Bells chime. Incense smoke curls into the Delhi air as we approach Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir. This isn’t just another temple. Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is a vibrant testament to faith. It is a place where ancient legends meet modern devotion.
Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is claimed to be one of five temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi. Legend says the Pandavas built it. These legendary brothers built it after winning the Kurukshetra war. They sought to honor Hanuman and other deities. This makes it a truly ancient and revered site.
The temple’s history is interwoven with tales of miracles and Mughal emperors. Tulsidas, writer of the Ramcharitamanas, visited here. He was summoned by the Mughal Emperor. The Emperor asked him to perform a miracle. Tulsidas did so with Hanuman’s blessings. Pleased, the Emperor gifted the temple a crescent moon finial. This now sits atop the spire.
This crescent moon is quite unusual. Hindu temples typically feature Aum or the sun. Some say this symbol protected Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir. It protected it from destruction by Muslim rulers.
Originally, Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber built Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir. He built it during Emperor Akbar’s reign. Maharaja Jai Singh reconstructed it in 1724. The temple has seen many improvements since then. It stands as a central religious hub in Delhi.
Entering Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is an experience in itself. Silver-plated doors engraved with Ramayana scenes greet you. Inside, clerestory windows display paintings of Hanuman. They depict his four aspects in cardinal directions. The Sundar Kand text adorns marble tablets on the walls.
The idol of Hanuman faces south. Devotees can only see one eye. He holds a Gada in his left hand. His right hand crosses his chest. This shows respect for Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. A crown and dhoti complete his divine image. The temple rises 108 feet high. The ceiling displays the Ramayana story in painted art.
Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir has expanded over the years. Shrines to Shiva, Parvati, Durga, Lakshmi Narayan, and Ganesha have been added. There is also a shrine to Santoshi Mata. She is the wish-fulfilling goddess.
Visiting Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is easiest via Baba Kharak Singh Road. Tuesday and Saturday draw the largest crowds. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with processions. Devotees wear masks and carry Hanuman idols.
The continuous chanting of Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram since 1964 earned the temple a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. This is a testament to unwavering faith. The temple is not just a place of worship. Shri Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir is a living embodiment of devotion. It shows history and unwavering belief in the heart of Delhi. Take a moment to absorb the energy. Feel the blessings of Hanuman. Remember the stories.