Saturday, 1 April 2017

Akanda Rama Nam In Bala Hanuman Temple - 'Ram Dhun' in Jamnagar

                                      Akanda Rama Nam In  Bala Hanuman Temple



 Bala Hanuman Temple and that of Jamnagar is interrelated at least as far as the essence of the place is concerned. Jamnagar is a city as well as a district belonging to the State of Gujarat. Historically, Jamnagar district was known as ‘Nawanagar’ (meaning the new city), which was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra.The Bala Hanuman Temple is on the south-eastern side of Ranmal Lake.






On the southeast corner of the lake is the Bala Hanuman temple, famous for its continuous chanting of the “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” since August 1st, 1964, for which it is even listed in the Guinness Book of World Records. You can visit the temple to be witness to their prolonged act of religious devotion and even join in if you wish to contribute to the effort, especially at night, during the more difficult sessions.

History of Bala Hanuman Temple:-

The History of Bala Hanuman Temple and that of Jamnagar is interrelated at least as far as the essence of the place is concerned. Jamnagar is a city as well as a district belonging to the State of Gujarat. Historically, Jamnagar district was known as 'Nawanagar' (meaning the new city), which was one of the most important princely states of Saurashtra.
In 1540 A.D., Jamnagar was founded by Jam Rawal who was one of the rulers of the place. Today Jamnagar (meaning the city of the Jams) found its name from the hereditary title 'Jam' given to the rulers at that time.
According to the legendary epic Ramayana, Hanuman was an ardent disciple of Lord Rama. Hence 1st of August, 1964, the visitors of Jamnagar Bala Hanuman Temple have been mesmerized by the relentless chanting of "Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram". This devotion has also earned the Temple of Bala Hanuman, a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

About Shri Prembhikshuji:-

Shri Prembhikshuji was born in 1812 in Chhatauni, a small village in Bihar in a farmer family. They had a religious mind which led the young man to devotion. After becoming sannyasin, he started continious chanting of Rama Naam at various 7 centers namely Jamnagar, Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, Rajkot, Mahuva, Muzaffarpur in Bhihar.
He was the great devotee of Shri Rama. He followed the guidance of his guruji Shri Kashimiribaba who was also the great saint. He started his journey of Rama Nam from Bihar and went to Dwarka. His devotional life started and ended at Dwarka.

Significance of Bala Hanuman Temple:-

The epic of Ramayana says that Lord Hanuman was a devoted disciple to Shri Ram. His great deeds of rescuing Sita Mata from the clutches of Raavana and then helping Lord Ram in the battle against Lanka is amazing to read. Such great deeds have led to the constant chanting of the “Ram Dhun” that captivates all devotees visiting the place. This relentless chanting has made the temple pure with peace and devotion.

Architecture of Bala Hanuman Temple:-



 The temple complex is located on the periphery of Jamnagar’s central lake. The non-stop chant is played out by priests and devotees. Here the depth of faith and religiosity are very moving. The temple remains open throughout the night so that those who want to contribute to the good work can do so at any point of time.
 The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Ram-Laxman and Janakji. Their idols are situated in the middle and Hanuman Ji resides on one side. There is also a big framed photo of Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj on the second side.



 The architecture of the temple is moderately modern. It is built on the south-eastern portion of the Ramnal lake. The temple’s structure portrays intricate architecture that is composed of ethnically designed pillars and amazing carvings. There is also a common saying that goes around the area that the temple has survived through natural calamities like cyclones, earthquakes and even cross border invasions.





Non-stop 'Ram Dhun' in Jamnagar:-

The non-stop round-the-clock 'Ram-Dhun' at Bala Hanuman temple, near Lakhota Lake here, will complete its golden jubilee year on July 31 this year.
The Bala Hanuman temple is listed in The Guinness Book of World Records for the longest continuous chanting of 'Ram Dhun' "Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram", which started on August 1, 1964 at 1930 hrs by late Saint Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj.
Lakhota Lake is in the heart of the Jamnagar city. Jamnagar is also known as 'Chhoti Kashi'.
The 'Ram Dhun' has been going on for 24 hours a day in shifts by the devotees at the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a true disciple of Lord Ram and Sita. Every year this temple is visited by a large number of devotees.
A temple official today said 'Ram Dhun', which will complete its 50 long years on July 31, began on the very day when the temple was established on August 1, 1964 by Prembhikshuji Maharaj.

