Discover the Divine: A Journey Through 16 Enchanting Hanuman Temples Across India

Explore the Rich Diversity of India’s 16 Renowned Hanuman Temples 🕉️🏰

Discover fascinating insights into 16 prominent Hanuman temples scattered across different regions of India. Each temple holds its unique charm, whether renowned for its ancient origins or its majestic grandeur.

While some temples gain fame for their historical significance, others captivate devotees with their architectural splendor. Every temple narrates its own story, making the spiritual journey diverse and enriching.

Noteworthy are temples boasting distinctive Hanuman sculptures, such as the Hanuman Temple in Allahabad, home to India’s only reclining Hanuman idol. Meanwhile, the Upside-Down Hanuman Temple in Indore showcases a rare inverted Hanuman sculpture.

In Ratnapur’s Girijabandh Hanuman Temple, witness the divine in a unique form, as Hanuman is worshipped in the feminine aspect. Breaking conventions, the Bal Hanuman Temple in Jamnagar, Gujarat, earned its place in the Guinness Book of World Records for a remarkable feat.

Embark on a spiritual odyssey as you delve into the diversity and uniqueness of these revered Hanuman temples across India. 🙏🏽🕍 #HanumanTemples #SpiritualJourney #IndiaTemples

1👉 Hanuman Temple, Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh)
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Situated near the Allahabad Fort, this temple houses a small yet ancient idol of reclining Hanuman. It stands as the only temple in India where Hanuman is depicted in a reclining posture. The idol of Hanuman, lying down, measures an impressive 20 feet in length. During heavy rainfall causing flooding in the area, the idol is carefully relocated to a safer place until the water recedes. Once the conditions permit, the idol is brought back to its original position, creating a unique ritual around the safety of this revered representation of Hanuman. 🙏🏽🕉️ #HanumanTemple #Allahabad #AncientIdol

2👉 Hanumangarhi, Ayodhya
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According to religious scriptures, Ayodhya is considered the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram. The prominent Hanuman Temple here, known as Hanumangarhi, stands on an elevated hillock in front of the royal gateway. Ascending 60 steps, devotees reach the temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.

This spacious temple provides dwelling spaces for saints and ascetics around its premises. To the south of Hanumangarhi, there are places named Sugriva Teela and Angad Teela. The temple, established approximately 300 years ago by Swami Abhaya Ramdas Ji, remains a significant pilgrimage site in Ayodhya. 🚩🙌 #Hanumangarhi #Ayodhya #PilgrimageSite

3👉 Salasar Balaji Hanuman Temple, Salasar (Rajasthan)
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Located in the Churu district of Rajasthan, this temple is situated in the village of Salasar, gaining fame from the name Balaji associated with Salasar. The idol of Hanuman in this temple is adorned with a beard and mustache, radiating divine grace. The temple premises are spacious, with accommodations provided for pilgrims around.

Devotees from far and wide come here with their desires, and it is believed that their wishes are fulfilled. The founder of this temple, Shri Mohandas Ji, held profound devotion for Lord Hanuman since childhood. Legend has it that the idol was found by a farmer while plowing his fields and was later enshrined on a golden throne in Salasar.

Every year, on the full moon days of Bhadrapad, Ashwin, Chaitra, and Vaishakh, a grand fair takes place, attracting pilgrims to this sacred site. 🙏🏰 #SalasarBalaji #HanumanTemple #RajasthanPilgrimage

4👉 Hanuman Dhaara, Chitrakoot (Uttar Pradesh)
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Near the town of Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh, the Hanuman Temple of Hanuman Dhaara is established. It is located three miles away from Sitapur. Situated in the middle part of the Parvatmala, this sacred place features a vast statue of Hanuman with two water ponds right above his head. These ponds are constantly filled with water, and a perpetual stream flows from them. The water from these ponds touches Hanumanji, giving rise to the name Hanuman Dhaara.

The water from the stream eventually disappears into the mountain, referred to as Prabhati Nadi or Patal Ganga. A popular myth about this place narrates that after Lord Rama’s coronation in Ayodhya, Hanumanji requested a place where the heat generated from burning Lanka could be alleviated from his body. In response, Lord Rama guided him to this location, now known as Hanuman Dhaara. 🏞️🙏 #HanumanDhaara #Chitrakoot #SacredSite

5👉 Shri Sankatmochan Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
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Situated in the city of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Shri Sankatmochan Temple is surrounded by a small forest. The serene atmosphere here makes it a suitable place for solitary contemplation and divine meditation for devotees. In the temple courtyard, a divine idol of Shri Hanuman is enshrined.

Adjacent to the Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Temple, there is also a temple dedicated to Lord Shri Nrisimha. It is believed that the idol of Hanuman in this temple manifested itself through the penance and virtuous deeds of Goswami Tulsidas. In this idol, Hanumanji extends his right hand, offering assurance and protection to the devotees, while his left hand rests over his heart.

