Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Sthal (Ram Tirath), Amritsar
Ram Tirath, Amritsar–Lopoke road, about 11 km west of Amritsar · Maharishi Valmiki; the site is linked to Sita and her sons Luv and Kush
The hermitage of Valmiki, where tradition says Sita found refuge and Luv and Kush were born: a sacred pond and a gold-plated Valmiki in a grand new complex.
Ram Tirath, 11 km west of Amritsar, is identified by regional tradition as the ashram of the sage Valmiki, author of the Ramayana. Here, the story goes, Valmiki sheltered Sita after Rama sent her away, and she gave birth to the twins Luv and Kush. The site was renamed Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath in 2016 and rebuilt as a large complex around its sacred sarovar (pond), with an 8-ft, 800-kg gold-plated murti of Valmiki, a devotee hall for 5,000, a Sanskrit library and a museum. It is especially sacred to the Valmiki (Balmiki) community.
Timings
- Complex open: Daytime; exact hours not published – check locally
Darshan types and costs
- General darshan – Free
How to book darshan
Dress code
Modest clothing; cover your head inside the main hall if others are doing so.
Best time to visit
October–March. The annual fair, about ten days around Kartik Purnima (November–December), is the busiest time.
How to reach
- air: Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport, Amritsar (approx. 20 km).
- rail: Amritsar Junction (approx. 11 km).
- road: 11 km west of Amritsar on the Amritsar–Lopoke road; taxis and autos from Amritsar.
Festivals
- Ram Tirath Mela – About 10 days around Kartik Purnima (Nov–Dec)
- Valmiki Jayanti (Pargat Diwas) – Ashwin Purnima (Sep/Oct)