Ram Navami Surya Tilak to be performed on Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Timings, muhurat, visiting slots, and more

Ram Navami marks the divine birth of Lord Ram according to the Hindu mythology and is celebrated by Hindus worldwide with great fervour and religious ceremonies.


The celebrations in Ayodhya are especially above the mark, drawing millions of devotees to the city of Lord Rama’s birth. Celebrated as part of the Chaitra Navratri, Ram Navami marks the divine birth of Lord Rama and is observed with special rituals, aartis, and devotional gatherings across India.

In Ayodhya, the focus is naturally on the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple, where the grand Ram Mandir has become the heart of the festivities.

This year, devotees are once again eager to witness the Surya Tilak, in which sunlight is precisely directed onto the forehead of the Ram Lalla idol at noon. All special arrangements are put in place for darshan, aartis, and crowd control to manage the expected influx of lakhs of pilgrims.

Ram Navami 2026 date and tithi in Ayodhya

According to Panchang‑based reports from Drikpanchang, Ram Navami 2026 falls on, March 26 and 27, within the Navami tithi of the Shukla Paksha in Chaitra month. The Navami tithi begins at 11:48 AM on March 26 and ends at 10:06 AM on March 27, which means the festival is widely observed on March 27 in Ayodhya, even though some traditions follow the Udaya Tithi on March 26. The most auspicious period for puja is considered to be the Madhyahna Muhurat, when the moment of Lord Rama’s birth is ritually remembered.

Grand celebrations at Ram Mandir and Ayodhya temples

Ayodhya will host grand Ram Navami festivities at the Ram Mandir and surrounding temples, with colorful decorations, special aartis, and continuous chanting of “Jai Shri Ram.” Devotees participate in Mangala Aarti before sunrise, Shringar Aarti in the morning, and Shayan Aarti in the evening, while Ramayana recitations, bhajans, and kirtans continue throughout the day. The entire city, especially the Sarayu ghats and Ram Ki Paidi, becomes a vibrant mix of devotion, music, and community gathering.

Surya Tilak 2026: Timings and when can devotees visit

The Surya Tilak on the Ram Lalla idol is scheduled for 12:00 PM on March 27, 2026, at the Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.

A proper system of mirrors and lenses, designed by Indian scientists, focuses sunlight directly onto the forehead of the deity for a few minutes, creating a dazzling tilak that symbolises the union of divine grace and scientific precision.

The Surya Tilak coincides with the noon aarti, and the glowing mark remains visible for about four minutes, a moment many devotees consider spiritually transformative.

Darshan and Aarti timings in Ayodhya

Special darshan slots are arranged on Ram Navami 2026 to manage the massive crowd at the Ram Mandir. Free darshan timings include:

7:00 AM–9:00 AM, 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 11:00 AM–12:00 PM, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM, 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, 5:00 PM–7:00 PM, and 7:00 PM–9:00 PM. VIP darshan is usually suspended on this day to ensure equal access for all pilgrims.

Aarti timings generally follow: Mangala Aarti around 4:30 AM, Shringar Aarti in the morning, and Shayan Aarti around 9:30 PM, as per common Ayodhya travel guides and temple‑timing reports.

Important places to visit during Ram Navami

Devotees also visit Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Ram Ki Paidi, and the Sarayu ghats during Ram Navami. At the riverfront, evening Deepdaan and aarti add a serene, visual beauty to the celebrations, while the ongoing Chaitra Mela fills the streets with stalls selling religious items, sweets, and handicrafts.