Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place In Delhi

                            
                                                            Hanuman Mandir

Hanuman Mandir Baba Kharak Singh Marg (road) near Connaught Place. One of the oldest Hanuman temples in the country, was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1724. Since the time of its construction, the temple of Lord Hanuman in New Delhi has undergone several restorations. One of the highlights of the temple is a 24-hour chanting the mantraSri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram, since August 1, 1964.This song is still even won a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The idol of Hanuman Mandir New Delhi represented the Lord in a very young age, that Balak (young children). Idol faces south and is known as Bala Hanuman. The left hand Lord Hanuman idol is a gada (a weapon) and the right hand on his chest as in prayer. The main dwar (port) Hanuman Mandir is decorated with relief art representing the great epic "Ramayana" completely. The temple was rebuilt and renovated during the seventies. In addition to being regarded as a place, holy temple, also called mehendi; work in the hands of ladies outside the temple. Lord Hanuman temple in Delhi has a special significance every Tuesday, when completed by thousands of faithful.

This ancient temple is believed to the be built in a Mahabharat era along with four other temples. The four other temples are Yogmaya Temple near the Qutub Minar, Kalkaji Mandir in south Delhi, Nili Chatri Mahadev at Nigambodh Ghat and Bhairav temple near Purana Qila. Hanuman Mandir is the one of the most visited temples of New Delhi and thousands of visitors came here daily to the worship of Lord Hanuman.

Idol:-

The Main Idol at the temple is that of Hanumana, facing south. The deity holds a gada in his left hand and his right hand rests on his chest in veneration to the adjacent idols of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. It is believed that Bhagwan Hanuman destroy all the evils with the Gada in his hand. Devotees congregate at the temple in large numbers on Tuesday and Saturday. Hanuman Jayanti (birthday celebrations of Lord Hanumana) is also celebrated every year with great fanfare.

Hanuman Temple:-

Bal Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place region of Delhi is also known as Prachin Hanuman Mandir. It is one of the few temples which survived the rapid onslaught from the invading armies. Hanuman Mandir is said to be made by Maharaja Jai Singh along with Jantar Mantar in 1724. The Hanuman Mandir is situated at the Baba Kharak Singh Marg (road) near Connaught Place. One of the oldest Hanuman temples in the country, it was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the year 1724.
However, since the time of its construction, the The Hanuman Mandir of New Delhi has undergone many restorations. One of the highlights of the temple is the 24-hour chanting of the mantra Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram, since August 1, 1964. This continuous chanting has even secured a place in the Guinness Book of World 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.

The main entrance of Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, New Delhi resembles the great artwork done by the craft men with great devotion. The gate is known as dwar is believed to be centuries old depict the complete epic of Ramayana in the art form. The ceilings of the mandap (hall or pavilion) depicts the epic of Ramayana artistically painted.
One can be amazed after seeing the meticulous artwork inside the Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place.  The ceiling of the main hall has beautifully embossed artwork depicting the whole Ramayana. You will get enthusiastic after seeing the outside atmosphere of the temple. The Complex outside the temple is lined with several tiny shops selling garlands and prasad. Other side of temple is lined with lots of bangles shops having enormous range of bangles in variety of colous. One can also find famous mehndi artists and their variety of intricate henna application.


History and legends:-


Sage Tulsidas who wrote the Tulsi Ramayan and the Hanuman Chalisa was said to have visited the temple in Delhi during the Mughal era. Here, he was asked to perform a miracle which he succeeding in doing so with the blessings of lord Hanuman. Impressed by Tulsidas, the empreror presented the temple with the crescent moon feature. This saved the temple from destruction from Mughal invasion.

 The city of Delhi was the seat of power for many dynasties. There are legendary stories of Hindu resistance against repeated Muslim invasions by the Rajput King, Prithviraj Chauhan. Several temples built by Tomars and Chauhans in that era, were pulled down by the conquering Mulims and their stones reutilised mainly in the construction of the Auwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Lal Kot, in the Qutb complex. Unlike the other Hindu Temples, where symbol above the spire (vimana) is more commonly an Om or Sun sign, Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place has a crescent moon symbol (an Islamic symbol) in the vimana. It is believed that this might be the reason why Mughals did not destroy the temple.

