The Ayodhya Ram Mandir, inaugurated on January 22, 2024, has become one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world. With daily footfall regularly crossing six figures on peak days, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust has implemented a structured online system to ensure a peaceful and organized darshan experience for all devotees .
This guide provides complete, accurate information about the free Sugam Darshan e-pass, aarti booking, darshan timings, and the important reality check about “VIP passes” for 2026. All bookings are made exclusively through the official portals—no other website or agent is authorized .
The Reality Check: Is VIP Darshan Available?
No paid VIP darshan ticket exists for Ayodhya Ram Mandir. The Uttar Pradesh government has clarified that no fee has been fixed for ‘sugam darshan’ at the Ram Temple . What many people refer to as “VIP darshan” is actually the free, slot-based Sugam Darshan system or the limited Aarti Entry Pass .
Important Clarifications
| What People Call “VIP” | What It Actually Is |
|---|---|
| Paid VIP darshan ticket | Does not exist – no such ticket is sold |
| Fast-track entry pass | Sugam Darshan – free slot-based system |
| Aarti priority access | Aarti Entry Pass – free, limited slots |
| Guaranteed entry | Scam – treat with caution |
Warning: If anyone offers you a paid VIP ticket, WhatsApp link, APK file, or “guaranteed VIP entry” for money, treat it as a scam and avoid it immediately . The temple does not sell special or VIP darshan passes through any channel.
Official Websites for Ram Mandir Booking
All bookings must be done only through these official portals:
| Portal | URL | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Main Trust Website | https://srjbtkshetra.org | Official updates, notices, and information |
| Online Booking Portal | https://online.srjbtkshetra.org | Darshan and aarti pass booking |
Devotees must stay alert and avoid agents, brokers, or third-party websites. Any website or person claiming paid VIP darshan should not be trusted .
Free Sugam Darshan E-Pass: Complete Booking Guide
Sugam Darshan is a free online facility that allows devotees to enter the temple in a fixed time slot, helping them avoid long queues . Maximum 8 devotees can be booked with one mobile number .
Key Highlights of Sugam Darshan E-Pass 2026
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Darshan Fee | Completely free, no payment required |
| Booking Mode | Online only through official website |
| Slot Opening Time | Usually released 15 days before visit date |
| Best Time to Book | Just after midnight when new dates are released |
| Maximum Devotees Per Pass | Up to 8 people in one booking |
| ID Proof for Indians | Aadhaar card is mandatory |
| ID Proof for Foreigners | Valid passport is required |
| Pass Requirement for Children | Not needed for children below 10 years |
Step-by-Step Booking Process
Step 1: Open the official booking website: https://online.srjbtkshetra.org
Step 2: Log in using your mobile number. Enter the OTP received on your phone to complete verification .
Step 3: After successful login, select the “Free Sugam Darshan” option from the dashboard .
Step 4: Read all instructions carefully. These include rules about valid ID proof, entry for children, reporting time, and cancellation policy .
Step 5: Select the number of devotees (maximum 8 per booking). Children below 10 years do not need a separate pass .
Step 6: Choose your preferred darshan date. Remember that dates are released 15 days before the visit date .
Step 7: Select an available time slot. Morning and evening slots fill first, so choose quickly based on availability .
Step 8: Enter details for each devotee: name, age, gender, address, and ID number .
Step 9: Indian devotees must provide Aadhaar card details; foreign devotees must use a valid passport .
Step 10: Upload a recent photograph if the system asks for it. You can also request wheelchair assistance at this stage .
Step 11: Review all entered details carefully and confirm the booking .
Step 12: After confirmation, a booking ID will be generated. You will receive booking details through SMS and sometimes email .
Step 13: Download or print the Sugam Darshan E-Pass from the booking history section .
Pro Tips for Successful Booking
- Try exactly at midnight when new dates are released
- Keep Aadhaar details ready before login
- Save photos in advance to avoid delays
- Avoid daytime attempts as slots are usually full
- Weekend/Festival slots – book at least 15 days in advance
Ayodhya Ram Mandir Darshan Timings 2026
The temple timings follow a consistent daily schedule with an afternoon break. According to multiple sources, here are the confirmed timings:
General Darshan Schedule
| Session | Timings | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning Darshan | 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM / 12:00 PM | Main darshan period |
| Afternoon Break | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM | Temple closed for bhog offering and cleaning |
| Evening Darshan | 2:00 PM / 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM / 9:00 PM | Evening session |
Detailed Time Slots
| Slot | Time |
|---|---|
| Early Morning | 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM |
| Mid-Morning | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Late Morning | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Afternoon | 1:30 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Late Afternoon | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Evening | 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Night | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM |
Winter Schedule (October to March)
- Darshan starts: around 7:00 AM
- Darshan ends: around 9:15 PM
- Daily closure for bhog: roughly 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Important: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your allotted slot for security checks . Devotees holding a Sugam Darshan pass must strictly arrive as per the time slot mentioned—early or late entry is not allowed .
