Hanuman Temple - Connaught Place

Hanuman Mandir is located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place, New Delhi. It is one of the oldest Hanumana Temple in India.The Temple is said to be built by Raja Jai Singh around 1724 AD.

The Main Idol at the temple is that of Hanumana, facing south. The deity holds a gada in his left hand and his right hand rests on his chest in veneration to the adjacent idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. It is believed that Bhagwan Hanuman destroy all the evils with the Gada in his hand. Devotees congregate at the temple in large numbers on Tuesday and Saturday. Hanuman Jayanti (birthday celebrations of Lord Hanumana) is also celebrated every year with great fanfare.

The ceiling of the main hall has embossed artwork depicting the Ramayana, the great Hindu epic. The Complex outside the temple is lined with tiny shops selling garlands and prasad. One can also find mehndi artists and their intricate henna application.

History

The city of Delhi was the seat of power for many dynasties. Unlike the other Hindu Temples, where symbol above the spire (vimana) is more commonly an Om or Sun sign, this temple has a crescent moon symbol (an Islamic symbol) in the vimana. This crescent symbol is believed to have saved this temple from destruction from Mughal attacks.

Temple features

Entry to the temple is through the Baba Kharak Singh Marg (Road). The approach is through a set of marble steps from the road level leading into the main foyer of the temple through massive silver plated doors, which are engraved with scenes of the epic Ramayana story. The foyer is ventilated with clerestory windows that are adorned with paintings of Hanuman in the cardinal directions depicting his four aspects. Below each Hanuman painting, the full text of Tulsidas’s Sundar Kand is inscribed on the marble tablets affixed on the walls. The Sanctum Sanctorum, which houses the Hanuman idol, is on the north wall on the right side of the entry foyer (pictured), with the idol facing the southern direction in a small bass Relief carving (pictured). Images of Radha and Krishna, a central triumvirate of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita are also installed to the right of the Hanuman idol on the same wall.

Address

Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi

Nearest Metro Station : Connaught Place Metro Station

Timings: 5.00 am to 1.00 pm 3.00 pm to 11.00 pm Tuesdeay and Saturday Full Day Open (best to visit during the morning and evening aarti

Entry Fee: Free

Photography: Not allowed