About
The Hanuman Temple in Delhi deserves a special mention as it is believed to be one of the five original Hanuman temples from the time of Mahabharata.
The temple has huge doors plated in silver, carved with scenes illustrating the story of the Ramayana. The windows of the temple are adorned with Hanuman paintings. The paintings have been placed right above the full text of the Sundar Kand inscribed on the walls.
The idol in the temple depicts the lord as a young child. The devotees can see only one eye of the idol as it is facing south. He holds a 'gada' (his weapon) in the left hand while the right hand appears to be on his chest as a symbol of regard to Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Images of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita, along with the idols of Radha Krishna, have been placed on the right side of the idol of Hanuman.
The nonstop chanting of the Maha Mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since 1 August 1964 in the temple has been recognized in the Guinness Book of Records.
Location
The temple is situated on the Baba Kharak Singh Road (old Irwin Road), at a distance of 250 m southwest of Connaught Place.
History
The Hanuman Temple was built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber in 1724 during Emperor Akbar's reign. However, the foundation of this temple is said to date as far back as the time of the Mahabharata war.
The idol of this temple is believed to be a 'swayambhu', that is, a self-created structure. Interestingly, the temple has a crescent moon (an Islamic symbol) in the spire (viman), while all the Hindu temples have the Hindu symbol of Sun or Aum.
In accordance to the Hindu legends, it is said that five temples were built by Pandavas after they defeated the Kauravs in the Kurukshetra war. The Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place is one of those five temples. When Tulsidas traveled to this temple he pleased the emperor with a marvel, which earned him a reward. The emperor presented a crescent moon symbol to the Hanuman Temple as he was a follower of Lord Hanuman. It is believed that this Islamic symbol of crescent moon saved the temple from being demolished by the emperor.
Best Time to Visit
- According to Hindu belief, Tuesdays and Saturdays are the special days to worship Lord Hanuman.
- Birthday celebrations of Lord Hanuman on Hanuman Jayanti.
Last Updated on : March 28, 2015
