Jhandewala Hanuman Temple in Delhi

Introduction to the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple

Jhandewala Hanuman Temple, or Karol Bagh Hanuman Mandir, is one of the most iconic temples dedicated to Hanuman. It is in Karol Bagh, New Delhi, and is a famous historical site like Kalkaji Temple.

Legend of the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple

According to legend, during the Ramayana period, when Hanuman leaped from Mahendra Mountain to fly over the ocean towards Lanka, he faced many challenges. The Lord of the Ocean, Samudra Raja, ordered Mount Mahendra to help Hanuman. The mountain grew to provide Hanuman with a place to rest. However, Hanuman focused on his mission and pierced the mountain, breaking it apart.

After this, the Devas wanted to test Hanuman's power. So, they sought the help of Surasa, the mother of the Nagas. She took a massive form and blocked Hanuman's path, requesting him to enter her mouth to fulfill a boon from Brahma. Hanuman assumed a tiny form, rapidly entered her mouth, and exited immediately, demonstrating his intelligence and extraordinary abilities. Thus, he continued his journey without delay.

The Architecture of the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple

Brahamleen Nagabba Shri Sevagir Ji Maharaj, an ardent devotee of Hanuman, established the temple in 2008. The internal structure was completed in 13 years. This Jhandewala Hanuman Temple is well-known for its aesthetic design. The entrance is in the shape of the open mouth of a Rakshas. It shows the monsters that Hanuman encountered and how he defeated them. The temple organizes various events on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Visitors from across the region enthusiastically participate.

The Jhandewala Hanuman Temple has a unique 108-foot-high sculpture of Hanuman. When it was constructed in 2000, it was the largest in the world. As of 2024, it is the sixth-largest image of Hanuman. Kali Mata is enshrined at the base of the statue. Visitors can see it from the Jhandewala and Karol Bagh Metro stations. It has three floors.

Basement:The basement floor beautifully describes the entire Samudra Manthan story. Demons or Rakshasas on one side and the deities on another side, fighting for the Amrit (elixir), are depicted here. It also houses the shrine of Maharaja Ji.

Ground floor:The ground floor of the temple houses various statues of deities, including Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Shiva, and Parvati. Various Mantras are also written on the walls so that visitors can learn and recite them.

1st floor: Mata Mahishasura Mardini is on the first floor. Her statue is in the middle, and the carvings on the wall enhance the beauty of this floor.

2nd floor: The second floor houses the statue of Panch Mukhi Hanuman. In addition to Hanuman, the statues of Krishna, Radha, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Sai Baba are also here.

The Jhandewala Hanuman Temple houses a sacred flame supposedly brought from the Jwalaji Temple, Kangra, Himachal Pradesh.

The Uniqueness of the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, during the evening Aarti time, Hanuman's hands, which are crossed over his chest, begin to move and reveal the images of Rama and Sita in his heart, as described in the epic Ramayana. A massive crowd of devotees throng the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple to witness it. Devotees offer black cloth, knives, earthen lamps, mustard oil, jaggery, beans, sesame seeds, flower garlands, and lemons to Hanuman for his protection and blessings.

Festivals in the Jhandewala Hanuman Temple

The Jhandewala Hanuman Temple celebrates Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Navratri, Shivratri, and many more Hindu festivals.