Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad – Lete Hanuman Mandir
The only one of its kinds, the Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad is a unique one situated near the Allahabad Fort. Also known as Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir or Lete Hanuman Mandir, the temple stands out for the interesting fact that this is the only temple where the idol of Lord Hanuman is seen in a reclining position.Hanuman Mandir – A Quick Glance
Address: Near Allahabad Fort | Near Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahabad 211001, India
Famous for: Religious site, Uniqueness
Idol size: 20 feet X 8 feet
Timings: 6:00 am - 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Visiting duration: 1-2 hours
Best time to visit: October to March
Famous festival: Hanuman Jayanti
Best visited with: Group, solo, couple, family, pets
Entry fee: INR 100
Facilities: Food stalls, Washrooms, Locker/StorageHanuman Mandir – An Overview
Located in proximity to the Allahabad Fort, the famous Bade Hanuman Mandir, or simply the famous Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad is located at Sangam area. This is the only temple in the world that is constructed under the ground and the posture of the idol of Lord Hanuman is in a leaning back position. The idol of Lord Hanuman stands at 8.10 feet below the temple.The temple is a popular pilgrim spot within the city attracting devotees from all over the country. The temple premise is busier and more crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays – the days believed to be special for the Lord’s blessings.
The idol is the main attraction for the fact that it is in a reclining position with one of its sides half immersed in water. During monsoons, when the water level rises, it is believed that the water rises just enough to touch Lord Hanuman’s feet.
Hanuman Mandir Rituals and Prayers
It is believed that Lord Hanuman cures the every sickness and worldliness of his devotees. For the same reason, tourists flock at the temple with their grievances and prayers to be taken care by the Lord.There are no prescribed rules of the worship rituals or prayers inside the temple. Everyone, irrespective of caste, religion and status, is allowed for prayers and they are free to pay homage to the deity as per their preferred rituals and beliefs.
On Tuesdays and Saturdays a special pooja ritual is performed. For that, on these days every week, a special decoration of Shri Bade Hanuman Ji (Lord Hanuman) is performed.
The Legends of Hanuman Mandir
As per mythology, it is believed that the temple has been built right at the spot where Hanuman had rested after burning Lanka in the great epic Ramayana. Lord Hanuman is also known by the name of Kotwal of Prayag and it is believed that the sacrament of bath in Maha Kumbh is complete only after the darshan of Hanuman in this temple.The water of the Ganges runs down after touching the feet of Hanuman. It is a sight to behold when the water of the Ganges and Yamuna goes up just near the idol before getting down with the flow. The dip of the idol’s feet into the Ganges is considered auspicious and a bringer of good fortune.
Legends say that once a merchant was carrying a grand statue of Lord Hanuman in his boat. When he reached near Prayag, the boat started to get heavier and got totally sunk once it reached near Sangam. All of a sudden, it was noticed that the stream of the river water changed miraculously, and the idol reappeared. It was right there the temple was established and named as Bade Hanuman Mandir.
Another legend says that the city had a wealthy trader without a child. He constructed a massive structure of Lord Hanuman and decided to take it for bath at different places of pilgrimage. Upon reaching Allahabad (Prayag), he had a dream that if he would keep the idol there, all his wishes would be fulfilled. He did that, he did leave the idol at where it stands now, and set up a temple. All his dreams came true, and he was blessed with a son soon later.
Since then, the submerged idol of Lord Hanuman has been a part of Allahabad’s heritage and is considered as extremely auspicious and revered among the devotees.
Major Attractions of Allahabad Hanuman Mandir
The famous Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad is a must visit for tourists and devotees from all over the world irrespective of differences in religion and all walks of life. The door of the temple is open throughout the year, but the premise is a bit too crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.The temple is a major tourist attraction in the city of Allahabad. A huge number of devotees visit this holy edifice every year, especially after a dip into the Triveni Sangam. It is believed that the holy bath isn’t complete until the temple is visited. In fact, the tour to Allahabad remains incomplete without making a visit to the Bade Hanuman Mandir.
Architecture of Hanuman Mandir
The architecture of the Hanuman Mandir in Allahabad is marvellous and the entire look is gorgeous and colourful. The temple is painted in bright orange colour, which is considered as the shade of Lord Hanuman. The temple is quite old, but is neatly kept and very well-maintained.What stands out in the temple is the idol of Shri Bade Hanumanji or Lord Hanuman, situated in Sangam Kshetra. The statue is 20 feet high and 8 feet wide. The posture is a reclining or lying one and is known as Veermudra (where mudra means posture). The broad forehead, large arms, wide waist and the massive structure is sure to invoke a feeling of extreme courage and respect among the devotees.
There is a statue of Ahirawan placed precisely under the right foot of Lord Hanuman’s idol. It is being looked at as the destroyer of ill-feelings, negativity and ill-luck. Under the left foot of Hanuman resides Kamada Devi’s idol. She is considered as the Goddess of will-power and is worshipped as the Aradhya Devi (goddess) of Ahiravana.
The idols of Lord Ram and Lord Lakshman are placed near the forehead of the idol of Lord Hanuman.
How to Reach Hanuman Mandir, Allahabad
From Allahabad railway station
Distance: 7 - 8km (4.3 - 5mi)
Availability: Public transport, cabs, and app cabs
From Allahabad airport (Prayagraj Airport)
Distance: 28.2km (17.5mi)
Availability: App cabs, public transport, private cars