Lord Hanuman, the son of the Wind God Vayu, stands as the paramount devotee of Lord Rama, his unwavering loyalty immortalised in legends. Revered as a Vedic scholar, Hanuman is known by numerous epithets: Anjaneya and Anjaniputra (son of Anjana), Maruti and Vayuputra (son of Marut/Vayu), and Bajrangbali (diamond-strong). This powerful deity commands global devotion, evidenced by the worldwide presence of Hanuman temples, particularly in India.
Let’s explore eight remarkable Hanuman temples within India:
1. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple (Varanasi)
- Location: Banks of the Assi River, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
- History: Believed to be established in the 16th century by Sant Goswami Tulsidas, author of the Ramcharitmanas.
- Special Feature: Lord Hanuman faces Lord Rama within the temple.
- Legend: Tulsidas is said to have had a vision of Lord Hanuman at this very spot.
2. Jakhu Temple (Shimla)
- Location: Jakhu Hill, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.
- History: Traced back to the Ramayana, built following Lord Hanuman’s visit during the war.
- Special Feature: A 108-foot Hanuman statue, unveiled in 2010.
- Legend: During the Ramayana war, Hanuman rested here while retrieving the Sanjivani booti to revive Lakshmana.
- Interesting Facts:
- An annual Dussehra festival is celebrated.
- A 2017 ropeway enhances accessibility.
- Panoramic views of the Shivalik range.
- Abundant monkey populations.
3. Mahavir Mandir (Patna)
- Location: Patna, Bihar.
- History: Founded by Swami Balanand in 1730, gaining prominence during the 1947 partition. Replaced with marble temple in 1987.
- Special Features: Three-tiered structure:
- Ground floor: Hanuman idols (wish-fulfilling and sin-purifying) and a Shiva shrine.
- First floor: Idols of Rama, Krishna, Shiva, Parvati, Nandi, and the Ramsetu Shila.
- Second floor: Religious Ceremony space.
- Interesting Facts:
- Second most-visited North Indian shrine after Vaishno Devi.
- Massive Ram Navami gatherings.
- Known as Manokamna Temple (wish-fulfillment).
- Paritala Anjaneya in Andhra Pradesh is the worlds tallest Hanuman statue.
4. Bala Hanuman Temple (Jamnagar)
- Location: Ranmal/Lakhota Lake, Jamnagar, Gujarat.
- History: Established by Shri Prem Bhushanji Maharaj in 1963-64.
- Special Features: Idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman.
- Interesting Facts:
- Continuous chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1, 1964 (Guinness World Record).
- Proximity to Khijadia Bird Sanctuary.
5. Hanuman Mandir (Allahabad/Prayagraj)
- Location: Sangam, Allahabad/Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
- History: Believed to date back to the Ramayana.
- Special Features: A 20-foot long, 8-foot wide reclining Hanuman statue (Lete Hanuman). Part of the statue is submerged in water.
- Legends:
- Hanuman rested here after burning Lanka.
- A traders wish was granted after leaving the statue there.
- Interesting Facts:
- Near Akbar/Allahabad Fort.
6. Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple (Namakkal)
- Location: Namakkal, Tamil Nadu.
- History: Temple and idols believed to exist since the 5th century CE.
- Special Features: A pillared hall leading to the sanctum, and an 18-foot Hanuman statue facing the Narasimha shrine.
- Legend: Goddess Lakshmi performed penance here, and Hanuman entrusted her with a Saligrama image of Vishnu.
- Interesting Facts:
- Panguni Uthiram festival (March-April).
- Narasimhaswamy Temple nearby.