Hanuman Garhi

Hanuman Garhi, “Hanuman's fort”, is one of Ayodhya's oldest and busiest temples. According to legend, Lord Hanuman lived here in a cave to guard Ramkot and the birthplace of Lord Ram, which is why pilgrims traditionally seek his blessing here before going on to the Ram Mandir.

The temple stands on a mound with four-sided, fortress-like walls and is reached by a flight of 76 steps. The main shrine holds an image of Hanuman as a child seated in the lap of his mother Anjani. The present temple was built in the 18th century with the support of the Nawab of Awadh.

Tuesdays and Saturdays, the days sacred to Hanuman, bring the longest queues, as do Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami. Laddoo is the customary offering and prasad. For elderly visitors, doli (palanquin) carriers wait at the foot of the steps.

Hanuman Garhi is in central Ayodhya, a short walk from the Ram Mandir and Kanak Bhawan and under a kilometre from Ayodhya Dham Junction. The lanes around it are narrow, so arrive by e-rickshaw or on foot.