Intricate Artwork:-

The idol in the temple is of God Hanuman and according to the priests here, Hanuman Bhagwan represents here in the form of a balak (yong child). That’s why this temple also being called as Bala Hanuman Temple. Bhagwan Haunman here facing towards south direction and one can see only one eye of Shri Bala hanuman. As seen inside the temple, Bhagwan Bala Hanuman carries the Gada (mace or club) in the left hand with the right hand rests over his chest as in prayer to the adjacent idol of lord Rama, Lakshmana and Mata Sita. It is believed that Sriman Narayan (also known as Lord Vishnu) who had taken the avatar (the manifestation of a Hindu deity (especially Vishnu) in human or superhuman form) as Lord Rama had shown the governance through dharma (basic principle of cosmos) to the world and left for Vaikuntha (Lord Vishnu’s heaven). All the characters of Ramayana had left for Vaikuntha, but Bhagwan Hanuman remained here with us in this world, to spread the Ramaraj and dharma. After that, he had seen Sriman Narayan in the next yuga as Lord Krishna avatar and his help was sought for re-establishment of dharma. It is believed with the Gada in his hand Bhagwan Hanuman destroy all the evils.


Mahabarata and Hanuman :-

Sriman Narayan who had taken the avathara as Lord Rama had shown the governance through dharma to us and left for Vaikuntha. All the characters of Ramayana had left for Vaikuntha, but Hanuman remained here with us in this world, to spread the Ramaraj and dharma. Not only that, he had seen Sriman Narayan in the next yuga as Lord Krishna and his help was sought for reestablishment of dharma. There is anecdote in Mahabarata about the presence of Hanuman during that time. Pandavas were on exile imposed by Duryodhan.
Bheemaa trying to lift the tail of Anjaneya
During that time when roaming about in jungles, Draupadi smelled a divine fragrance. She was so enamored of the fragrance, that she requested Bheema to fetch the flower. Bheema went in search of the flower, following the lead given by the fragrance. He found an old looking monkey covering the path of his way. Bheema condescendingly asked the monkey to make way for him unaware that the monkey in non other then his brother Hanuman (both are vayu amsa). The arrogance in the tone of Bheema prompted Hanuman to ask Bheema to lift his tail since he old and weak. Bheema with reluctance lifted the tail that was blocking his way, but could not do so even after several tries. Then he realised that the monkey is Lord Hanuman. Bheema apologised for his arrogant behavior and said he had realised that power devoid of arrogance is greater.
On the request of Bheema, Anjuna and Lord Krishna it is said that Lord Hanuman was present in the flag post of the chariot of Anjuna driven by Lord Krishna during the Kurushetra war.

Ancient Temples of Indraprashtha :-

There are five shrines in Delhi that are identified with Pandavas in their Indraprastha by the tradition. They are Yogamaya temple in Mehrauli, Kalkaji Maa Temple in Kalkaji, Bhairav Temple near Purana-killa (Old fort), Bhairav temple in Kalkaji, BalaHanuman Temple,Connaught Place near Jantar Mandir. It is believed that the shrines were built during more or less same period and all these idols are said to be swayambhuhu (self manifested ones)
The city Indraprashtha is part of the history and Delhi was seat of power many dynasties. There are legendary stories of Hindu resistance against repeated Muslim invasions by the Rajput King, Prithviraj Chauhan. Several temples built by Tomars and Chauhans, were pulled down by the conquering Mulims and their stones reutilised mainly in the construction of the Auwwat-ul- Islam mosque at Lal Kot, in the Qutb complex.