Free Aarti Pass Booking: Schedule and Process
Along with regular darshan, the Trust also provides Free Aarti Passes for devotees who wish to attend the sacred aartis. These passes allow entry inside the temple during aarti time and offer a deeply spiritual experience .
Aarti Schedule 2026
| Aarti Name | Timing | Pass Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:00 AM – 4:30 AM | Yes | Most sought-after; fills within minutes |
| Shringar Aarti | 5:30 AM – 6:45 AM | Yes | Highly popular |
| Bhog Aarti | 12:00 PM | No | No pass needed |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM | No | Evening prayer |
| Shayan Aarti | 9:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Yes | Night closure aarti |
How to Book Aarti Pass
The booking process is identical to Sugam Darshan :
- Visit https://online.srjbtkshetra.org
- Login with mobile OTP
- Select “Aarti Pass” option
- Choose your preferred aarti date and time
- Enter devotee details (name, age, Aadhaar)
- Download your aarti pass
Important Notes:
- Aarti slots open approximately 10–15 days before the visit date
- Festival days fill within minutes
- Reporting time is strictly enforced; late arrival may cancel entry
- Seating is limited; only pass holders can enter
Pro Tip: If Mangala Aarti is your priority, book first, then plan your travel dates around it. Early morning aarti requires leaving your hotel by 3:00-3:30 AM .
What to Expect on Darshan Day
With Sugam Darshan booked, here’s the actual process:
- Arrive early – Reach the entry gate 30-45 minutes before your slot
- Security check – Deposit prohibited items in free lockers
- ID verification – Show your booking confirmation and original ID proof at the counter
- Sanctum darshan – You get roughly 10-15 seconds in front of Ram Lalla
- Exit – Collect your belongings from lockers
Total time with Sugam Darshan: 45-75 minutes
Without booking: 2-3 hours on regular days; 4-5 hours on weekends
Prohibited Items and Dress Code
Items NOT Allowed Inside Temple
- Mobile phones
- Cameras and smartwatches
- Power banks, laptops, tablets
- Large bags and purses
- Leather items
- Flowers, garlands, and prasad for inside entry (can be offered outside)
- Food items
Facility: Free lockers are available near the entry gates .
Dress Code
| Category | Recommended Attire | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Men | Kurta-pyjama, dhoti, simple pants with shirt covering knees and shoulders | Shorts, sleeveless tops |
| Women | Saree, salwar kameez with dupatta, modest traditional clothing | Sleeveless tops, revealing clothes |
How to Reach Ayodhya Ram Mandir
By Air
- Nearest Airport: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport (AYJ) – 7-8 km from the temple
- Direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad
- Prepaid taxis to temple: ₹300-400
- Travel time: 20-30 minutes
By Train
| Station | Distance from Temple | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|
| Ayodhya Dham Junction | 2 km | Main station |
| Ayodhya Cantt | 11 km | Alternative station |
- Vande Bharat Express from Delhi: 6:10 AM → 2:30 PM
- Overnight trains available from major cities
By Road
- Distance from major cities: Delhi (700 km, 9-11 hours), Lucknow (135 km, 3 hours), Varanasi (210 km, 4 hours)
- UPSRTC and private Volvo buses operate from Delhi ISBT Anand Vihar
UPSTDC Sugam Darshan Tour Package
The Uttar Pradesh State Tourism Development Corporation (UPSTDC) has launched an organized ‘Sugam Darshan’ tour package from Lucknow to Ayodhya, designed to make the pilgrimage easier for devotees .
| Package Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Point | Hotel Gomti, Lucknow (8:00 AM) |
| Duration | One day |
| Inclusions | Transportation, lunch, evening tea, local guide, drinking water, souvenir |
| Ticket Price | ₹1,500 (senior citizens), ₹2,000 (other people) |
| Booking | Official website: upstdc.co.in |
Itinerary Highlights:
- Hanuman Garhi darshan
- Ram Janmabhoomi darshan
- Kanak Bhawan visit
- Lunch at Saryu Guest House
- Saryu River Front (Ram Ki Paidi)
- Nageshwar Nath Temple
- Return to Lucknow by 8:30 PM
Where to Stay in Ayodhya
| Budget Range | Price (INR/night) | Location / Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹800 – ₹1,500 | Dharamshalas near temple, budget hotels in Faizabad |
| Mid-Range | ₹2,000 – ₹4,000 | Hotels near Ram Ki Paidi, properties near railway station |
| Upscale | ₹5,000+ | Ramada, Sarovar properties, heritage-style hotels |
Pro Tip: If doing Mangala Aarti, stay as close to the temple as possible. You’ll need to leave your hotel by 3:00-3:30 AM .
