Siruli Mahavir Temple

Introduction to the Siruli Mahavir Temple

Puri is a favorite destination for tourists from across the world. This coastal city has the world-famous Jagannath Temple. The Siruli Mahavir Temple is also one of Puri's most revered temples, with Lord Hanuman as the main deity. This ancient temple is well-known for its spiritual significance, and a unique form of the deity is enshrined here. Panchamukhi Hanuman in Cuttack and Sidha Mahaveer in Puri are other Hanuman temples in Odisha.

Legend of the Siruli Mahavir Temple

According to legend, Rama returned to Ayodhya along with Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman after defeating Ravana. After attending Rama's anointment as the King of Ayodhya, Hanuman departed for a pilgrimage. He visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri, and while returning, he saw a pond full of lotus flowers. He offered his evening prayers there. The Siruli Mahaveer Temple is where Hanuman offered his prayers.

According to local legends, Hanuman protects the Jagannath Temple, Puri, from natural disasters, mainly the violent winds from the Bay of Bengal. Devotees often visit this Siruli Mahavir Temple to offer prayers before proceeding to the Jagannath Temple.

The Architecture of the Siruli Mahavir Temple

Anangabhima Deva III, the Ganga ruler of Odisha, built the Siruli Mahavir Temple between 1212 AD and 1236 AD. It sprawls over five acres and has Odia-style architecture.

The Siruli Mahavir Temple faces south and is built with sand and laterite stone. It has four parts: Vimana, Nata Mandira (dance hall), Jagamohana (prayer hall), and Bhog Mandapam (offering hall).

The Vimana is a Pidha Deula and is 25 feet high from the surface of the temple complex. The Jagamohana is 20 feet high and has a rectangular base. The Bhog Mandapam is 18 feet high and has a rectangular base. The Nata Mandapam of the Siruli Mahavir Temple has a flat roof supported by ten pillars. The temple pond is on the eastern side. A high granite wall protects the temple complex.

There are sculptures of two lions on either side of the main entrance. Nandi and Bhringi are Dwarpalakas. Ganesha, Shivalinga, Mahisamardini Durga, and a bull figure are on the temple's outer walls. Navagrahas are carved above the eastern side of the entrance. An old Peepal tree is before the Siruli Mahavir Temple.

The main sanctum houses a 10-foot-standing idol of Hanuman, the presiding deity of the Siruli Mahavir Temple. This single, black chlorite stone Hanuman idol faces the west. The deity holds a Gandha Mardana mountain in his right hand and a short dagger in his left hand. A Shiva Lingam with a seven-hooded serpent is carved above his head. Hanuman is trampling over Murasura. The presiding deity, Hanuman, exhibits Rama and Sita in his heart. His mother, Anjana Devi, is carved on the right side of the pedestal. A garland of jewels adorns the deity.

The uniqueness of the Siruli Mahavir Temple is that his left eye is towards the Jagannatha temple of Puri, and his right eye is in the southern direction towards Lanka.

Festivals in the Siruli Mahavir Temple

The Siruli Mahavir Temple celebrates Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Dola Purnima, and Makara Sankranti. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, it attracts huge crowds.