Pooja:-

Tuesdays are special days for the Hanuman Mandir. The evening aarti (prayer) draws a very large crowd, all waiting with bated breath for the spectacle that unfolds in the middle of it as suddenly the arms of Hanuman which are held across the chest move back, the chest slides open and the beautiful images of Lord Shri Rama & Devi Sita slide out to give darshan (sight) to all the devotees - it's a mesmerizing sight indeed!

Hanuman Mandir  Timings:-

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated here with great enthusiasm, thousands of devotees gather here to offering prayers to Lord Hanuman. Hanuman Jayanti generally falls in the month of March-April. Check the Aarti timings, temple opening timing and closing time in a table. The temple remains open till 2 AM in Night on Tuesday and it remains open on the whole Saturday night.

Temple timings:-.

Monday 5:00 AM 5:30 AM 1- 3 PM 11:00 PM
Tuesday 4:00 AM 5:00 AM remains open till 2.00:AM (night)
Wednesday 5:00 AM 5:30 AM 1- 3 PM 11:00 PM
Thursday 5:00 AM 5:30 AM 1- 3 PM 11:00 PM
Friday 5:00 AM 5:30 AM 1- 3 PM 11:00 PM
Saturday 4:00 AM 5:00 AM remains open remains open whole night
Sunday 5:00 AM 5:30 AM 1- 3 PM 11:00 PM

Dress Code at Hanuman Mandir:-

Men and women are advised to wear decent clothing. The entry is free. People are supposed to leave their chappals and other footwear outside the temple while entering the holy sanctum.

Festivals Celebrated at the Hanuman Mandir:-

Hanuman Jayanti: The birthday celebrations of Lord Hanuman, is held every year with great pomp on the full moon (Purnima) day in the month of Chaitra (March – April) as per the lunar Hindu Panchangam or Hindu calendar. Colourful processions with festoons and with devotees wearing Hanuman masks and tails and carrying large idols of Hanuman fill the streets.

Poojas and Rituals at Hanuman Mandir:-

The daily pujas are carried out at all times of the day. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered for worshipping Lord Hanuman, so there are a few special pujas carried out on these days.

Nearby Temples:-

•Kalkaji Mandir – Kalkaji Mandir is a famous Hindu temple dedicated to Hindu Goddess Kali. This temple is located in the southern part of Delhi, India, in Kalkaji, a locality which has derived its name from this famous temple and is located right opposite to the Nehru Place business centre. The temple is easily commutable by all forms of public transport. The belief surrounding the temple is that the image of the Goddess Kalka or Kali, here is a self-manifested one, and the shrine dates back to Satya Yuga when the Goddess Kalika had incarnated and killed the demon Raktabija along with other giant demons.
Chhatarpur Mandir :-

  The second largest temple complex in India which is dedicated to Goddess Katyayani, the sixth avatar of the Navadurga, who had slain the ferocious demon Mahishasur. The temple is famous for its Veesarra form of architecture and Navratra festivities which are celebrated with pomp and glory.
Mata Sheetala Mandir:-

 Sheetala Mata Mandir which is located at Gurgaon village, a suburb of Gurgaon (Guru Dronacharya’s birth place), in the state of Haryana, is only 25 km from Hanuman Mandir. Sheetala Devi is also called as Bhagat Lalita Maa and Masani Maa. The word Sheetala refers to the disease smallpox and it is believed that if this deity is invoked with faith, she dispels the disease. Situated near a pond, this temple witnesses hordes of pilgrims throughout the year. During the month of Chaitra (March-April), this place resembles the grounds of Kumbh-Mela. Many devotees visit this place for the mundane ceremony of their children and also newly married couples who come to take blessings for a happy married life.

How to Reach:-

By Road:-

 Connaught Place’s Prachin Hanuman Mandir is well connected by bus and the Delhi Metro services. Besides, one can also rent a car or auto-rickshaw from anywhere to Connaught Place. Delhi Transport Department has added more buses to its fleet. Though the old buses are still in service, now you will find the green buses which are more comfortable to reach Connaught Place and Prachin Hanuman Mandir. Terminuses such as Kashmere Gate, Sarai Kale Khan, and Anand Vihar are located nearby which leads to various important places in the city.