Every Kartik Krishna Chaturdashi witnesses a special aarti and worship ceremony at the sunrise, celebrating Hanumanji. Similarly, on the day of Chaitra Purnima, the grand celebration of Shri Hanuman Jayanti takes place. During this occasion, a procession of Shri Hanumanji is carried out, and a three-day event includes recitation of Ramayana and musical performances. 🕉️🎶 #SankatmochanTemple #Varanasi #HanumanJayanti

6👉 Bet Dwarka Hanuman Dandi Temple, Gujarat
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Located four miles from Bet Dwarka, the Hanuman Dandi Temple stands proudly with the Makar Dhwaja (crocodile flag) alongside the idol of Hanumanji. Initially, the idol of Makar Dhwaja was small, but now both idols stand at the same elevated level. According to legend, Ahiravana had hidden Lord Shri Rama and Lakshmana at this very spot.

When Hanumanji came to take Shri Rama and Lakshmana, a fierce battle ensued with Makar Dhwaja. In the end, Hanumanji emerged victorious, binding Makar Dhwaja with its own tail. The memory of this event is captured in the idol present at the temple. Some scriptures depict Makar Dhwaja as Hanumanji’s son, born from a fish with the help of Hanumanji’s sweat. 🏞️🙏 #HanumanDandiTemple #BetDwarka #GujaratTemples

7👉 Mehendipur Balaji Temple, Mehendipur (Rajasthan)
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Situated between two hills near the Dausa district of Rajasthan, Mehendipur is home to the Mehendipur Balaji Temple. Approximately 65 kilometers from Jaipur on the Jaipur-Bandikui-Bas road, the valley between the hills earned this place the name Ghata Mehendipur. It is believed to be around a thousand years old, with a massive rock naturally forming the shape of Hanumanji.

Carved into this rock is a small well at the feet of Hanumanji, and its water never dries up. This temple, along with the idol of Hanumanji, is considered powerful and miraculous, making this place renowned not only in Rajasthan but throughout the country. Legend has it that during the Mughal Empire, numerous attempts were made to demolish the temple, but miraculously, no harm befell the temple.

The most distinctive feature of this temple is the phenomenon where individuals coming for relief from upper-level afflictions seem to be influenced. Upon entering the temple boundaries, people start swaying on their own, and some even inflict harm on themselves using iron chains. Strangely, after enduring this, individuals surrender themselves at the feet of Balaji, seeking relief from spiritual afflictions. 🕉️🙌 #MehendipurBalaji #RajasthanTemples

8👉 Dulya Maruti Temple, Pune (Maharashtra)
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Located in Ganeshpeth, Pune, this temple dedicated to Shri Dulya Maruti is quite renowned. The Shri Dulya Maruti Temple is believed to be approximately 350 years old. The entire temple is made of stone, making it very attractive and grand. The idol of Dulya Maruti is carved on a black stone. This idol, standing at five feet tall and two and a half to three feet wide, is extremely majestic and faces west. To the right of Hanumanji’s idol, there is a small idol of Lord Ganesha.

It is believed that the installation of this idol was performed by Shri Samarth Ramdas Swami. In the assembly hall, right in front of the entrance, hangs a brass bell with the inscription of the Shak Samvat year 1700. 🕉️🙏 #DulyaMaruti #PuneTemples #MaharashtraTemples

9👉 Shri Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Temple, Sarangpur (Gujarat)
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Situated about 12 miles from Botad Junction on the Ahmedabad-Bhavnagar railway line, Sarangpur is home to the famous Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Temple. The renowned idol of Hanuman in this temple was consecrated by Mahayogiraj Gopalanand Swami on the fifth day of Ashwin Krushna Panchami in the Vikram Samvat year 1905.

Legend has it that during the consecration, the idol exhibited movement, signifying the divine presence of Lord Hanuman. Since then, the temple is referred to as Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Temple, emphasizing Hanuman’s role as the reliever of sorrows. This temple is the only Hanuman temple of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. 🕉️🙏 #KashtbhanjanHanuman #SarangpurTemple #GujaratTemples

10👉 Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi (Karnataka)
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Located in the city of Hampi in the Bellary district of Karnataka, the Yantradharaka Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as the “Yantradharaka Hanuman.” Scholars suggest that this region is the ancient city of Kishkindha, as described in Valmiki’s Ramayana and Tulsidas’s Ramcharitmanas.

