History, Importance, Timings, Festivals, Architecture, Activities, Interesting Facts and Travel Guide of Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Hanuman Garhi is a Hindu temple located in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India. It is one of the most popular and sacred temples in Ayodhya and is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple is situated on a hill and is located around 1.5 kilometres away from the Ram Janmabhoomi site, which is considered to be the birthplace of Lord Rama.
The temple complex consists of a series of steps that lead up to the main temple, which is surrounded by a fortified wall. The temple architecture is predominantly North Indian style, with a number of small shrines and temples dedicated to other deities within the complex. The main temple is said to have been built by Nawab of Awadh in the 18th century.
According to local legend, the temple is said to have been established by Lord Hanuman himself. The temple is believed to be one of the places where Lord Hanuman took rest during his search for Goddess Sita, who had been abducted by Ravana.
Hanuman Garhi is particularly popular among devotees of Lord Hanuman, who flock to the temple throughout the year. However, it is particularly crowded during the Hanuman Jayanti festival, which is celebrated in honor of Lord Hanuman's birth.
Visitors to the temple are required to climb a series of steep steps to reach the main temple, but the climb is considered to be worth it due to the spectacular views of the surrounding area that can be seen from the top of the hill.
In recent years, Hanuman Garhi has also gained significance as a pilgrimage site for Hindus in the context of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute. The dispute centred on the claim that the site of the Babri Masjid mosque was built on the ruins of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama. The Supreme Court of India resolved the dispute in 2019, ruling in favour of the construction of a Ram temple on the site, which has since been completed.
Timing of Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya has fixed timings for darshan (worship) which are as follows:
The temple opens at 5:00 AM in the morning.
The morning aarti (worship) is performed at 7:00 AM.
The temple remains open throughout the day and closes at 9:00 PM.
The evening aarti is performed at 6:00 PM.
Devotees can visit the temple during these timings to offer their prayers and seek blessings from Lord Hanuman. It is important to note that the temple may have limited access or restricted timings during festivals or special occasions, so it is advisable to check beforehand. Visitors are advised to follow the dress code and other rules and regulations set by the temple authorities while visiting Hanuman Garhi.
Architecture of Hanuman Garhi in Ayodhya
Hanuman Garhi temple in Ayodhya is a prominent example of North Indian style temple architecture. The temple complex consists of a series of steps that lead up to the main temple, which is surrounded by a fortified wall.
The main temple is built in a quadrangular shape and has a height of around 70 feet. The temple has four entrance gates and is adorned with beautiful carvings and sculptures of various deities. The temple is said to have been constructed using yellow sandstone and features intricate artwork and designs.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, who is placed in the sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) of the temple. The idol of Lord Hanuman is depicted in a sitting posture with his right hand raised in blessing. There are also small shrines and temples dedicated to other deities within the temple complex.
The temple architecture also features a number of chhatris (dome-shaped pavilions) that are built on top of the temple's roof. These chhatris are considered to be a distinctive feature of North Indian temple architecture and add to the temple's aesthetic appeal.
The temple complex is surrounded by a fortified wall, which gives it a unique appearance. The walls are adorned with sculptures and carvings of various deities and figures from Hindu mythology. The fortification is also meant to provide security to the temple and its devotees.
Overall, Hanuman Garhi temple's architecture is an excellent example of North Indian temple architecture and is considered to be a significant part of Ayodhya's cultural heritage.