By Rail:-

 Almost all the metro trains in New Delhi passes through Connaught Place Hanuman Mandir Delhi. Whether one is coming from Noida, Gurgaon, India Gate, and the Airport or from the Delhi University area, they will find ample metro trains to reach the destination. Besides the Delhi Metro. Connaught Place metro station is the nearest metro station to Hanuman Mandir Delhi. Also, New Delhi Railway station is the nearest railway station to Prachin Hanuman Mandir. Connaught Place is located just minutes away from both the Old Delhi Railway Station as well as New Delhi Railway Station. Most travellers visiting Delhi, prefer staying in one of the hotels in Connaught Place because of its good connectivity to different parts of the city.

By Air:-

 Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport of New Delhi. Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport is connected to all the important cities of the world with almost all the major international airlines operating from here.

Jagannath Temple in New Delhi

                                                      Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple in New Delhi, India is a modern temple built by the Oriya community of Delhi dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath. The temple located in Hauz Khas is famous for its annual Rathyatra festival attended by thousands of devotees.
The lord Jagannath temple houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Maa Subhadra besides Lord Shiva, Lord Ganesha, Maa Lakshmi, Maa Vimala and Maa Tarini.
The Jagannath Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Hauz Khas, Delhi, India. The Paramparik Vastukar from Puri, constructed this oldest Jagannath temple in NCR. This famous temple draws visitors from all over the country and it is famous for the Rath Yatra festival that is held here annually.Jagannath is considered a form of Vishnu or his avatar Krishna by the Hindus. Jagannath is worshipped as part of a triad on the ''Ratnavedi'' (jeweled platform) along with his brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra by his devotees. The icon of Jagannath is a carved and decorated wooden stump with large round eyes and with stumps as hands, with the conspicuous absence of any legs. The worship procedures, practices, sacraments and rituals of Jagannath do not conform with those of classical Hinduism. Though in certain Oriya literary creations, Jagannath has been treated as the Ninth avatar, by substituting Buddha. Jagannath considered as a form of the Hindu God Vishnu, is non sectarian and has not been associated with any particular denomination of Hinduism in entirety, though there are several common aspects with Vaishnavism, Saivism, Shaktism, Smartism, as well as with Buddhism and Jainism. The oldest and most famous Jagannath deity is established in Puri. The temple of Jagannath in Puri is regarded as one of the Char Dham. The Puranas relate that the Narasimha Avatar of Vishnu appeared from a wooden pillar. It is therefore believed that Jagannath is worshipped as a wooden idol or Daru Brahma with the Sri Narasimha hymn dedicated to the Narasimha Avatar. Jagannath when worshipped alone is called Dadhi Vaman. Every year in the month of Bhadra, Jagannath is dressed and decorated in the form of the Vamana avatar of Vishnu. Jagannath assumes the Vamana Avatar during the annual Rath Yatra. Jagannath appeared in the form of Rama another avatar of Vishnu to Tulsidas, whom he worshipped as Raghunath when visiting Puri in the 16th century From the times of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jagannath has been strongly associated with Krishna.Jagannath is identified with Buddha considered the ninth avatar of Vishnu by Hindus.Jagannath is said to assume the form of any God to satisfy his devotee's desire.

                                                    

Located in Thyagraj Nagar, this magnificent temple is dedicated to Shri Shri Jagannath Mahaprabhu and is being managed by Shri Jagannath Mandir and Orissa Arts & Cultural Centre, Delhi (Regd.) since 1968. It was formed because of some Jagannath devotees who were establishing a platform through an association to build a temple for Lord Jagannath in New Delhi. This is the oldest form of an association formed by them here who took the initiative of building a temple.
 The foundation stone of the temple was laid on 15th January 1968 and soon a small temple was built for the consecrated triad. Later regular worship of Lord Jagannath, Lord Balbhadra, Devi Subhadra and Shri Sudarshana Chakara (as Chaturtha Moorthy) started with installation of small size idols of three Deities.
 As regards to the Rath Yatra by Shri Jagannath Mandir and Orissa Arts & Cultural Centre, Delhi (Regd.), the Chariots of the three deities are graciously taken out of the temple with a grand procession in Thyagraj Nagar and it is this precise moment when one finds the finesse of Odia culture in full flow in National Capital. For last forty-eight instances, this grand festival has been marking a persistent ritual statement of this famous tradition (called Jagannath Parampara) where everyone irrespective of one’s identity is invited and embraced. This practice unifies the devotee with the Lord irrespective of one’s caste, creed, gender and religion. The devotees are offered Anna Prasad unfailingly after each Pooja.

