Siruli Mahavir Temple – Odisha’s Powerful Hanuman Shrine Near Puri

 

Location

• Siruli Mahavir Temple is situated in Siruli village, about 33 km northeast of Puri, Odisha.
• It lies on the Puri–Bhubaneswar route, making it easily accessible by road via buses, taxis, and private vehicles.
• Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar (75 km)
• Languages spoken: Odia, Hindi, Bengali, English

Main Deity

• The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, worshipped here as Mahavir.
• The deity is depicted in a standing posture, holding a mace (gada) in one hand, radiating calmness and power.
• He is revered as a protector from harm, and a granter of intellect, courage, health, and fearlessness.

Temple Significance

• Spiritual Power: The temple is considered one of the most powerful Hanuman Pithas in Odisha, alongside Sidha Mahavir of Puri and Panchamukhi Hanuman of Cuttack.
• Pilgrimage Importance: Devotees often visit Siruli Mahavir Temple as part of their Jagannath Puri pilgrimage, seeking protection and blessings.
• Cultural Landmark: The temple is steeped in local legend and devotion, and its rhythmic chants and shlokas create a deeply immersive spiritual experience.

History

• The temple dates back to 1212–1236 AD, during the reign of Ganga dynasty king Anangabhima Deva III.
• It was established as a Hanuman Pitha, one of the most revered in Odisha, and has remained a vital pilgrimage site for centuries.
• Though not architecturally elaborate, it holds immense religious and cultural importance for devotees across the region.

Legends

• Lord Hanuman is worshipped here as Mahavir, the supreme protector and granter of strength, intellect, and fearlessness.
• The temple is associated with the Jagannath tradition, and many pilgrims visit Siruli Mahavir as part of their Puri spiritual circuit.
• Devotees chant the shloka:

Buddhir balam yasho dhairyam nirbhayatvam arogayam…
which invokes Hanuman’s blessings for wisdom, courage, fame, health, and fearlessness.

Architecture

• The temple is constructed using laterite and sandstone, typical of Odisha’s temple style.
• It consists of four main structures:
• Vimana (sanctum tower)
• Jagamohana (assembly hall)
• Nata Mandapa (dance hall)
• Bhoga Mandapa (offering hall)
• The idol of Lord Hanuman is carved from a single piece of stone, standing tall and radiating divine energy.

Rituals

• Daily Worship: Lord Hanuman is offered traditional Shaiva-Vaishnava rituals including:
• Abhishekam (ritual bathing)
• Archana (chanting of divine names)
• Harathi (offering of light)
• Special Offerings: Devotees offer betel leaves, coconuts, bananas, and sindoor, symbolic of Hanuman’s strength and devotion.

Major Festivals

• Makar Sankranti: Celebrated with special poojas and community gatherings.
• Dussehra: Marks Hanuman’s role in the Ramayana; includes processions and devotional music.
• Rama Navami: Honoring Lord Rama and Hanuman’s service to him.
• Kumar Purnima: Celebrated with offerings and prayers for youth and vitality.
• Dola Yatra & Chandan Yatra: Regional festivals involving ceremonial swings and sandalwood rituals.
• Gamha Purnima: A local celebration of strength and protection.

Beliefs and Devotional Significance

• Eternal Vigilance: The left eye of Hanuman is said to gaze at Jagannath’s Neela Chakra, while the right eye faces Lanka, symbolizing his eternal watchfulness.
• Protector of Puri: Hanuman was assigned by Lord Jagannath to guard the temple from afar, making Siruli his divine outpost.
• Spiritual Strength: Devotees believe that worship here grants mental clarity, physical strength, and protection from evil.
• Pilgrimage Circuit: Siruli Mahavir is part of a trio of powerful Hanuman temples in Odisha, alongside Siddha Mahaveer (Puri) and Panchamukhi Hanuman (Cuttack).

Temple Hours

Day	Morning Hours	Evening Hours
Monday–Sunday	4:00 AM – 2:00 PM	3:30 PM – 10:00 PM

Getting Here

• Location: Siruli village, near Chandanpur, 33 km northeast of Puri, Odisha.
• By Road:
• From Puri: Take the Puri–Bhubaneswar highway, then turn toward Chandanpur Bazar Road.
• Local buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis are available from Puri and Bhubaneswar.
• By Train:
• Nearest station: Puri Railway Station
• From there, take a taxi or local transport to Siruli.
• By Air:
• Nearest airport: Bhubaneswar Airport, ~75 km away.
• Taxis and app-based cabs are available to reach the temple.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning (5–7 AM) or evening (6–8 PM) for serene darshan and cooler weather.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire preferred—men in dhoti/kurta, women in saree/salwar.
• Offerings: Carry betel leaves, coconuts, bananas, and sindoor for Hanuman puja.
• Combine with Nearby Sites:
• Jagannath Temple (Puri)
• Sakhigopal Temple
• Raghurajpur crafts village
• Avoid Crowds: Weekdays and non-festival days offer a quieter experience.
• Local Language: Odia is widely spoken; basic Hindi and English are understood.