Time to Visit Bala Hanuman Temple:-

This is the Lord Hanuman temple so most people likes to come here Tuesday & Saturday.
The best time to visit this temple is in the months of January, February, March, April, May, October, November, and December. Rest depending on the individual preference, one can visit the temple between 6am to 10pm.

Nearby Places:-

Pratap Villa:-

An exquisite Pratap Vilas Palace was constructed during the reign of Royal Highness Jam Ranjitsinhji. This is an exceptional palace which is visited for number of reasons. This Palace has European architecture that has Indian carvings which reflect a completely unique appeal. Built as a replica of Victoria Memorial Building in Calcutta, this palace has dome which is constructed as per the Indian architecture. The palace remains open from 10am to 5pm.

Solarium:-

Best known as Ranjit Institute of Poly Radio Therapy, this magnificent architecture was constructed by Jam Shri Ranjitsinhji at the times of his rule. He brought an expert from France who supervised the construction of this temple. A slowly revolving tower offers whole day sunlight in this building. This building is also considered as an exceptional wonder of the world which is open to be visited during the working hours.

Ghumli:-

Ghumli is a village which is located approximately 35 kms away from Porbandar, in Jamnagar. Ghumli is also referred as Bhumli, which was once an old capital of Jewtha rulers of Gujarat.

Barda Wildlife Sanctuary:-

This sanctuary is located in Gujarat which is nearly 15 kilometers away from Porbandar while 100 kms from Gir Forest national Park. Badra Wildlife Sanctuary was considered as a private reserve for Jamnagar and Porbandar. It is said that nearly 4,000 people live in Barda.

Darsan Information:-

More than the grandeur of the temple structure, devotees come here to take part in "Akhand Rama Naam" jaap. Plan your trip so that you may also partake in this ritual.

Darsan Dresscode:-

 Indian Traditional.

Culture:-

Most residents are Gujarati and speak the Gujarati language. A small portion of the population speak the Kutchi language. Majority of communities here belong to Hindu Religion.

Language Spoken:-

 Gujarati, Hindi.

Temple Timings and Rituals.

Climate:-

 Jan - March April - June July - Sept Oct - Dec,
Max-Temparture 27oC 30oC 29.3oC 29oC
Min-Temparture 18oC 25oC 25oC 20oC.


Special Rituals:-

Since the 1st of August, 1964, continuous RAM DHUN Chanting is has been going on till this date. Many people visit the temple to be a part of this special ritual.

Pooja Timing:-

6:00 AM - 10:00 PM
There are 7 Specific Rituals that are carried everyday:
Mangla Darshan 06:00 AM
 Shangar Darshan 06:30 AM
 Mangala Aarti 07:00 AM
 Raj Bhog 12:00 PM
 Utthapan 04:30 PM
 Sandhya Aarti 07:00 PM
 Shayan Darshan 10:00 PM

How to Reach Bala Hanuman Temple:-

By Bus:-

 Jamnagar is well-connected through various state and national highways. Many state and private buses ply between Jamnagar and other cities of Gujarat (Rajkot, Somnath, Dwarka, Gandhidham, Porbandar, Surat, Bhuj).

By Train:-

 Jamnagar Old Railway Station is about 4 km from the temple. You can find, regular or weekly, trains till Jamnagar from some states of India (like Delhi and Mumbai). Daily trains to Jamnagar can be taken from many cities of Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat).

By Air:-

 Jamnagar Airport is 9/10 km from the city and is connected with Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Vadodara and other Gujarati cities. Also, you can take a flight till Ahmedabad and then reach Jamnagar via a car, bus or train.

Places to See Around the Temple:-

Narara Marine National Park:-

It is around 55 km away. It can be reached by road to do the 'coral walk' as the tide ebbs. Best time to visit is between December to March.

Dwarka:-

Dwarkadhish Temple is about 143 km from the temple.

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary:-

Khijadia Bird Sanctuary can give you mesmerizing views of the wonderful local and migratory birds at a distance of 14 km from the temple. Best time to visit is between October to March.

Location:-

 Shri Prembhikshuji Marg,
Near Lakhota Lake,
Jamnagar - Gujart ( India)
(India) 0288 - 2558196

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