 This temple is also unique in the sense that it provides a platform to non-resident Odias in Delhi/NCR to come together during all prominent religious festivals like Rath Yatra and Kartik Poornima. Gradually proceeding with its increasing revenues and popularity, Shri Jagannath Mandir and Orissa Arts & Cultural Centre, Delhi (Regd.) has also built a bigger temple and a dharmasala adjacent to the temple.

Lord Jagannath:-

Shree Shree Jagannath Mahaprabhu is revered as Lord Vishnu or His avatar Krishna in South-Eastern India by the Hindus. Lord Jagannath is worshipped as part of a triad on the Ratnavedi along with His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra. Since time immemorial, His monumental and magnificent temples at Shree Purushottam-Kshetra in Odisha have been held in the highest regard as one of the four major Dhamas.
 Lord Jagannath lacks a precise Vedic mention or reference and is not a member of the traditional Dashavatara concept or the classical Hindu mythology, but finds precise mentions in certain Odia literatures wherein He has been treated as the Ninth avatar of Lord Vishnu, thereby substituting Buddha. Obviously, Lord Jagannath is considered as an incarnation of the mighty Hindu god Vishnu and is hailed as a non-sectarian because He is not associated with any particular sect of Hinduism entirely.
 Lord Jagannath is the Purushottama form of Vishnu (meaning the best possible human form) while the Gaudiya Vaishnavs have identified him strongly with Krishna. Lord Balabhadra is considered the elder brother of Lord Jagannath and is worshipped as Supreme Powerful Lord Shiva. Devi Subhadra is considered Lord Jagannath's sister who is worshipped as Adyashakti Durga. The fourth deity, the Sudarshana Chakra, symbolizes the wheel of Sun's Chariot and is the preferred weapon of Lord Jagannath. The conglomerate of these four supreme powerful, omnipotent gods, viz., Lord Jagannath, Lord Balabhadra, Devi Subhadra and Sudarshan Chakra are worshipped together on a common platform are called the Chaturdha Murty that means the ‘four-fold form.’


Architecture:-

The architecture of the temple follows the pattern of many Orissan temples of the classical period. The main shikhara, or tower, rises above the inner sanctum where the deities reside. Subsidiary shikharas rise above ante-halls. The temple complex is surrounded by a wall, on each side of which is a gopura or gate, over which rises a pyramid-shaped roof. Being the largest temple in the state, it has a complex covering several square blocks with dozens of structures including a mammoth kitchen.
The main temple structure of this architectural and cultural wonder is 65m (214 feet) high and is built on elevated ground, making it look more imposing. Comprising an area of 10.7 acres, the temple complex is enclosed by two rectangular walls. The outer enclosure is called Meghanada Prachira, 200m (665 ft) by 192m (640 ft). The inner wall is called Kurmabedha, 126m (420 ft) by 95m (315 ft). There are thirty-six traditional communities (Chatisha Niyaga) who render a specific hereditary service to the deities. The temple has as many as 6,000 priests.
There is a wheel on top of the Jagannath Temple made of an alloy of eight metals (asta-dhatu). It is called the Nila Chakra (Blue Wheel), and is 3.5m (11 ft 8 in) high with a circumference of about 11m (36 ft). Every day, a different flag is tied to a mast attached to the Nila Chakra. Every Ekadasi, a lamp is lit on top of the temple near the wheel.

