India is home to numerous temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman, revered as a symbol of strength, devotion, and loyalty. Here’s a look at ten of the most famous Hanuman temples across the country, each with its unique history and significance.
1. Jakhoo Temple, Himachal Pradesh
Located on Jakhoo Hill in Shimla, this temple is renowned for its towering 108-foot statue of Lord Hanuman. It is believed to be one of the oldest temples dedicated to Hanuman, dating back to the time of the Ramayana. The temple offers breathtaking views and is a popular pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings and peace.
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi
Situated by the Assi River, this temple is one of the most visited Hanuman shrines in India. Established by Tulsidas, it is famous for its spiritual ambiance and the chanting of Hanuman Chalisa. Devotees flock here to seek relief from their troubles and to pay homage to Lord Hanuman.
3. Shri Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, Delhi
This historic temple in the heart of Delhi features a self-manifested idol of Lord Hanuman. It is one of the five ancient temples of Mahabharata fame and attracts thousands of devotees every day. The temple is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
4. Salasar Balaji Temple, Rajasthan
Located in Churu district, this temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman as Balaji. The idol here is believed to have self-manifested from sand and attracts pilgrims from all over India, especially on auspicious days like Tuesdays and Saturdays.
5. Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad
Also known as Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, this unique temple features a reclining statue of Lord Hanuman measuring 20 feet long. It is located at the confluence of three rivers (Triveni Sangam) and is an important pilgrimage site for devotees seeking blessings for health and prosperity.
6. Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Temple, Sarangpur
This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his form as Kastbhanjan (the remover of troubles). Located on a hillock in Gujarat, it attracts many visitors who come seeking solutions to their problems through prayers and offerings.
7. Hanumangarhi Temple, Ayodhya
This temple holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Rama as it is believed that Lord Hanuman protected Ramkot (the birthplace of Rama). The temple complex features multiple shrines and requires climbing 76 steps to reach the main idol.
8. Mahavir Mandir, Patna
One of the most famous temples in Bihar, Mahavir Mandir is known for its miraculous healing powers. Devotees often visit to seek blessings for health issues and personal problems. The temple sees heavy footfall during festivals dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
9. Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar
This temple in Gujarat is known for its vibrant celebrations and continuous chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa. It has become a significant cultural landmark in Jamnagar, attracting both local devotees and tourists alike.
10. Karmanghat Hanuman Temple, Telangana
Located near Hyderabad, this ancient temple is dedicated to Anjaneya Swamy (another name for Hanuman). It is set amidst lush greenery and offers a serene environment for worshippers seeking solace through prayer.
These temples not only serve as places of worship but also as cultural hubs that reflect India’s rich spiritual heritage. Each site offers a unique experience that draws countless devotees seeking blessings from Lord Hanuman.