The temple holds significant festivities for three days, starting from Sri Rama Navami, celebrating Lord Rama’s birth. The area is believed to have historical connections to the kingdom of monkeys, and the temple stands as a testament to the rich cultural and mythological heritage of the region. 🚩🐒 #YantradharakaHanuman #HampiTemple #KarnatakaTemples

11👉 Girjabandh Hanuman Temple – Ratanpur – (Chhattisgarh)
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Situated 25 km away from Bilaspur, Ratanpur is known as the “Mahamaya Nagari.” This sacred place stands out in India due to its main attractions – the temple of Goddess Mahamaya Devi and the Hanuman Temple in Girjabandh. What makes it unique is that the Hanuman idol in this temple is in the form of a female deity. It is the only Hanuman temple in the world where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in the feminine form. Devotees find solace here, and their prayers are believed to be answered. 🚩🙏 #GirjabandhHanumanTemple #Ratanpur #ChhattisgarhTemples

12👉 Ulta Hanuman Temple, Sanwer, Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
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Located just 30 km away from the spiritual city of Ujjain in Madhya Pradesh, the Ulta Hanuman Temple in Sanwer is a unique place where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in an inverted form. Legend has it that during the Ramayana era, when the battle between Lord Rama and Ravana was in progress, Ahiravan, a demon, played a trick. He transformed himself to resemble Lord Rama and joined Rama’s army. Taking advantage of the night when everyone was asleep, he used his magical powers to render Lord Rama and Lakshmana unconscious and kidnapped them.

Upon discovering this treachery, the Vanara Sena (Monkey Army) was in distress. Hanuman, using his divine abilities, found the abducted brothers in the netherworld. A fierce battle ensued with Ahiravan, leading to his defeat and the rescue of Lord Rama and Lakshmana. It is believed that during this incident, Hanuman’s form was inverted, with his feet facing the sky and head towards the earth.

The Ulta Hanuman Temple in Sanwer commemorates this unique event, and devotees flock here to seek blessings and fulfillment of their wishes. 🙏 #UltaHanumanTemple #Sanwer #Indore #MadhyaPradeshTemples

13🔸 Ancient Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place, (New Delhi)
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Situated in Connaught Place, New Delhi, the Ancient Hanuman Temple holds historical significance dating back to the Mahabharata era. This temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, believed to be self-manifested (Swayambhu). With a distinctive spire adorned with a crescent moon, this temple serves as a focal point of faith.

During the time of the Mahabharata, Delhi was known as Indraprastha, a city established by the Pandavas on the banks of the Yamuna River. According to Hindu mythology, the Pandavas, who hailed from the Kuru lineage, ruled over Indraprastha and the Kauravas over Hastinapura. Both were descendants of the Kuru dynasty. As per Hindu tradition, Bhima, the second son of Pandavas, is considered to be the brother of Lord Hanuman, and both are regarded as sons of the wind god, Vayu.

The establishment of five Hanuman temples in this city is attributed to the Pandavas, and one of them is this Ancient Hanuman Temple. It stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage associated with Delhi, formerly known as Indraprastha. 🙏 #AncientHanumanTemple #ConnaughtPlace #NewDelhiTemples

14👉 Shri Bal Hanuman Temple, Jamnagar, (Gujarat)
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Established in the year 1540, the Shri Bal Hanuman Temple in Jamnagar, Gujarat, stands as a symbol of the city’s pride. Since 1964, continuous chanting of the “Shri Ram Dhun” has been taking place here, earning the temple a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. This sacred practice has contributed to the spiritual aura and significance of the temple. 🙏 #ShriBalHanumanTemple #Jamnagar #GujaratTemples

15👉 Mahavir Hanuman Temple, Patna, (Bihar)
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Located just in front of the Patna Junction, the Mahavir Temple is dedicated to Shri Hanuman Ji. It attracts significant devotion, making it one of the most visited temples in Northern India after the Vaishno Devi Temple. Within the temple complex, there are various facilities like the Mahavir Cancer Institute, Mahavir Vatsalya Hospital, Mahavir Health Hospital, and several orphanages and hospitals. Shri Hanuman Ji is worshipped here in the form of Sankatmochan, reliever of troubles. 🙏 #MahavirHanumanTemple #Patna #BiharTemples

16👉 Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar Hanuman Temple, Kumbakonam, (Tamil Nadu)
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In the town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, the Sri Panchamukha Anjaneyar Swami Ji Temple stands as a serene and divine abode. This temple is dedicated to Shri Hanuman Ji in his Panchamukha (five-faced) form, which is incredibly majestic and captivating.

According to prevalent legends, when Ahiravana and his brother Mahiravana kidnapped Lord Rama and Lakshmana, Hanuman Ji assumed the Panchamukha form to commence the search. It is believed that he ultimately defeated Ahiravana and Mahiravana in this form. The Panchamukha form is considered auspicious, and witnessing it is believed to liberate individuals from various troubles and bondage.

🌸 Jai Hanuman! 🌸 #PanchamukhaHanuman #Kumbakonam #TamilNaduTemples