Deep within the vibrant heart of Delhi, find solace at the Hanuman Temple. The Hanuman Temple isn’t just another temple. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine. It’s one of the five temples believed to date back to the Mahabharata era. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the revered monkey god. He is known for his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama. The Hanuman Temple holds a unique distinction. The idol of Hanuman here is depicted as Bala Hanuman, Hanuman as a child. The temple houses a self-manifested idol of Hanuman, a rare and sacred occurrence.
The Hanuman Temple’s spire features a crescent moon. This is unusual for a Hindu temple. Most Hindu temples display the symbol of Aum or the sun. This unique feature played a crucial role during the Mughal period. It signifies a blend of cultures and tolerance. Legend says that the Mughal Emperor, impressed by a miracle performed by Tulsidas with Hanuman’s blessings, gifted the crescent moon to the temple. This is believed to be the reason why the temple was spared destruction during various invasions. Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas, is said to have visited this very temple.
The main idol of Lord Hanuman faces south. Devotees can only see one of the deity’s eyes, adding to the mystique. The idol depicts Hanuman holding a Gada in his left hand and his right hand crossed across his chest in veneration of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. The temple’s construction, originally attributed to Maharaja Man Singh I during Emperor Akbar’s reign, was later reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724, around the same time as the Jantar Mantar. The temple has undergone numerous renovations over the centuries. It has become a significant religious center in Delhi.
Entering the Hanuman Temple, you are greeted by massive silver-plated doors, engraved with scenes from the Ramayana. Inside, clerestory windows adorned with paintings of Hanuman illuminate the foyer. These paintings depict his four aspects. The full text of Tulsidas’s Sundar Kand is inscribed on marble tablets below each painting. The sanctum sanctorum, housing the Hanuman idol, is on the north wall, with the idol facing south. Images of Radha and Krishna and Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita are also present. The ceiling of the main hall depicts the epic story of Ramayana through artistic paintings. The New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) has expanded the temple complex. Shrines to Shiva, Parvati, and their children, as well as idols of Durga, Lakshmi Narayan, and Ganesha, have been added. A separate annex houses the idol of Santoshi Mata. This has become a popular spot for women, particularly on Fridays.
The Hanuman Temple is not only a place of worship. It’s a living testament to India’s rich spiritual heritage. As you leave the temple, carry with you the blessings of Lord Hanuman and the echoes of centuries of devotion.