Connaught Place Hanuman Mandir: History, Rituals & Travel Guide

 

Location

• Address: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, India
• Accessibility: Centrally located, easily reachable via Rajiv Chowk Metro Station and major roads in Delhi

Main Deity

• Presiding Deity: Lord Hanuman, depicted in a unique idol where the face is turned left—a rare representation
• The idol is believed to be Swayambhu (self-manifested), enhancing its spiritual significance

Subshrines and Associated Deities

• Shiva Lingam: A shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva
• Ram Darbar: Featuring Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman
• Shani Dev: A shrine for the deity associated with karma and justice
• Navagraha: Representing the nine planetary deities
• Durga and Santoshi Mata: Popular shrines for female deities
• Bhakt Anjaneya: A smaller shrine within the complex honoring Hanuman in his devotee form

Temple Significance

• Historical Importance: Believed to be one of the five surviving temples from the Mahabharata era in Delhi
• Built in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber, who also constructed the Jantar Mantar observatory nearby
• Cultural Role: A spiritual refuge amidst the commercial bustle of Connaught Place
• Architectural Style: Traditional Hindu temple architecture with intricate carvings and vibrant murals
• Spiritual Magnet: Especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays, days sacred to Hanuman devotees

History

• Ancient Roots: The temple is believed to date back to the Mahabharata era, with legends suggesting it was originally built by the Pandava prince Bhima after the Kurukshetra war.
• Reconstruction: The current structure was rebuilt in 1724 CE by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber, the same ruler who built the nearby Jantar Mantar observatory.
• Survival Through Time: It is one of the five ancient temples of Mahabharata times that survived the destruction of Hindu temples during the Mughal period.

Legends

• Bhima’s Devotion: According to legend, Bhima installed the idol of Hanuman here after encountering the deity in the forest disguised as an old monkey—this is the famous tale of Hanuman testing Bhima’s humility.
• Miraculous Protection: Devotees believe the temple has protected Delhi from invasions and disasters over centuries due to Hanuman’s divine presence.
• Sankat Mochan: The temple is revered as a Sankat Mochan (remover of obstacles), and many devotees visit on Tuesdays and Saturdays to seek blessings.

Architecture

• Shikhara Style: The temple follows the North Indian Nagara style with a prominent shikhara (spire) over the sanctum.
• Unique Idol: The idol of Hanuman is distinctive—facing left, unlike most Hanuman idols that face forward or right.
• Inscriptions: The temple features Persian inscriptions from the Mughal era, including one from Emperor Aurangzeb, which is rare for a Hindu temple and suggests royal patronage or tolerance at some point.
• Murals and Carvings: The interiors are adorned with vibrant murals depicting scenes from the Ramayana, and the sanctum is richly decorated with silver and gold embellishments.

Daily and Special Rituals

• 24-Hour Chanting: Since August 1, 1964, the temple has maintained uninterrupted chanting of “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram”, earning a place in the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Aarti and Archana: Daily rituals include morning and evening aarti, abhishekam, and prasad distribution.
• Tuesday and Saturday Rush: These days are considered most auspicious for Hanuman worship. Devotees offer red sindoor, boondi laddoo, and oil lamps.
• Special Offerings: Devotees tie threads, offer coconuts, and light mustard oil lamps to seek blessings or fulfill vows.

Major Festivals Celebrated

• Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrated with grandeur in Chaitra month (March–April). Includes bhajans, special abhishekam, and mass prasad distribution.
• Rama Navami: Honoring Lord Rama, Hanuman’s master, with joint rituals at the Ram Darbar shrine.
• Diwali and Dussehra: The temple is illuminated and decorated, with special prayers for victory and protection.
• Navratri: Devotees also visit the shrines of Durga and Santoshi Mata within the complex during this period.

Beliefs and Devotional Significance

• Sankat Mochan: Hanuman is revered as the remover of obstacles and protector from evil. Devotees believe that sincere prayers here can resolve personal and spiritual crises.
• Wish-Fulfilling Shrine: Many tie threads or offer vows with the belief that Hanuman will grant their wishes.
• Historical Protection: Locals believe the temple has spiritually protected Delhi from invasions and disasters over centuries.
• Self-Manifested Idol: The main idol is considered Swayambhu, enhancing its sanctity and spiritual potency.

Temple Hours

• Opening Time: 5:00 AM
• Closing Time: 10:00 PM
• The temple remains open throughout the day, with peak crowds on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for Hanuman worship.
• Aarti Timings:
• Morning Aarti: Around 5:30 AM
• Evening Aarti: Around 8:00 PM
• Special aartis and chanting sessions occur during festivals and Hanuman Jayanti.

Getting Here

• Metro Access:
• Nearest station: Rajiv Chowk (Blue and Yellow Line)
• Exit Gate: Use Gate No. 5 for quickest access
• Bus Routes:
• Multiple DTC buses stop at Baba Kharak Singh Marg and Connaught Place
• By Car or Auto:
• Easily reachable via Outer Circle or Sansad Marg
• Paid parking available nearby at Palika Bazaar and Jantar Mantar