rama, about 1 km
- Kanak BhawanTemple of Sita and Rama, about 500 m
- Ram ki PaidiGhats on the Saryu river, about 2 km
- Dashrath MahalTemple at the traditional palace of King Dasharatha, about 700 m
Frequently asked questions
What are the Hanuman Garhi temple timings?
It is usually open from about 5:00 AM until about 10:00 PM, with a short afternoon break.
How many steps are there at Hanuman Garhi?
There are about 76 steps leading up to the temple.
Why do pilgrims visit Hanuman Garhi before Ram Mandir?
Tradition holds that Hanuman guards Ayodhya, so devotees seek his blessings before Lord Rama's darshan.
How far is Hanuman Garhi from Ram Mandir?
About 1 km, an easy walk or short e-rickshaw ride.
Which is the nearest railway station to Hanuman Garhi?
Ayodhya Dham Junction, about 1.5 km away.
What is the aarti time at Hanuman Garhi?
Mangala Aarti: Early morning, at opening; Bhog Aarti: Around midday; Sandhya Aarti: Evening, around sunset; Shayan Aarti: Night, before closing. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
Is there a dress code at Hanuman Garhi?
Modest traditional clothing recommended.
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