Lucknow, known as Lakshmanapuri in ancient times, is the gateway to revered Janmabhoomis of Ayodhya and Mathura besides other holy places like Naimisharanyam, Varanasi (Kashi), Triveni Sangamam, Haridwar, Rishikesh etc. in UP and UK. The River Gomati meanders through the city and on the trans-Gomati side, a little away from the river, in the heart of posh Gomatinagar situates Lord Ayyappa Temple.
Ideally located, the temple is surrounded by protected forest, ecopark and educational institutions. The large neat and clean premises enriched by calm and peaceful ambience and positive energy vibrating in the compound is a unique experience for any visitor. Nearly four decades into its inception, the temple has earned name and fame as a unique shrine following the South Indian tradition of worship and culture particularly of Kerala and attracting swelling number of devotees from all over.
The Presiding deity is Lord Ayyappa (incarnation out of the cosmic union of Lord Shiva and Lord Mahavishnu in Mohini avtar) and upadevatas are Lord Ganesh, Lord Shriram, Goddess Vaishnodevi in the Nalambalam and Goddess Bhadrakali, Lord Hanuman, Navagrahas and Sree Naagaraja temples outside the Pradakshina Veedhi. The shrine of Lord Shiva is an equally important temple here. Besides the Dwajasthambham, a Thantrimadham, a large dining hall (named as Annapoorneshwari Hall), a large kitchen and an open air auditorium add facilities to the temple premises.
Almost all important Hindu festivals are observed by the temple and facilities for solemnizing marriages and related functions (day time) are available here besides Vidyarambham, Annaprasanam, Annadanam, etc.
The temple is managed by Lord Ayyappa Service Society (Regd.). Melshanthi (priest) is from Kerala.
The darshan timings are:
Summer (16th Feb to 31st Oct): Morning 6.00 am to 10.30 am. & evening 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm
Winter (1st Nov to 15th Feb) : Morning 6.30 am to 11 am & evening 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.
The temple can be reached by taxi/auto from Lucknow airport (distance 22 Kms) and from Lucknow-Charbagh railway station (12 Kms). Shared autos are also available from near the railway station to Gomtinagar Hussadia crossing from where it is 500 metres walkable distance to the temple. Address: Lord Ayyappa Temple, Vineet Khand, Gomatinagar, Lucknow-226010,
Mobile, Office No.7376952477. Addl. Nos. 9984607305 (President) and 8299575780 (General Secretary)
Email: lordayyappatemplelucknow@gmail.com