Celebrations unfolded on Tuesday at Hanuman temples across the country as devotees thronged these shrines to offer special prayers and to worship with chant of mantras on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti.
Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated every year on the full moon day (purnima) of the Chaitra month. Devotees celebrate this occasion by smearing vermillion on their foreheads and observe a day long fast to commemorate the day.
On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, here is a list of famous Hanuman temples across the country where devotees can visit and offer prayers.
Jakhu Temple, Shimla: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Jakhoo temple is an ancient temple believed to be holding the footprints of Lord Hanuman. A special aerial ropeway has been arranged for devotees on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, linking Shimla’s Ridge with the Hanuman temple in 8,000 feet high Jakhu hills. Constructed by Jagson International Ltd, the ropeway would facilitate the visitors to reach the famous Hanuman temple in five minutes.
Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the 10th century Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya, is located on a hilltop and has 76 staircase pathway to lead devotees to the entrance of the temple. A 6-inch tall deity of Lord Hanuman and panoramic view of the surrounding hills attract devotees from many parts of the country to this picturesque location.
Balaji Hanuman Temple, Rajasthan: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this temple is located at a nearby a small hill. It is just 66km away from Jaipur. Ritualistic healing and exorcism of evil spirits attract pilgrims from different parts of the state and country.
Hanuman Dhara, Chitrakut: Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Hanuman Dhara is one of the great shrines in the hills of Chitrakoot, about 5 km from Ram Ghat. They say Hanuman came to this place with his tail on fire, after destroying Lanka. To cool his extreme anger he stood under a stream of water flowing out of the rock, which was later named as Hanuman Dhara. cDevotees have to climb 360 steps to seek blessings of the deity Hanuman. Tourists can also find an old step-well on their way to Hanuman Dhara, which never gets dried up.
Mahavir Hanuman Temple, Bihar: One of the oldest and leading temples in the country, Mahavir Mandir in Patna attracts devotees from across the country. Two huge deities of Hanuman are the main attractions of the temple. The temple is situation just near to the railway station in Patna.
