Bada Hanuman Mandir, Prayagraj

Hanumanji is another term for miracles. Bajrangbali has been associated with miracles since ages. Whether it is to see Ram and Janaki seated in the chest or to deliver Sanjeevani herb to revive Lakshmanji. Hanuman's miracles can be seen not only in the legendary period, but also in the Kaliyuga. Hanuman's old and wonderful temples can be found throughout our land. One of these is the Hanuman Temple, which is located on the banks of the Sangam. In this one-of-a-kind shrine, the Hanumanji idol is reclining rather than upright. After all, why is Hanumanji sleeping down here? It is claimed that this temple is located on the banks of Sangam.

Table of Contents 

1. Establishment of the temple
2. History of the temple
3. Significance of worshipping Lord Hanuman in the temple
4. Timings of temple
5. How were the Mughal soldiers not able to move the statue?

Establishment of the temple

It is reported that this odd Hanumanji statue is 20 feet long and faces south. It is estimated that it is at least 6-7 feet beneath the surface. In Sangam city, he goes by Bade Hanumanji, Fort Hanumanji, Lete Hanumanji, and Dam Hanumanji. This statue is thought to be buried with Kamada Devi on her left foot and Ahiravan on her right. Ram-Lakshman holds a mace in his left hand and is decorated in his right. Bajrangbali grants the wishes of all devotees who come here. That is why Hanumanji lays here. It is stated that while returning from conquering Lanka, Hanumanji became exhausted along the route. So, following Mother Sita's guidance, he lay down on the banks of the Sangam. With this in mind, a temple to Hanumanji was established here. 

History of the Temple

This temple is thought to be at least 600–700 years old. The monarch of Kannauj is supposed to have no offspring. As a remedy, his guru advised him to build a statue of Hanumanji, who had gone to the underworld to rescue Ram Lakshman from the serpent noose. This Hanumanji statue should be built and taken from Vindhyachal mountain. When the king of Kannauj did the same, he carried the Hanumanji idol from Vindhyachal via boat.The boat then broke, submerging the statue. The monarch was deeply saddened to see this and returned to his kingdom. Many years later, as the water level in the Ganga dropped, Ram devotee Baba Balgiri Maharaj, who was attempting to erect Dhuni there, discovered this statue. Then the king built the temple there.

Significance of worshipping Lord Hanuman in the temple

There are numerous temples in our country that hold various ideologies. But did you know that in Allahabad, often known as the religious city of Uttar Pradesh, there is a one-of-a-kind Hanuman ji temple on the banks of the Sangam? Where his statue is admired. It is considered that the entire advantage of Sangam is accomplished only after seeing Hanuman ji. This statue is claimed to represent Hanuman ji's rebirth narrative. According to legend, when Bajrang Bali was on the verge of death after conquering Lanka due to excruciating pain, Mother Janaki gave him her vermillion and blessed him with a new life that would be healthy and long.

Along with this, Mother Janaki stated that whosoever visits the Sangam Snan on this Triveni bank will only receive the true fruit of the Sangam Snan if he sees Lord Hanuman. Since Mother Janaki supplied vermilion, devotees visiting this shrine have donated vermilion to Bajrang Bali. It is regarded as extremely auspicious. Let us also mention that this Hanuman ji monument is also known as the Kotwal of Prayag. It is also said that while Aurangzeb was ruler of India in 1400 AD, he attempted to remove this statue from this shrine. He had assigned 100 soldiers for this purpose, but they were unable to move the statue despite several days of hard work.

According to custom, each devotee who makes a genuine desire in this temple would have his wish granted. After fulfilling their promise, devotees gather here every Tuesday and Saturday in a procession with musical instruments to raise the flag.

Timings of the Temple

This famed pilgrimage place in Prayagraj is open every day of the week. The location is open every day from 5:30 AM to 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Bhog offered to Bade Hanumanji

Sweet boondi or laddus are offered to Hanuman ji. And he is very fond of this.
Red fruits like apples and litchi - Offering red apples is considered auspicious because it removes Mangal Dosha and removes obstacles in auspicious works.
Imarti, Jalebi or Malpua- These are very dear to Lord Hanuman and offering them opens the way for progress for the devotees.
Jaggery and gram- Offering these is auspicious and helps in removing the defects related to Mars and Sun. This is also good for health.
Gram flour laddus - These do not disturb Saturn, give financial benefits and improve mental health.
Motichoor ladoos are made by frying small balls of gram flour, soaking them in sugar syrup, adding cardamom and garnishing with dry fruits. This sweet dish symbolises the sweetness of devotion and is very much liked by Lord Hanuman.
Tulsi rosary, which provides protection and strength in difficult times.
Betel leaves- By offering these, wishes are fulfilled and happiness, peace and prosperity are attained.

How were the Mughal soldiers not able to move the statue? 

In ancient times, Mughal emperors ordered the demolition of Hindu temples, yet the Mughal soldiers were unable to take the Hanumanji statue. As they attempted to lift the statue, it sank deeper into the dirt. This is why the statue is built so low to the earth.