Ahilya Asthan is known to be the first Ram Janki Temple in India. The temple was built in between 1662 & 1682 during the kingdom of Maharaj Chhatra Singh and Maharaja Rudra Singh. Historically, the shrine is closely associated with Ramayana.

Location Bihar, Darbhanga, Patna

Legend

As quoted from Ramayana, once Lord Rama along with His brother Laxman and Brahma Rishi Vishwamitra was travelling to Janakpuri to attend Sita's swyamvar. On the way Lord Ram's foot touched a stone and it transformed to a beautiful woman named Ahalya.

Ahalya was a created by Lord Brahma Himself with the celestial remains of Saptarshi to break the over confidence of Urvashi- a beautiful damsel in the Indralok. Later Ahalya was married to Goutam Rishi.

The happy couple faced a catastrophe when Indra had a liaison with Ahalya in the disguise of Gautam Rishi. The Gautam Rishi came to know the fact, out of rage and agony he cursed his wife to turn into stone. At the same time he also said one day a Raghuvanshi will come and touch her with moist eyes and forgiveness and on that day her curse will end.

This is the holy place where Ahalya's curse was redeemed by Lord Ram.

Architecture

This historical shrine is a beautifully made temple. Maithili style of architecture is showcased from the edifice. Inside the sanctum sanctorum a stone slab is placed and worshipped. It is said to be the footprints of Mata Sita.

Culture

Over the ages, Bihar has been the center of attraction regarding its involvement since the days of Ramanayana and the Mahabharata. The capital of the mighty Mauryan Empire was also at Pataliputra- which lies in the present day Bihar.  Even today, many important relics of Emperor Chandra Gupta Maurya, Bindusara and the mightiest of them all Emperor Ashoka are found.

Moreover, Bihar proudly houses the centers of learning like the famous Nalanda University and the prestigious Vikramshila University during the ancient times.

The state boasts on its flagship religious culture, the enriched heritage that grew up associating different popular shrines in Bihar.  Alongside, Bihar's culture extends to the vibrant Madhubani art and Manjusha art.

Darsan Info

The darshanrthis and tourists can contact the dharamshala in advance so that they can get proper accomodation on time along with food. Time to visit -08:00-19:00.

Darsan Dresscode

No specific Dress code for visiting Ahilya Asthan.

Famous Festival

Large fairs are arranged during the Ram Navami  and Raam Janki Vivah celebrations.

Temple Rituals

The priest follows the century-old traditions of performing Vedic rituals of worship here.

Special Rituals

On the occasions of Ram Janki Vivah and Ramnavami, special fairs are arranged around the temple premise.