Ayodhya Ram Mandir, and other famous Ram temples to visit in India

The soon-to-be-inaugurated Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is the centre of attention now for all the good reasons. It is expected to draw thousands of visitors daily, and will likely pull Ayodhya on top of the tourism map. While the entire spotlight is now on Ayodhya Ram Mandir, we take you to other Ram temples across the country that are also equally magnificent and grand.

Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Rama, holds a profound place in the hearts of Hindus. Situated on the banks of the Saryu River, Ayodhya is considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites, known as Saptapuri. On August 5, 2020, a grand ceremony marked the laying of the foundation stone for the Ram Temple, a monumental structure which will see the inauguration ceremony on January 22, 2024. The event will be attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and many other VVIPs to commemorate the beginning of a new chapter for Ayodhya.

Bhadrachalam, in Telangana's Bhadradri Kothagudem District, is home to the Sita Ramachandraswamy Temple. Celebrations on Ram Navami, commemorating Lord Rama and Sita's wedding anniversary, draw devotees from across the country in large numbers. The temple stands near the Godavari River, and is believed to be the spot where Lord Rama crossed the river during his journey to rescue Sita.

In the northern region of India, the Raghunath Temple in Jammu stands as a prominent temple of Lord Ram. Complemented with seven additional temples dedicated to various deities, this complex is a visual spectacle with captivating depictions of Hindu Pantheons. The architecture bears a hint of Mughal influence, a testament to the historical interplay of cultures in India.

Nestled on the banks of the Betwa River in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, the Ram Raja Temple has a unique tale. Legend has it that the queen of Orchha, a devout follower of Lord Rama, sought to bring the deity back in the form of a boy. The temple stands where Lord Rama agreed to stay, making the queen's palace the revered Ram Raja Temple. Here, Lord Rama is not only worshipped as a God but also as a King, and receives a gun salute on auspicious occasions like Ram Navami.

The Triprayar Sri Rama Temple in Kerala, located in Thrissur district, holds a fascinating story behind its idol. Believed to have been worshipped by Lord Krishna, the idol was found submerged in the sea and installed by a fisherman in Triprayar. The temple, adorned with intriguing sculptures and wooden carvings, is renowned for its spiritual significance. The Ekadasi Festival sees devotees from across the globe gathering to celebrate with grandeur.

In the Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka, the Kondanda Ramaswami Temple is a splendid blend of Hoysala and Dravidian architectural styles. Noteworthy for its unique idol placement, with Sita on the right of Rama and Lakshmana on his left, the temple depicts scenes from Lord Rama's marriage. It stands as the only temple in India with this specific idol arrangement.

The southern state of Tamil Nadu houses the enchanting Ramaswamy Temple, often referred to as the Ayodhya of the South. Magnificent carvings within the temple depict significant events from the Ramayana. Alongside idols of Ram, Sita, and Lakshmana, the temple complex features three additional temples, creating a spiritual haven for devotees.