Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

Introduction to the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple, also known as the Dandi Hanuman Temple, is located in Beyt Dwarka, an island in Gujarat. Beyt Island is off the coast of Dwaraka in the Gulf of Kutch. Bet Shankhodara is the other name for Bet Dwaraka.

Beyt or Bet Island was part of the original Dwaraka built by Sri Krishna. It is the place where Sri Krishna met his childhood friend Sudama. Hence, devotees call the place 'Bet Dwarka,' where 'Bet' in Hindi means 'meeting.' Dandi Hanuman means 'Hanuman, who is in a joyous mood.' Devotees take a ferry to reach Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple.

Legend of the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple is unique as it is the only shrine where Hanuman, who is celibate, is seen with his son Makardhwaj. He graces his devotees without his divine weapon, the mace. According to the Ramayana epic, during the war between Rama and Ravana, Ravana's brothers Ahi Ravana and Mahi Ravana, disguised as Vibhishana and Jamvant, imprisoned Sri Rama and Lakshmana in Patal Lok.

While searching for them, Hanuman entered Patal Lok and encountered Makardhwaj, who was guarding it. They met in Patal Lok and became acquainted as father and son. When Hanuman came to release Rama and Lakshmana, he fought with Makardhwaj. Finally, Hanuman defeated him and tied up Makardhwaj with his tail.

Makardhwaj is believed to have been born after a drop of Hanuman's sweat fell into the mouth of a powerful fish when he took a dip in the sea after he burned Lanka. Makardhwaj looks partly like an ape-like humanoid and partly a reptile.

The Architecture of the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

The Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple sprawls on a vast ground. It features the Hindu style of architecture. The sanctum of the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple is under a Peepal tree. Devotees can see Makardhwaj, who is taller than Hanuman, in the sanctum on the left side of Hanuman.

Makardhwaj's right hand holds the Abhaya Mudra pose, and his left hand rests on his chest. His left leg rests on a demon, and his tail is on the ground.

Devotees can worship Hanuman only above his thigh, and he holds no weapon.

The temple has idols of Ganesha and Kala Bhairav. Visitors can also see the 'Trayodashakshari' Mantra written around the shrine.

The Uniqueness of the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

Every year, during Dussehra, Sri Dwarakadhish of Byte Dwarka, adorned in the form of Sri Rama, visits the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple in a Palkhi (palanquin).

Festivals in the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

The Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple celebrates Sri Hanuman Jayanti for seven days, and hordes of devotees from Gujarat and its neighboring states come to worship the deities.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Bet Dwarka Hanuman Temple

People who suffer from health problems or other problems visit the temple. They take a Supari from the priest, keeping it in hand, and chant the Trayodashakshari Mantra. Once their wishes are fulfilled, they return the Supari to the temple.