Bala Hanuman Mandir in Jamnagar

Introduction to the Bala Hanuman Mandir

The Bala Hanuman Mandir, also known as Sri Balahanuman Sankirtan Temple, is located southeast of Ranmal Lake or Lakhota Lake in Jamnagar, Gujarat.

The Bala Hanuman Mandir's serene location along Ranmal Lake offers visitors a peaceful environment. A wide road separates the temple from the lake.

History of the Bala Hanuman Mandir

Shri Prem Bhikshu Ji Maharaj was born in 1812 in Chhatauni, a village in Bihar, to a farmer family with religious inclinations. During his early life, his name was Gayaprasad Singh. His father was Dinkar Singh, his mother was Rajvati Devi, and his brothers were Ganga Singh and Ramnet Singh. Prem Bhikshu Ji Maharaj was brought up in a spiritual environment, took Sanyas, and became a great devotee of Lord Shri Ram.

Before taking Sanyas, Bhikshu Ji completed his graduation and participated in the freedom fight during 1930-31 under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. He was imprisoned and then worked in two different departments. However, Maharaj was only interested in the spiritual life. He followed the guidance of his spiritual guru, Shri Kashimiribaba, and started his journey of 'Rama Nam' from Bihar and went to Dwarka.

The Architecture of the Bala Hanuman Temple

Shri Prem Bhikshu Ji Maharaj built the Bala Hanuman Mandir in 1964. He initiated the practice of continuous chanting of Akhand Ram Dhun, which has spread across Gujarat, including Dwarka in 1967, Porbandar in 1964, Rajkot in 1984, and Junagadh in 1996. The devotees and locals maintain and support the Bala Hanuman Mandir and preserve its religious significance.

It is listed in the "Guinness Book of World Records" for continuously chanting "Ram Dhun" (a Hindu devotional chant dedicated to Rama) since August 1, 1964. The Shree Jalaram Mandir Jirnodhar Samitee organization created the world's largest Roti, which weighed 63.99 kg, at the Jalaram Temple in Jamnagar on January 15, 2005. These temples are well-known for their religious significance in Jamnagar.

Devotees ascend a few steps to reach the main shrine, which is painted yellow and white. Devotees sit and worship the deities in a hall before the sanctum. The sanctum of the Bala Hanuman Mandir enshrines the main deity, Hanuman, in a child's form. It also enshrines the idols of Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Hanuman. Its intricate architecture includes exquisitely designed pillars and impressive carvings. The Samadhi of Shri Prem Bhikshu Ji Maharaj is inside the temple. Plants and trees surround the temple.

Priests in the Bala Hanuman Mandir perform Aarti twice a day. The night Aarti is the most anticipated occasion of the day.

A Trust Committee of seven members maintains the temple. The Trust administers and holds all the temple's activities, including the daily activity schedule, yearly calendar, and timetable for chanting 'Rama Naam.' The Bala Hanuman Mandir is one of the cyber-friendly temples in India, and it has a dedicated help desk for thousands of pilgrims. While devotees visit the temple throughout the year, evening hours, especially in winter, are the best time to visit.

Festivals in the Bala Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Jayanti is the famous festival celebrated in the Bala Hanuman Mandir.