Hanuman Mandir | Connaught Place | Delhi 2023

Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place Delhi

The Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place, located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is an ancient Hindu temple and is considered to be one of the five temples that existed during the Mahabharata era in Delhi. According to Hindu beliefs, after the Pandavas emerged victorious in the Kurukshetra war against the Kauravs, they built five temples, including the Hanuman Temple. Maharaja Jai Singh constructed the original temple at around the same time as the Jantar-Mantar, but it has undergone extensive renovations since then.

The deity of Hanuman in this centuries-old temple is very distinctive and self-manifested. The primary idol of Bhagawan Hanuman is seen as Bala Hanuman, facing south. Bhagawan Bala Hanuman carries a Gadha in his left hand and places his right hand over his chest in prayer. The height of the temple is reportedly 108 feet (32.9 m).

The temple’s main entrance gate, known as Dwar, features embossed artwork created by skilled craftsmen, which is a testament to their devotion. The entire epic of Ramayana, as seen by Swami Tulsidas, has been painted on the roof of the main mantap. These paintings enhance the temple’s beauty and are a delight to the eyes. The entire verses of Sundarakant of Swami Tulsidas’s Ramachritha manas have been engraved below the paintings in marble stabs.

The New Delhi Municipal Council has carefully refurbished and developed the entire temple complex, which now serves as a center for religious activity. The complex is also known for the intricate designs drawn on ladies’ palms using mehandi paste.

In summary, the Hanuman Temple is one of the oldest temples in India and holds great religious significance. It’s unique deity and intricate artwork make it a feast for the eyes, and the temple complex serves as a hub for religious activity.

History and Significance of Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place, Delhi

According to popular belief, Tulsidas (1532-1623), the author of Ramacharitamanas (also known as Tulsi Ramayan) and the creator of the famous Hanuman Chalisa hymns in praise of Hanuman, visited this temple in Delhi. During his visit, Tulsidas was summoned by the Mughal Emperor and asked to perform a miracle, which he did with the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The Emperor was pleased with Tulsidas and presented the Hanuman temple with an Islamic crescent Moon finial, which adorns the temple spire. It is also claimed that due to the crescent moon symbol on the spire, the temple was spared destruction by Muslim rulers who invaded India at various times.

One significant aspect of worship at this temple is the 24-hour chanting of the mantra “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1, 1964. It is believed that this continuous chanting has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Hanuman Temple Connaught Place Festivals

Hanuman Temple celebrates various events and festivals throughout the year. One of the most important celebrations is Hanuman Jayanti, which is the birthday of Lord Hanuman. It is celebrated on the full moon day in the Hindu month of Chaitra, which falls in March or April according to the Hindu calendar.

During the Hanuman Jayanti celebration, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and devotees participate in colorful processions with festoons. Many people wear Hanuman masks and tails, and some even paint their entire bodies to resemble the deity. Large idols of Hanuman are carried through the streets, accompanied by the chanting of hymns and devotional songs.

Apart from Hanuman Jayanti, the temple also celebrates other important festivals such as Diwali, Dussehra, and Navratri. Special puja (worship) and aarti (ritual of offering light) are performed during these festivals. The temple also conducts various cultural and spiritual programs throughout the year, including discourses and lectures by renowned scholars and spiritual leaders.

One unique feature of the Hanuman Temple is the 24-hour chanting of the mantra “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram,” which has been going on since August 1, 1964. This continuous chanting has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records, and devotees from all over the world come to participate in this auspicious practice.

Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place Timings

The temple is open for puja from 5:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm every day, except for Tuesday and Saturday, which are full-day open. These two days are considered auspicious, and devotees gather in large numbers to offer their prayers and worship Lord Hanuman.

Hanuman Temple Connaught Place Features

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a Hindu deity who is revered for his strength, devotion, and loyalty.

• It is located in the heart of Delhi and is considered to be one of the most important and popular temples in the city.

• The temple is believed to have been visited by Tulsidas, a famous Hindu poet who wrote the Ramacharitamanas and composed the Hanuman Chalisa hymns in praise of Lord Hanuman.

• One of the unique features of the temple is the Islamic crescent Moon finial that adorns its spire. Legend has it that a Mughal emperor gifted this finial after being impressed by Tulsidas’ miracle performed with the blessings of Lord Hanuman.

• The temple is open for worship from 5.00 am to 1.00 pm and from 3.00 pm to 11.00 pm, with Tuesday and Saturday being special days of worship when devotees gather in large numbers.

• An important aspect of worship at the temple is the 24-hour chanting of the mantra “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”, which has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

• The temple hosts an annual Hanuman Jayanti festival on the full moon day in the month of Chaitra (March – April) to celebrate the birth of Lord Hanuman. The festival includes colourful processions, music, and devotional activities.

• The temple complex also includes a Hanuman Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts related to Lord Hanuman and his worship.

The Architecture of Pracheen Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place

The Pracheen Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place is a beautiful temple that showcases a unique blend of modern and ancient architecture. The temple’s exterior is designed in modern architecture, while the interior is decorated with traditional motifs and carvings.

The temple is built with red sandstone, which is commonly used in the construction of historic buildings in India. The main entrance of the temple is adorned with a beautifully carved archway, which leads to a spacious courtyard where devotees can perform rituals and offer prayers.

The temple’s interior is decorated with intricate carvings and motifs that depict scenes from Hindu mythology. The sanctum sanctorum houses the idol of Lord Hanuman, which is adorned with flowers and other offerings. The temple also features a beautifully crafted marble altar, where devotees can light candles and incense sticks.

Overall, the Prachin Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place is a stunning example of how modern and ancient architecture can be blended together to create a unique and beautiful place of worship.

Things To Do in Hanuman Mandir

The Hanuman Mandir Delhi has undergone some recent changes with the addition of new idols of gods and goddesses within the main complex. The religious character of the temple is comprised of:

• Main Hanuman Temple – This is the main attraction of the Hanuman Temple and is a popular spot for devotees to offer their prayers.

• Shiv Temple – Within the temple, there is a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Shiva Linga is kept within a circular boundary and a large pot is placed at the top of the linga’s head for a continuous flow of water.

• Shiv Deepak Place – This is another area close to the Shiva temple where visitors can gather. The area looks beautiful when lit with Deepak.

• Kalki Devi Temple – Another wonderful place within the Hanuman Mandir, where visitors can pray to all the lords.

• Nandi Ji – There is a place for the earthen lamp as an Akhand Jyoti, and Nandi is also placed near the Linga.

• Laxmi Narayan – Idols of Laxmi Narayan can also be found here.

• Gayatri Mata – The idol of goddess Santoshi Mata is placed in the south of the temple. Since the installation of the idol, there has been an increase in the number of female devotees.

• Panchmukhi Hanuman – Panchmukhi Hanuman can also be found here, and some visitors can be seen lighting candles and Deepak around the area.

• Mata Durga – The idol of Mata Durga and her children Ganesh, Laxmi, and Saraswati can also be found in the same size as the adjoining main sanctum.

How to Reach Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place

The Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place can be easily reached by various modes of transportation such as:

Metro: The nearest metro station to the temple is Rajiv Chowk, which is on the Yellow Line and Blue Line of the Delhi Metro.

Bus: The temple is well-connected by bus, with several bus stops located nearby.

Taxi or Auto-rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available for hire throughout Delhi, and can be used to reach the temple.

Personal Vehicle: The temple is easily accessible by car, with ample parking facilities available nearby.

Once you reach Connaught Place, the temple is located in the Baba Kharak Singh Marg area, near the Bangla Sahib Gurudwara.

Frequently Asked Questions