5 Unique Hanuman Temples That One Must Visit

Lord Hanuman is a very popular deity in Hinduism. He plays a key role in the Ramayana epic as Lord Rama’s loyal and valorous ally who helps him in many difficult situations. He is also the epitome of devotion. The monkey god is the son of Anjani, an apsara, and Kesari, the monkey king. He is also regarded as the son of Vayu, the Wind god, who played a role in his birth. Some people consider him to be an avatar of Lord Shiva. Hanuman was blessed with ashta siddhis by many gods as a child. This gave him many miraculous powers, like the ability to become very small or gigantic. He was also very strong and could accomplish even feats deemed impossible. He is also one of the Chiranjeevis or immortals in Hindu mythology. There are many temples for Hanuman in India, which reveal his popularity among people. One can also see Hanuman idols in temples dedicated to Rama. In this article, we shall explore 5 temples dedicated to Hanuman, which are unique in their own way. Luteria Hanuman Temple, Vrindavan According to legends, Lord Krishna built this 3500-year-old temple. Also called the 'Kotwal of Vrindavan,' Hanuman here is said to guard the city of Vrindavan, which is associated with Krishna in mythology. At one time, people used to avoid visiting temples after dusk due to the fear of robbers and other criminals who had a free run in the city. Hence, this temple, with Hanuman as the guardian of the city, came into being. He is like a watchman who protects his devotees from harm. Devotees worship him to get relief from their problems. Timings The temple is open from 6 am – 7.30 pm. How to Reach Vrindavan is well-connected to all major Indian cities. By Air The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi. One can get private cabs or buses to Vrindavan from here. By Rail One can take a local train to Vrindavan from Mathura Junction Railway station. Locally operated buses and autos also ply to the temple. By Road Highways and the Yamuna Expressway connect Vrindavan to Delhi, Agra, and other metro cities. Pandupol Hanuman Temple, Sariska It is in Alwar district, Rajasthan. It lies in the midst of the Sariska Tiger Reserve. It is very unique and has a history dating back to the Mahabharata. It is around 5000 years old. A great Hanuman devotee called Sant Nirbhay Dasji Maharaj built it. A lovely waterfall and lush greenery of the Aravalli mountain range surround the temple. The temple’s name comes from the Pandavas. The story goes that the Pandavas rested here in a cave during their exile. Draupadi bathed in the waterfall here and came across a beautiful flower. She asked Bhima to get her more flowers from the hilltop. On his way to the hilltop, Bhima encountered an old, large monkey blocking his path with its long tail. Bhima told the monkey to move its tail, but the monkey asked him to remove it himself. When Bhima tried to lift it, he could not move it even an inch. The monkey then revealed itself to be Hanuman, and Bhima learned a lesson in humility as he had been very proud of his strength. Hanuman then decided to stay here, goes the temple lore. People flock to the temple on Tuesdays and Saturdays. They believe that worshipping Hanuman here can fulfill their wishes. Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami days also witness huge crowds. Pandupol Hanuman Lakhi Mela is a grand fair that takes place here every year. Timings The temple is open from 5 am – 10 pm on Tuesdays and Saturdays. How to Reach By Air Jaipur International Airport is at a 100 km distance from Sariska, while Indira Gandhi International Airport is at a 200 km distance. One can get a cab to the temple from the airport. By Rail Alwar Railway Station is at a 37 km distance. One can get buses, taxis, etc., to the temple from here. By Road One can take buses and taxis to the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Girjabandh Hanuman Temple, Chhattisgarh This temple is very unique as it is dedicated to Hanuman’s female form. King Prithvi Devju of Ratanpur built it. Near it is a large temple for Mahamaya Devi. Legends say that King Prithvi Devju developed leprosy, and nobody, including the greatest sages and vaids, could cure him. The king meditated on Hanuman, who came to him in a dream and told him to build a temple for him. So, King Prithivi Devju built the temple. While the construction was under way, Hanuman appeared again in his dreams and told the king to recover an idol from a nearby water kund and install it in the temple. The king did so, but strangely, the idol was in a female form. After he installed the idol, his illness vanished. Today, many people come here seeking relief from serious ailments. The idol here faces south. Under his left leg is Ahiravana, Ravana’s ally. Rama and Lakshmana are on his shoulders. Hanuman holds a plate of laddoos in one hand and a garland in the other. Another myth has to do with Ahiravana, who took the unconscious Rama and Lakshmana to Patal Lok. Ahiravana worshipped Goddess Mahamaya. Hanuman entered Patal Lok as a housefly and took the goddess’ form. In the goddess’ voice, he told Ahiravana to free Rama and Lakshmana. Once Ahiravana freed them, Hanuman killed him. Timings The temple stays open from 7 am to 8 pm. How to Reach By Air Swami Vivekananda Airport, Raipur, is the nearest, at a 140 km distance. One can take a cab to Ratanpur from the airport. By Rail The nearest railway station is Bilaspur Junction. It is at a 25 km distance from Ratanpur. By Road Ratanpur is well connected to other cities by cabs and buses. Shri Shri 1008 Sakhi ke Hanuman Temple, Jhansi This temple is 500 years old. It lies in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. The Hanuman idol here holds a mace in both hands. The deity wears Lehenga and Choli, being a female form. Locals believe that Hanuman comes here every night and walks around the temple. Many devotees come here seeking progeny blessings. Hanuman in his Sakhi form is called Charushila. The story behind his ‘Sakhi’ form says that Rama and Lakshman went to Mithila Nagari (Janakpuri) with Sage Vishwamitra for Sita’s swayamvar. Both visited the Pushp Vatika to gather flowers to worship their Guru. At this time, Sita visits the Gauri temple to worship Goddess Parvati with her companions. Then, Hanuman took the form of ‘Charushila Sakhi’ and told her about Rama and Lakshmana. He also described their beauty and asked her to see them for herself. Another legend says that the temple was built by a devotee named Sakhi Baba to whom Hanuman appeared in a dream and gave instructions to find his idol for a temple. Timings Morning: 5.30 am – 10 am Evening: 5.30 pm – 10 pm Dr. Hanuman Temple, Dandraua Dham This temple is in Bhind, Madhya Pradesh. The idol of Hanuman here has a stethoscope around its neck. People with health problems visit the temple for a cure. People believe that if they worship Hanuman here for 5 consecutive Tuesdays, they will get cured. Dandraua comes from the phrase, ‘Dard Harane Wala,’ meaning ‘one who destroys pain.’ The story goes that a sadhu called Shivakumar Das was suffering from cancer. Hanuman appeared to him wearing a stethoscope in this temple and he was fully cured. After this incident, the temple got the name, Dr. Hanuman temple. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there are lots of visitors to the temple. Timings The temple stays open from 7 am – 7 pm. How to Reach By Air Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal is the nearest. Taxis are available to the temple. By Rail Hoshangabad railway station is 45 km away. One can reach via Gwalior also. By Road The temple is well connected to major cities by road. One can take taxis to Dandraua Dham.