Nearby Attractions in Ayodhya
| Attraction | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Hanuman Garhi | 700 m | Hilltop Hanuman temple; requires climbing 70-80 steps; believed to bless the journey |
| Kanak Bhawan | 500 m | Palace-like temple of Ram and Sita; calmer atmosphere |
| Saryu Ghat / Ram Ki Paidi | 1.2 km | Evening aarti, peaceful sunrise and sunset views |
| Dashrath Mahal | 900 m | Royal residence of King Dashrath |
| Nageshwar Nath Temple | Nearby | Ancient Shiva shrine |
Suggested Itinerary: Ram Mandir → Hanuman Garhi → Kanak Bhawan → Dashrath Mahal → Ram Ki Paidi → Saryu Ghat
All can be covered in 4-5 hours comfortably. Use e-rickshaw for elderly family members .
Best Time to Visit
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Best Months | October to March (pleasant weather) |
| Best Days | Weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) consistently offer smoother crowd movement |
| Best Time of Day | Early morning for calm darshan; evening for atmosphere and aarti |
| Avoid | Ram Navami period (March/April), major long weekends, year-end rush (December 22 – January 2) |
Special Event: President’s Visit (March 19, 2026)
President Droupadi Murmu will visit the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple on March 19, 2026. To ensure smooth darshan for ordinary devotees:
- No VVIP passes will be issued
- Temple hours will be extended: darshan will begin one hour earlier and continue until late night
- Darshan will close only for a few moments when the President performs puja
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is VIP darshan available at Ayodhya Ram Mandir?
A: No. There is no paid VIP darshan pass. The temple only offers free Sugam Darshan (slot-based priority access) and free aarti passes .
Q2: How much does Sugam Darshan cost?
A: It is completely free. No payment is required .
Q3: How many people can be booked with one mobile number?
A: Up to 8 devotees can be booked with one mobile number/ID .
Q4: When do darshan slots open for booking?
A: Slots open approximately 15 days before the visit date, usually at midnight .
Q5: What ID proof is required for booking?
A: Indian devotees must provide Aadhaar card details; foreign devotees must use a valid passport .
Q6: Can I carry my mobile phone inside?
A: No. Mobile phones, cameras, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited. Free lockers are available .
Q7: What is the dress code for the temple?
A: Traditional, modest attire is required. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing clothing .
Q8: How to book aarti passes?
A: Aarti passes are booked through the same official portal (online.srjbtkshetra.org) .
Q9: How early should I arrive before my slot?
A: Arrive at least 30-45 minutes before your allotted slot for security checks .
Q10: What is the total darshan time with Sugam Darshan?
A: Approximately 45-75 minutes from entry to exit .
Q11: What is the UPSTDC Sugam Darshan tour package?
A: A one-day organized tour from Lucknow to Ayodhya, including transportation, meals, and darshan coordination. Price: ₹1,500–₹2,000 .
Q12: What should I carry to the temple?
A: Only original ID used for booking, printed pass or saved offline copy, and small cash. Leave everything else at your hotel or in lockers .
Temple Contact Information
| Purpose | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Websites | https://srjbtkshetra.org |
| Nearest Airport | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Ayodhya (7-8 km) |
| Nearest Railway Station | Ayodhya Dham Junction (2 km) |
| Nearest Bus Stand | Ayodhya Bus Stand |
Conclusion
The Ayodhya Ram Mandir darshan system in 2026 is designed to be fair, organized, and accessible to all devotees. There is no paid VIP pass—only the free Sugam Darshan system that allows you to book a time slot and avoid long queues.
By booking online through the official portal, arriving on time, and following temple guidelines, you can have a peaceful and spiritually fulfilling darshan. Plan your visit during October to March for pleasant weather, book your Sugam Darshan at midnight 15 days before your planned date, and remember to carry your printed pass and original ID proof.
If you are a senior citizen, traveling with family, or short on time, Sugam Darshan is the best way to ensure a smooth experience.