ALL ROADS LEAD TO RAM
On Ram Navami today, here’s looking at temples across India that preserve the rich history and lore around Shri Ram, and the special attractions at a few among them that travellers can add to their bucket list
AYODHYA RAM MANDIR UTTAR PRADESH
Millions of visitors are expected to descend during Ram Navami for the grand Surya Tilak. Sunlight will be manipulated using lenses and mirrors to mark a ‘divine’ tilak on the forehead of Ram Lalla’s idol (inset right). How to reach: Maharishi Valmiki International Airport is 11km away; the temple is also well-connected by road and rail Best time to visit: March-October Timing: Darshan from 6.30am to 9.30pm Entry pass: Not needed for darshan but required for Mangala Aarti at 4am, Shringar Aarti at 6.15am and Shayan Aarti at 10pm
TRIPRAYAR SRI RAMASWAMI TEMPLE THRISSUR, KERALA
The temple is believed to possess the powers of Brahma-Vishnu-Mahesh trinity. Legend has it that the idol was installed by Shri Ram himself and later found by local fishermen. Don’t miss the ritual of offering fireworks to the deity. Visitors can look forward to a special bhajan for Ram Navami at 5pm. How to reach: Irinjalakkuda Railway Station is 25km away; it is situated 55km away from Cochin International Airport Best time to visit: October-March Timings: 3am–12pm; 5pm-8pm Entry: Free
SHRI RAM TIRATH TEMPLE AMRITSAR, PUNJAB
Said to date back to the Ramayana, this temple houses the sage Valmiki’s hermitage: an ancient tank, temples, the hut where Sita gave birth to Luv and Kush, Rishi Valmiki’s hut etc. How to reach: Sri Guru Ramdass International Airport, is located 12km away; Amritsar Railway Station is 9km away Timings: 6am-8pm Entry: Free
KALARAM TEMPLE NASHIK, MAHARASHTRA
The Kalaram Temple, built in 1782, is situated in Panchavati, where Shri Ram is said to have lived during his exile, as described in the Ramayana. Panchavati is also where Sita was abducted by Ravan. How to reach: Ojhar Nashik International Airport is located 24km away; Nasik Road is the closest railway station (10km away); the temple is 3km away from the Nashik Central Bus Stand. Best time to visit: October to March Timings: 5am-10pm every day Entry: Free