Hanuman Mandir, New Delhi, IN

Deities: Lord Hanuman
Location: Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi
Constructed By: Maharaja Jai Singh
Built in: 1724
Also known as: Anjaneya Temple

This small but elegant temple located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg(old Irwin Road) about 250m southwest of near Connaught Place was built in 1724. It is very popular among the devotees of Lord Hanuman. This temple is of little architectural importance. The residents of Delhi are, however, particularly devoted to it. The original temple appears to have been constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh about the same times as the Jantar -Mantar, but has undergone large scale renewals since then.

The 24-hour chanting of the mantra 'Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram', since August 1, 1964, has earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

The idol in the Delhi Hanuman Mandir represents the Lord in a very young age, that of a Balak (young child). The idol faces south and is known as the Bala Hanuman. In the left hand of the Lord Hanuman idol is a Gada (a weapon) and the right hand rests over his chest as in prayer. The main Dwar (gate) of the Hanuman Mandir is adorned with embossed artwork that depicts the great epic "Ramayana" completely. The temple was rebuilt and renovated during the late seventies. Apart from being considered as a sacred place, the temple is also known for 'mehendi' work done on the hands of ladies outside the temple. Lord Hanuman Temple of Delhi gains a special significance every Tuesday, when it is thronged by thousands of devotees.

Surrounded by lac (plastic) bangle and religious offering stalls, and women touting mehndi (temporary henna tattoos), it is extremely popular and always busy. It is even more hectic on Tuesday when there is a market and during festivals when devotees dressed as Hanuman leap and jump around the place.

Yatra Yatra Raghunath Kirtanam
Tatra Tatra Krita Mastaka anjalim
Bashpawari Pari purna lochanam
Marutim nammascha rakshas antakam

That means:
That wherever the deeds of Sri Rama are sung, At all such places does Hanuman cry tears of devotion and joy, At all such places does his presence remove the fear of demons.

Festival:
The temple comes alive before sunrise and the idol of Sri Hanuman is worshipped with oil, a puja that is unique to Hanuman Jayanti. Loud and colourful processions fill the streets, with devotees wearing masks and tails and carrying large idols of Sri Hanuman. The birthday of the Hindu monkey god is celebrated in true style because he is considered the living embodiment of the true Karma Yogi (one whose devotion is demonstrated through work or service).

How to Reach:
by Road: Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach the monument, which is located near Connaught Place (CP), the heart of the city, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. From CP one can take a stroll till the temple.
by Air: Nearest International Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport

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