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Ahilya Asthan

Darbhanga, Bihar, India
Sub Place Details: Ahilya Asthan is one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Mithila region, deeply rooted in the Ramayana. According to legend, this is the exact spot where Lord Rama liberated Ahilya, the wife of Sage Gautam, from a stone curse. For centuries, the site has served as a be acon of hope and spiritual cleansing for devotees who travel from far and wide to offer prayers. The temple is situated in the peaceful village of Ahiyari, surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle flow of local streams, providing a serene backdrop for meditation. Visitors often feel a profound sense of peace as they walk through the gates, where the air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of Vedic chants. The history of the temple dates back to the Darbhanga Raj era, specifically built during the reign of Maharaja Chhatra Singh in 1835 AD. It serves not just as a religious center but also as a cultural hub where the oral traditions of the Ramayana are kept alive through generations. The local community takes great pride in maintaining the sanctity of this site, ensuring that every pilgrim leaves with a sense of divine grace. The temple complex also includes various smaller shrines and a sacred pond where rituals are performed daily. Over the years, the site has evolved into a major tourist attraction, drawing history buffs and spiritual seekers alike to witness the living legacy of ancient Indian epics. Exploring Ahilya Asthan offers a unique glimpse into the soul of Bihar, where mythology and daily life intertwine seamlessly.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    2 to 3 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Religious & Mythological Site
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    Entry Fees:
    Sub Place Entry Fees:

    Free Entry for All: There is no entry fee to visit Ahilya Asthan. The temple is open to everyone regardless of their background. However, devotees often choose to give voluntary donations for the maintenance of the tem...
    Sub Place Entry Fees:

    Free Entry for All: There is no entry fee to visit Ahilya Asthan. The temple is open to everyone regardless of their background. However, devotees often choose to give voluntary donations for the maintenance of the temple. Special 'pujas' or rituals performed by the priests may involve a nominal fee for the materials used, such as incense, flowers, and sweets offered to the deity.
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    Timing:
    Sub Place Timings:

    Regular Timings and Ideal Hours: The temple is generally open from 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 06:00 AM, to witness ...
    Sub Place Timings:

    Regular Timings and Ideal Hours: The temple is generally open from 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is early in the morning, around 06:00 AM, to witness the morning 'Aarti' and enjoy the cool, quiet atmosphere. Evening visits around 05:30 PM are also recommended to see the sunset over the village and experience the evening prayer ceremony.
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    Special Events:
    Sub Place Special Event:

    Ram Navami Celebrations: The most significant event at Ahilya Asthan is Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. During this time, the temple is decorated with thousands of marigold flowers and lights. Thousa...
    Sub Place Special Event:

    Ram Navami Celebrations: The most significant event at Ahilya Asthan is Ram Navami, celebrating the birth of Lord Rama. During this time, the temple is decorated with thousands of marigold flowers and lights. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the site to participate in grand processions, special 'pujas', and the recitation of the Ramayana. The energy is electric, with local folk music and traditional dances performed throughout the night.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    Sub Place Best Photo Spots:

    The Grand Entrance Gate: The arched gateway of the temple, with its traditional motifs, makes for a perfect wide-angle shot.

    The Shikhara Against the Blue Sky: Capture the towering...
    Sub Place Best Photo Spots:

    The Grand Entrance Gate: The arched gateway of the temple, with its traditional motifs, makes for a perfect wide-angle shot.

    The Shikhara Against the Blue Sky: Capture the towering temple spire during the golden hour to highlight the intricate stone carvings.

    The Sacred Pond Reflection: The Gautami Ganga pond provides a mirror-like surface that reflects the temple and surrounding trees, especially beautiful during sunrise.

    Madhubani Wall Murals: Close-up shots of the vibrant wall paintings offer a burst of color and artistic detail for your travel gallery.

Photo Gallery

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Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    Sub Place Things to Do:

    Explore the Main Temple Complex: Begin your journey by offering prayers at the main shrine of Ahilya. The atmosphere is spiritually charged, especially during the morning 'Aarti'. Take your time to observe the rituals performed by the priests, which follow ancient Vedic traditions.

    Admire the Mithila Art on Walls: The temple walls are a gallery of Madhubani art. Spend an hour walking around the perimeter to see how local artists have depicted the epic of Ramayana. These paintings are vibrant and tell stories of the wedding of Sita and the exile of Rama.

    Perform Rituals at the Sacred Pond: Many devotees take a holy dip or sprinkle water from the Gautami Ganga pond on themselves. It is a traditional practice believed to wash away sins. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    Why Famous Sub Place:

    The Legend of Lord Rama's Touch: This site is world-famous because it marks the miraculous event where Lord Rama's foot touched a stone, turning it back into the woman Ahilya. This story is a cornerstone of the Ramayana...
    Why Famous Sub Place:

    The Legend of Lord Rama's Touch: This site is world-famous because it marks the miraculous event where Lord Rama's foot touched a stone, turning it back into the woman Ahilya. This story is a cornerstone of the Ramayana and symbolizes the power of forgiveness and divine redemption.

    Historical Patronage of Darbhanga Raj: The temple is also famous for its historical link to the Khandwala Dynasty. Built by Maharaja Chhatra Singh, the temple showcases the commitment of the Darbhanga royalty toward preserving the religious heritage of the region, making it a key historical landmark in North Bihar.
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    Architecture:
    Sub Place Architecture:

    Traditional Mithila Style and Dimensions: The architecture of Ahilya Asthan is a stunning example of the Mithila style, characterized by its simplicity and spiritual elegance. The main temple structure is built on a r...
    Sub Place Architecture:

    Traditional Mithila Style and Dimensions: The architecture of Ahilya Asthan is a stunning example of the Mithila style, characterized by its simplicity and spiritual elegance. The main temple structure is built on a raised platform, measuring approximately 50 feet by 40 feet, with a towering Shikhara that reaches a height of about 60 feet. The walls are adorned with intricate carvings and Madhubani paintings depicting scenes from the life of Lord Rama and the story of Ahilya. The use of locally sourced stone and bricks reflects the traditional building techniques of the 19th century. Inside the sanctum sanctorum, the central focus is the sacred stone representing Ahilya, which is treated with immense reverence. The surrounding courtyards are spacious, designed to accommodate large gatherings during festivals.
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    How To Reach:
    Sub Place How to Reach:

    Comprehensive Travel Options:

    By Air: The nearest airport is Darbhanga Airport (DBR), located about 25 KMS away. From the airport, you can hire a private taxi or take a pre-paid cab di...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1. Shyama Mai Temple (24 KMS), 2. Darbhanga Fort (23 KMS), 3. Chandradhari Museum (24 KMS), 4. Gautam Kund (5 KMS), 5. Kusheshwar Asthan (65 KMS), 6. Kankali Temple (25 KMS), 7. Harahi Pond (24 KMS), 8. Manokamna Mandir (25 KMS), 9. Mazar of Makhdoom Baba (3 KMS), 10. Madhubani (40 KMS)

Tourism Tips

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    Sub Place Tourism Tips: Safety, Packing, and

    Conduct:

    Health & Safety: Always carry bottled water and wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The village area is safe, but it is best to travel during day...

Reviews

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