Pracheen Hanuman Mandir

Special Features

Foundation Year: 1724

Sthala Puran

Prachin Hanuman Mandiris an ancient temple dedicated to Bal Hanuman from the Mahabharata period. It is claimed to be one of the five temples of Mahabharata days in Delhi.Reportedly, it was built originally by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber(1540–1614) during Emperor Akbar’s (1542-1605) reign. It was reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh(1688-1743) in 1724, around the same time as the Jantar Mantar. After that,xa0 the temple has undergone many improvements making it a notable religious centre in the heart of Central Delhi.It is believed that Tulsidas (1532–1623), who wrote Ramacharitamanas (popularly known as Tulsi Ramayan and penned the famous Hanuman Chalisa hymns in praise of Hanuman, visited this temple in Delhi. During his visit to Delhi, 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 because of the crescent moon symbol on the spire, the temple was not destroyed by the Muslim rulers who invaded India at various times.An important feature of the worship at this temple is the 24–hour chanting of the mantra (hymn) “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”, since August 1, 1964. It is claimed that this continuous chanting has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Architecture

The height of the temple is reported to be 108 ft (32.9 m). The centuries-old temple’s main entrance gate known, as Dwar adores embossed artwork done by the skilled craftsmen is a testimony of the devotion. The complete epic of Ramayana as seen by Swami Tulsidas had been painted on the roof of the main mandap. These paintings add to the beauty of the temple and are a feast to the eyes. Just below the paintings, the entire verses of Sundarakant of Swami Tulsidas’s Ramachritha manas have been engraved in marble stabs.

Alankar of Deity

The main deity here is Hanuman and is very unique. The idol is believed to be swayambhu( self-manifested). The face of the main idol depicts Bala(child) Hanuman. The Murthy is facing the south and hence, devotees can perceive only one eye of the Lord. Bhagwan Bala Hanuman carries the Gadha (mace or club) in his left hand and his right hand rests over his chest offering veneration to the idols of Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita present on his side. A tapering crown adds beauty to the Murthy. A sacred thread on the right shoulder adorns the body and the Hanumanji is clad in a dhoti.

Prayers and Benefits

Festivals

Social Activities