Jagannath Temple Timings:-

Summer Timings:-

 The Pahad opens at 5:00 am in the morning everyday. The morning poojas and other rituals are carried out. After the Prasad Vitaran, the Pahad reopens at 12:30 pm and closes at 10:00 pm.

Winter Timings:-

 The Pahad opens at 6:00 am in the morning everyday. The morning poojas and other rituals are carried out. After the Prasad Vitaran, the Pahad reopens at 1:00 pm and closes at 9:00 pm.

Dress Code at Jagannath Temple:-

It is advisable to wear decent pieces of apparel when entering the temple. Ladies should be in traditional attire of sari, lehenga choli or salwar kameez. Leather items are not allowed inside the sanctum. People should leave their footwear behind while entering the temple.

Festivals Celebrated at the Jagannath Temple:-

Almost all Hindu festivals and certain festivals specific to the Oriya community are celebrated at the temple. The most important festival, however, is the Rath Yatra.

Rath Yatra:-

 Rath Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with the god Jagannath which is held at the Jagannath Temple every year. It is the replication of the festival which happens at the same time in Puri.  This annual festival is celebrated on Ashadha Shukla Dwitiya (second day of the bright fortnight of Ashadha month) which coincides with the months of June-July. Rath Yatra translates into ‘The Chariot Journey’ in English. Over the period, the idols of Sri Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra are placed in wooden chariots which are constructed over a period of time by skilled craftsmen and the chariots are carried across the streets which are strewn with flowers and grains by the devotees. They are carried for a couple of kilometers and they are brought back to their original place after the journey. It’s a visual treat to see thousands of devotees gathering on the streets and helping in sharing the burden of the chariots of the gods.

The other festivals celebrated at the Jagannath Temple are:-

1.Maha Vishuba Pana Sankranti / Hanuman Jayanti
2.Shri Rama Navami
3.Basantika Dushhara
4.Ravinarayan Brata
5.Chaitra Purnima
6.Akshay Trutiya / Ratha Anukula
7.Harishayana Ekadashi / Sunabesha
8.Guru Purnima
9.Shrikrishna Janmasthami
10.Ganesh Chaturthi
11.Navadinatmaka Puja Arambh
12.Pithe Mahasthami Puja
13.Pithe Maha Navami Puja
14.Pithe Dushahera
15.Dipawali
16.Devabhisheka
17.Makara Sankranti
18.Saraswati Puja
19.Holi

Poojas and Rituals at Jagannath Temple:-

1.Mangal Aarti
2.Abkash
3.Balya Bhog
4.Mandir Rosoi Ghar Hawan
5.Surya Pooja
6.Dwarpal Hawan
7.Garud Pooja
8.Snana, Sringar and Sohala Upchar Pooja
9.Gopal Ballabh, Aarti and Pushpanjalee
10.Gita Paath
11. Vishnu Sahashranam Paath
12.Bada Bhog
13.Aarti
14.Pana Bhog
15.Veda Paath
16.Sri Bhagwat Paath
17.Strotra Paath
18.Sainkaleen Pooja
19.Sandhaya Aarti
20.Bhajan and Kirtan
21.Shayan Aarti
22.Bhada Bhog
23.Geet Govinda Paath

How To Reach:-

By Road:-

 The temple located in Hauz Khas. Delhi is well connected, by a network of roads and national highways, with all the major cities in India. The three major bus stands in Delhi are Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) at Kashmiri Gate, Sarai Kale-Khan Bus Terminus and Anand Vihar Bus Terminus. Both the government and private transport providers provide frequent bus services. One can also get government as well as private taxis here.

By Rail:-

 The nearest Railway Station to the temple is Hauz Khas Metro Station

By Air:-

 Delhi is well connected with domestic and international flights, to all the major cities within and outside India. Almost all the major airlines have their flights operating from Indira Gandhi International Airport at New Delhi. Domestic Airport connects Delhi to the major cities in India.