Hanuman Garhi

Hanuman Garhi is a hilltop temple dedicated to Hanuman in the town of Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, on Hanuman Garhi Road close to the centre of the old town. The shrine is built like a small fort, with walls and bastions, and is reached by a flight of 76 steps from the street. Tradition holds that pilgrims visit Hanuman Garhi first, before the Rama temple, since Hanuman is regarded as the guardian of Ayodhya. At the top, a courtyard surrounds the main sanctum, where a deity of Hanuman is worshipped, often seated on the lap of his mother Anjani. Pilgrims offer sweets, particularly laddus, flowers and coconuts, and the courtyard is filled with the sound of bells and chanting. Visitors who climb the steps can look over the rooftops of Ayodhya and, on clear days, see the spires and domes of nearby temples. A visit usually takes about an hour, including queueing for darshan and walking the courtyard. The temple opens early, around 5:00 AM, and closes for a break at midday before reopening until late evening, so the hours should be checked locally. Mornings are the most pleasant time, with cooler air and a calm devotional atmosphere. Crowds build sharply on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are especially associated with Hanuman worship, and during festivals such as Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. Shoes must be removed at the base of the steps, and leather items, mobile phones and cameras may be restricted inside; lockers or shops near the entrance usually hold bags. Monkeys are common on the steps and can snatch food or loose items, so offerings should be carried carefully. Entry is free, and visitors typically pair the temple with Ram Janmabhoomi and the ghats along the Sarayu.