Ayodhya’s sacred temples, including the revered Ram Mandir, will close their doors to devotees on March 3, 2026, due to the year’s first lunar eclipse. This age-old tradition, rooted in astrological beliefs, ensures no darshan during the celestial event.
The lunar eclipse kicks off on Tuesday afternoon at 3:19 PM and wraps up by 6:07 PM, visible clearly across India. But the restrictions begin much earlier with the sutak period, starting nine hours prior around 6:19 AM. From roughly 8 AM to 8:30 PM, all major temples in the district will bar public entry.
District Collector Nikhil Tikaram Funde emphasized that this is a longstanding custom in Ayodhya. ‘All prominent temples will remain closed for darshan during the eclipse hours,’ he stated. Devotees can resume visits only after the eclipse ends and post-rituals conclude that evening.
This nationwide practice affects temples far beyond Ayodhya, upholding purity during the inauspicious period. Pilgrims planning a visit should adjust schedules accordingly, opting for days before or after to avoid disappointment.
Astrologers highlight the eclipse’s significance in Hindu cosmology, where sutak symbolizes spiritual cleansing. Temples perform special pujas internally, reopening once the moon resumes its normal glow. Ayodhya, already a hotspot for faith post-Ram Mandir inauguration, sees millions yearly—such closures remind visitors of timeless rituals amid modern devotion.