“Established in 1860” whispers the wind as it circles the Shree Hanuman Mandir. Here on Picket Road in Mumbai, we stand before a testament to unwavering faith. This is the Shree Hanuman Mandir.
For over a century and a half, Shree Hanuman Mandir has been a sanctuary. It is a place where devotees find solace. Imagine this area long ago. The sea once touched these very grounds. People arrived by boat to offer their prayers at the Hanuman Mandir.
Now, towering buildings surround the Shree Hanuman Mandir. The Lokmanya Tilak Marg Police Station stands nearby. Also close are the G.T. Hospital, the Small Causes Court, and St. Xavier’s School. This temple is a beacon for diverse souls. Policemen, lawyers, students, and doctors gather here. Relatives of patients seek blessings together.
Look at the idol of Lord Hanumanji. Notice that it faces south, a Dakshin Mukhi idol. Devotees offer oil with utmost devotion. They worship Hanumanji and Shani Maharaj. The Shree Hanuman Mandir also houses other sacred idols. You can find Shree Shani Dev Maharaj, Shree Ram Sita, Shree Radhe Krishna, Shree Shankarji, and Shree Datta Maharaj here.
The Shree Hanuman Mandir is open from 6.30 AM to 9.00 PM Monday through Saturday. During these hours, the air is thick with devotion. The temple is a popular spot. Famous lawyer Ujjwal Nikam visits regularly. He bows his head here before court pronouncements. He is known for his work on the 26/11 Mumbai attacks case. He also worked on the 1993 serial blast case and the Gulshan Kumar murder case.
On Saturdays, the crowd swells. The police often step in to manage the flow. Celebrities sometimes visit the Shree Hanuman Mandir. The temple stands on the ground floor of a multi-story building. Notice the absence of a Kalash, the inverted cone, on its top.
The Shree Hanuman Mandir’s history is entwined with Mumbai’s spirit. From its humble beginnings by the sea to its present-day status as a landmark. It offers unwavering faith. As you leave, carry with you the blessings of Shree Hanuman Mandir. Remember its message of devotion amidst the bustle of Mumbai.