Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place

Hanuman Temple, located in Connaught Place, New Delhi, is an ancient Hindu temple that holds significant historical and religious importance. It is traditionally believed to be one of five temples dating back to the Mahabharata epic period in Delhi. The temple is renowned for its self-manifest idol of Bala Hanuman, depicting the deity as a child, and for a distinctive feature on its spire: a crescent moon, an unusual element for Hindu temples, which is said to have played a role in its preservation during periods of invasion.

History and Legend

The temple's origins are intertwined with the legend of the Pandavas, who are said to have ruled from Indraprastha, the ancient name for Delhi. Mythological accounts suggest that during their exile, Hanuman appeared disguised before Bhima. Following the Pandavas' victory in the Kurukshetra War, it is believed they constructed several temples, including this one dedicated to Hanuman.

Historically, the temple is linked to the Mughal era. It is believed that the renowned saint and poet Tulsidas, author of the Ramacharitamanas and the Hanuman Chalisa, visited this temple. Legend states that Tulsidas, after performing a miracle at the request of a Mughal Emperor, was presented with an Islamic crescent moon finial for the temple's spire. The temple is also reported to have been originally built by Maharaja Man Singh I of Amber during Emperor Akbar's reign and was reconstructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724.

Temple Features and Significance

Entry to the temple is through marble steps leading to a foyer with silver-plated doors engraved with scenes from the Ramayana. The foyer features clerestory windows with paintings of Hanuman, and the walls are inscribed with the Sundar Kand from Tulsidas's Ramayana. The Sanctum Sanctorum houses the idol of Bala Hanuman, which faces south. The idol is depicted with a mace and its right hand crossed over its chest in reverence to the adjacent idols of Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. Images of Radha and Krishna are also installed nearby.

In recent years, the temple complex has been expanded to include shrines dedicated to other deities, such as Shiva, Parvati, Durga, Lakshmi Narayan, Ganesha, and Santoshi Mata. These additions have enhanced the temple's role as a notable religious center in the heart of Delhi. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered auspicious days for worship, drawing large crowds, and Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with great fervor annually.