A Glimpse into the Most Iconic Hanuman Temples in India

Renowned Hindu deity Lord Hanuman exhibits remarkable devotion to Lord Rama throughout the Ramayana. This devotion is still symbolized in temples by the image of Lord Hanuman bowing in front of the images of Lord Ram, Sita, and Laxman. For his followers, Lord Hanuman stands for courage and power. The faith of the devotees has led to the construction of numerous Famous Hanuman temples all across India. These temples embody the divine presence of Lord Hanuman everywhere. Among so many temples, some stand out. Here are the top five most iconic temples of Lord Hanuman.

5 Most Famous Hanuman Temples in India

Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Sankat Mochan, meaning the trouble remover, is one of the many revered names of Lord Hanuman. The Sankat Mochan temple resides on the shore of the Assi River. In the 16th century, Tulsi Das Ji, the famous poet and the author of Ramacharitmanas, received inspiration from a dream and himself molded the idol of Lord Hanuman with clay. The further construction of the temple occurred in 1900 by Shri Madan Mohan Malviya, the founder of the prestigious Banaras Hindu University.

The temple’s most admirable feature is the way the idol of Lord Hanuman’s heart is oriented right next to the feet of Lord Rama and Sita such that it appears as though Lord Rama is sitting inside Lord Hanuman’s heart. On the festival of Hanuman Janmotsav, the temple organizes a unique Shobha Yatra each year, which travels from the neighboring Durga temple to the Sankat Mochan temple. Every year, the temple arranges a special Shobha Yatra that journeys from the nearby Durga temple to the Sankat Mochan temple on the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav.

Jakhu Temple, Shimla

Jakhu temple is the most visited religious site in Shimla. The temple rests on the highest peak of the city and has its origins in the Ramayana. The legend states that on the quest for the Sanjeevani herb, Lord Hanuman crossed paths with sage Yaaku and learned the details of the herb on this very hilltop. The herb was imperative to revive Lord Laxmana, who fell unconscious during the Ramayana war. Lord Hanuman met the sage again after the war to fulfill his promise. After his departure, his idol appeared, motivating the sage to build the temple around it.

The temple offers the breathtaking sights of majestic Shivalik ranges and lush green forests. The notable elements of the temple are the 108 ft. tall statue of Lord Hanuman in its premises and the Jakhu ropeway that connects the city center and the temple, providing easy, safe, and fast transportation.

Mahavir Temple, Patna, Bihar

Mahavir Temple is the second largest religious temple in North India after Vaishno Devi. The documented period of temple construction dates back to 1730 AD. Its religious significance solidified just after partition when refugees found solace here. Even the Patna High Court officially accepted its historical value. Following its popularity, the temple was built in concrete which was again rebuilt with marble in 1987.

Due to the belief that Lord Hanuman hears the prayers coming from the pure hearts, the temple has earned the moniker Manakamana temple. On the ground floor of the three-tiered shrine are several idols of Lord Hanuman. The second floor has the Sanskar Mandap with meticulously carved designs on the wall to hold religious activities and rituals. The temple is famed for its life-sized idols of Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, and Lord Krishna, as well as the sacred stone from Ramsetu- the floating bridge.

Bala Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar, Gujarat

Bala Hanuman Temple, also known as Shri Balahanuman Sankirtan Temple, dwells near the southeast shore of the Lakhota Lake in Jamnagar. Shri Prem Bhushanji Maharaj established the temple in 1963-64 and began the tradition of chanting the Ram Naam Dhun- “Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”. Since its inception on August 1, 1964, the chanting has not stopped. The devotees take turns to chant the mantra 24×7, listing the temple in the Guinness Book of World Records. The Akhand Ram Dhun draws countless devotees every year.

The temples remain open throughout the day every week to continue the chant. The locals believe that the sacred temple shields them from natural calamities. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary is a popular tourist attraction nearby. The Lakhota fort and museum present in the middle of the lake are accessible by boat. The temple is a testament to the sheer willpower of humans and the faith of the devotees.

Hanuman Temple, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Another eminent Hanuman temple in Uttar Pradesh is the Hanuman Temple at Prayagraj (Allahabad). It boasts a massive 20 ft. long and 8 ft. wide statue of Lord Hanuman, receiving the title of Bade Hanuman temple. Lete (lying down) Hanuman temple is another name the temple has derived from its unique reclining position of the idol, not found anywhere. The 600-700 year old idol is placed 6 ft. underground where the water of the Sangam (the confluence of three sacred rivers-Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati) partially submerges it. The locals believe it to be the water of the river Ganga touching the idol’s feet. According to mythological legends, Lord Hanuman rested at this very place after burning down Lanka.

Conclusion

Lord Hanuman is the very personification of Shakti (strength) and Bhakti (devotion). The deity holds a special place in the heart of Hindus. These venerated Hanuman temples are scattered in each city of India radiating his spiritual presence. Every Tuesday and Saturday, devotees swarm the Hanuman temples in hopes of finding protection from misfortune.

The atmosphere charges with vitality and holiness as the temples enthusiastically commemorate the anniversary of Hanuman Jayanti. These temples radiate spirituality and provide pilgrims with a haven of calm and quiet. Among the many temples of India, few capture your heart with their own uniqueness. Each temple is associated with its own mystical story with divine intervention. Whether it is the Jakhu temple with 108 ft. tall statue or the Hanuman Temple at Prayagraj with the idol in the reclining position, the temples have their own distinguishing elements These temples inspire and attract numerous devotees of Lord Hanuman every year. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q – What are the special features of the Jakhu temple?

Jakhu Temple is known for its 108 ft. Hanuman statue and the ropeway connecting it to the city.

Q – Why is the Bala Hanuman temple featured in the Guinness Book of World Records?

The devotees of the temple have been continuously chanting the Ram Naam mantra since August 1964 without halting.

Q – Why is Hanuman Temple at Prayagraj famous?

The temple is the only one to house the idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining position, making it popular and unique.

Q – When is the best time to visit these temples?

Each temple celebrates their own events, but Hanuman Jayanti is one event that is celebrated in every temple with great fervor. That is the best time to visit these temples.