Raj Dwar Mandir, Tulsi Nagar, Ayodhya – Silently standing guard to the ancient kingdom of Suryavanshis

To understand the grandeur of this temple you have to take help of a little bit of imagination. Only then you will appreciate that what was the importance of this massive complex which now takes the form of a temple. But many many years ago when the rulers of the solar dynasty had their palaces in Ayodhya, this was the entry point for the subjects to come and meet their king on official business. Like all entrances to palace complex, this one too was massive and served as the first landmark on their way to meet the King of Kosala. Raj Dwar literally translates to entry or door way to the Raj. This would have been the place outside which common people queued to get themselves checked before entering the complex walls. People must be coming and camping outside this Dwar and sometimes would spend days trying to enter. At times due to some known official entry would be easy. Or if you are an important person and have been invited by the king himself or someone from the royal family. In those days meeting the king or even having a glimpse of the king was a rarity. Amongst all that this place must have stood as the first tower which all people at that time used to look at.

Today this place is converted to a mandir and residential complex seen from outside. I read somewhere that this temple is open once a year, but that is not the case. It is open on all days, only difference being that it is not on the usual tourist circuit. But the architectural marvel stands testimony to the fact that ancient Indians were master builders.

Location of Raj Dwar Mandir and how to reach there

The tall temple is visible from miles away. This is in fact the tallest structure of this locality. But somehow the stature is not commensurate with the kind of attention this place gets. Almost zero. Devotees who come to this locality almost ignore this temple as if it dosen’t exist.

From the north side, two roads, Hanuman Ghari Marg and Raj Dwar Marg converge at a tri-junction marked on Google Maps as Rajdwar mandir Tiraha. Tiraha is the local name for a tri-junction. At that very point is the entry in the form of a staircase towards Raj Dwar Mandir. You have to watch it carefully as you can miss this place easily.

Another entry point is further ahead when Rajdwar Road takes a right turn towards Kanak Bhawan Road. Just below the massive water tank is the path leading to the elevated Raj Dwar Park or Park Uddyan as it is locally called.

Raj Dwar Road eventually moves ahead and merges with Janmabhoomi Path which is newly coming up.

History of Raj Dwar Mandir

There are little historic records of this place so much of the information comes from the temple priest. He begins the story with the existence of a place called Ramkot which stands on the elevated ground and which consists of the main palace complex of the Kings of Ayodhya. This complex begins with Raj Dwar which is the grand entrance. After some distance is the residence of Sita called Kanak Bhawan. Dashrath Bhawan is also located in the same complex. It was supposedly gifted by Kaikeyi to Sita. Then we also have the Ram Janmabhoomi Complex which is at the edge of Ramkot.

The present complex was constructed by Raja Man Singh during his rule of Ayodhya. His family is still looking after the upkeep and maintenance as well as management of the temple. Though the temple dates at least 900 years back, the most recent restoration has been done around 50 years back. It is also believed that this temple was constructed by Raja Darshan Singh who later founded the town Darshan Nagar where Suraj Kund is located.

Raj Dwar Mandir is not only constructed in the highest point, it is also made in such a way that three storeys start from the street and then the structure extends vertically at least three storeys more. It was indeed a skyscraper constructed with ancient technology.

Need to save heritage and pass it on to future generations

If you reach this place, except for the temple priest you will not find any online literature or documented history on premises. We in India have been far relying on information passed verbally from generation to generation which is why we have to depend on priests for information. The govt should really make a concentrated effort in this direction.

Till that time, this blog is my small contribution to the rich cultural heritage of our country.