Kanak Bhawan

Getting there

• By air

  Lucknow International Airport is about 152 km away, according to the district page.

• By train

  Ayodhya Junction (AY) is the nearest railway station.

• By road

  Uttar Pradesh Transport Corporation buses run 24 hours a day.

Why devotees come here

Kanak Bhawan stands north-east of the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ramkot, Ayodhya. It is counted among the most famous temples of Ayodhya, and is also called Sone-ka-Ghar, the House of Gold. Its sanctum holds three pairs of idols, all of Rama and Sita.

Kanak Bhawan is one of the most famous temples of Ayodhya, and devotees also call it Sone-ka-Ghar, the House of Gold. Legend says Kaikeyi gave this palace soon after the marriage of Rama and Sita, so it is seen as their personal palace. Three pairs of idols, each of Rama and Sita, are installed in the sanctum.

Another legend says Krishna gave the smallest pair of idols to a hermit who meditated on Rama at this site. Vikramaditya had the temple renovated in the past. Vrish Bhanu Kunwari rebuilt it later, and the current structure was wholly revamped in 1891 under Vikramaditya's patronage.

The central hall is an architectural marvel, with arched doorways on three sides. The temple sits in Ramkot, in Ayodhya. The Ram Janmabhoomi temple complex, the birthplace of Rama, stands a short distance away and draws devotees from across the globe. Its festivals, from Phool Bangla to the Jhula swing, are listed below.

Festivals

• April to JulyPhool Bangla

  The whole temple is covered in flowers during this festival.

• AugustJhula festival

  The idols are seated on an ornate silver swing to welcome the monsoon rains.

• OctoberSharad Purnima

  On the full moon night, devotees gather for a rare open-air darshan in the inner courtyard.

• February or MarchHoli

  The temple fills with colour and festivity.

Tips for your visit

• Ram Janmabhoomi is a short distance away, so the two temples can be visited on one trip.
• The temple is closed in the middle of the day, so plan your visit for the morning or the evening.
• Each season has its own festival, so the best visit depends on the month you travel.

Questions people ask