Siruli Mahaveer Temple Puri

Introduction to Siruli Mahaveer Temple

Puri is one of the most revered pilgrim centres of Hindus in India. It is the holy land of Jagannath - the deity of the Universe. Siruli Mahaveer Temple is one of the famous temples in Puri. It lies on Puri-Bhubaneswar National Highway, Siruli Village, Odisha. Hanuman is the main deity of the temple. The unique feature of the temple is that the Mahaveer Hanuman's left eye gazes at the Neela Chakra atop the Puri Jagannath Temple while his right eye faces Lanka, once the kingdom of Ravana. It is an important place of worship and has huge religious significance. Panchamukhi Hanuman in Cuttack and Siddha Mahaveer in Puri are the other two famous temples in Puri.

Legend of Siruli Mahaveer Temple

The temple legend is interesting. It says that, after defeating Ravana, Rama returned to Ayodhya. After attending all ceremonies and Rama's anointment as the King of Ayodhya, Hanuman set out on a pilgrimage. He visited the Jagannath Temple at Puri. While returning from Puri, Hanuman saw a beautiful pond full of lotus flowers. He wanted to offer his evening prayers there. Siruli Mahaveer Temple lies at the spot where Hanuman offered his prayers then.

The Architecture of Siruli Mahaveer Temple

RP Mohapatra says that Anangabhima Deva III (1212 AD to 1236 AD), the Ganga ruler of Odisha, built the temple during the late medieval period. The temple sprawls over five acres of land.

It consists of Vimana (Main sanctum), Jagamohana (Assembly hall), Nata Mandapa (Dancing hall), and Bhoga Mandapa (Offering hall). The Siruli Mahaveer Temple faces the south.

The height of the Vimana is 25 feet, and its base is square. It stands on a 2 feet high platform. The bada (division) of the Vimana is Panchanga, i.e., in five-fold divisions such as Pabhaga, Tala Jangha, Upper Jangha, Bandhana, and Baranda.

The Jagamohana of the temple is 20 feet high. The base of the Jagamohana is rectangular, which is 20 feet in length and 10 feet in width, respectively. The Bhoga Mandapa of the temple is 18 feet from the surface of the temple complex. The base of the Bhoga Mandapa is rectangular, 40 feet in length and 20 feet in width. The Nata Mandapa of the temple is a flat roof supported by ten pillars. It was constructed in the modern period. A high masonry wall protects the temple complex.

A tank is on the eastern side of the temple. Stone sculptures of two huge lions are on both sides of the entrance. Hanuman, Shiva Linga, Ganesha, Mahishamardini Durga, and bull figures are on the temple's outer walls. Above the eastern side entrance of the temple, pilgrims can see the figures of carved Navagrahas. Nandi and Bhringi figures are depicted on the walls of the porch hall inside the main entrance. They act as gatekeepers of the temple. An old Peepal tree is in front of the temple.

The original Murti of Hanuman worshipped in the Siruli Mahaveer Temple was Swayambhu (self-manifested). Currently, a single black chlorite stone Hanuman idol blesses his devotees. The deity stands at the height of 10 feet and faces west. His chest width is enormous. The deity wears a garland of jewels on his body. He holds a short dagger in his left hand. Devotees can see the Gandhamadana Mountain in his right hand. Above his head, people can see a Shivalinga canopied by a seven-hooded serpent. The sculpture of Anjana, the mother of Hanuman, is carved on the right side of the pedestal.

Festivals in Siruli Mahaveer Temple

The temple grandly celebrates festivals like Makara Sankranti, Rama Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, and Dola Purnima with great interest and splendor. Huge crowds gather here, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Benefits of Worshipping at Siruli Mahaveer Temple

Worshipping Hanuman at Siruli Mahaveer Temple can bring good health, education, discipline, stable-mindedness, longevity, peacefulness, and success in life and career.