The Kanak Bhavan temple is an important temple among the all temples in Ayodhya situated northeast of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi. This magnificent temple was built 200 years ago by Queen Vrishbhanu Kunwari of Orchha Tikamgarh. In this temple, statues of Ram, Sita, and Lakshman are installed. According to a mythological story, this temple was was gifted to Devi Sita by Kaikei immediately after her marriage to Lord Ram. There is a well in the courtyard of the temple called Sita Kund. There is a sleeping chamber on the upper part of the temple, in which the imprints of the feet of the four brothers are made on a silver strip. In this same building, the divine idols of Lord Ram and Kishori Ji are installed in the temple.
Kanak Bhawan Historical Details:
The temple was originally designed to look like a grand palace, with architectural styles resembling those seen in Rajasthan and Bundelkhand. Its history traces back to the ancient times of Treta Yuga, However, over time, the temple fell into disrepair and was even completely destroyed. It underwent several reconstructions throughout history.
The first major rebuilding took place during the early period of Dvapara Yuga by Rama’s son Kush. Later on, King Rishabh Dev, a Tirthankara, undertook another reconstruction effort in the middle of Dvapara Yuga. Shri Krishna is also said to have visited the site in the pre-Kali Yuga period, around 614 BC.
The temple was initially built by Chandragupta-II of the Gupta empire during the Yudhishthira period in 2431 BC. Subsequently, Samudragupta renovated it in 387 AD. However, the temple faced destruction in 1027 AD by Nawab Salarjung-II Ghazi. It was later restored by the Bundela Rajput Maharaj of Orchha and Tikamgarh, Maharaj Mahendra Pratap Singh, and his wife Maharani Vrishabhan Kunwari in 1891. This renovation was completed on a significant day in the Hindu calendar.
The temple houses three pairs of idols, all depicting Rama and Sita. The largest statue was installed by Maharani VrishabhanU Kunwari, who played a crucial role in the temple’s reconstruction. A slightly smaller pair of idols on the right side was safeguarded by King Vikramaditya during an attack on the temple. The third and smallest pair is believed to have been gifted by Shri Krishna to a devoted woman who worshipped Rama at the site.
Shri Krishna instructed the woman to bury these idols with her upon her death, as he foresaw that this place would become a holy site and a magnificent temple would be built there in Kali Yuga (Present). True to his prophecy, when Maharaj Vikramaditya laid the foundation of the temple and excavated the base, he discovered these ancient idols buried underground.
| Temple Name | Kanak Bhawan |
|---|---|
| Location | Tulsi Nagar area, Ayodhya |
| Distance | 2 km from Ayodhya Junction |
| Direction | Northeast of Ram Janam Bhoomi (Ramkot) |
| Timings | 8:00 AM – 11:00 AM & 4:30 PM – 9:00 PM |
The Inner Sanctum:
The Garbh Grih, the sanctum sanctorum, forms the heart of the temple. It is here that devotees feel spiritual in presence of idols of Lord Rama and Sita. The divine couple are believed to spread peacefulness through their holy interaction with worshipers. Visitors are held captive by Kanak Bhavan’s architectural masterpiece with its intricate patterns and grandeur. With detailed carvings and decorations, it gives the impression of a sacred place. Imposing spires and elaborate façades serve as testimony to the artistic genius behind it, drawing gasps of admiration from those who come across it.
Inside Kanak Bhavan’s walls live holy images that are worshipped devotedly. The temple is blessed by Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana’s divine presence which calls upon followers to engage spiritual solace. Serenity within its walls helps awaken devotion and inner thoughts for all those who enter.
In this courtyard stands an esteemed site referred to as Sita Kund; a well where Sita was blessed by her mother before she got married. Such relics add mysteries to Kanak Bhawan detract from its connection with Ramayana epic story line further enhancing its importance as a shrine.
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