Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Salangpur

Lord Bajrangbali Hanuman is the most celebrated god in Hinduism known for his strength, unsurmountable capabilities, and powers, and for being the immortal devotee of lord Ram. it is said that he has announced that as long as Raam Naam is recited on Bhulok he would live on the planet. This is the epitome of devotion and the inspiration for Bhakti Marg that one can find. The Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir is one such example of Shri Hanuman’s devotion to his favorite Shri Raam, so let’s take a look. 

History of Salangpur Hanumanji 

The Hanuman Temple of Salangpur in the Indian state of Gujarat falls under the Vadtal Gadi of Swaminarayan Sampraday. It is the most renowned Shree Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji Temple, and its history is deeply rooted in legend and devotion making it a significant pilgrimage site for devotees. Even so, the exact origin and establishment of the temple are not well-documented and are passed down through oral traditions and legends.  

The dated history is of the shrine renovation in the year 1899 by Shastri Yagnapurushdas who was given the responsibility of managing the temple then. A new structure for Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir on the additional property acquired was established by him then. The original idol of Kashtabhanjan Maruti was consecrated many centuries ago but later in the year 1905 a Hanuman idol was established by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami a renowned saint of the 19th century. In the year 1907a new Mahant was chosen by Govardhandas, and since then the Vadtal Gadi has introduced extra structures and improvements to Kashtbhanjan Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir. Another remarkable addition was made on 6th April 2023 when a 54-foot-tall lord Hanuman statue made of metal was unveiled which is visible even from 7 km.  

• The Sarangpur Hanuman temple is famously known as Kashtabhanjan, meaning the crusher of problems, and remover of sorrow. The temple is famous for its healing powers, it is said that the Lord Hanuman Idol has the capacity to heal, if one visits the temple and stares at the Kashtbhanjan Hanuman Murti all the evil in their life would disappear. It is particularly said for those afflicted by evil spirits or supernatural ailments. Devotees have a firm belief that praying in Sarangpur Hanuman Dada Nu Mandir can cure various physical and mental ailments.

• There is another great significance of Salangpur Hanumanji, which is the massive Hanumanji Idol in a standing posture praised as the main deity. It has been said that the idol now, was installed by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami who was a disciple of lord Swaminarayan the founder of Swaminarayan Sampradaya. Legends say that the Lord Hanuman Idol was infused with life and divinity when Swami Gopalanand touched the idol with a rod. After this incident, the Kashtbhanjan Murti of Salangpur Hanumanji was even more revered as the powerful deity known for dispelling evil spirits and having miraculous powers of curing illness.

• With all the prodigy revolving around the Salangpur Hanuman temple it has been a prominent pilgrim site for devotees over the years seeking relief from physical mental and spiritual afflictions obtaining the healing grace of Lord Hanuman. The praised idol of Salangpur Hanumaji is another unique attraction as it includes Lord Maruti’s form standing with one leg up crushing a demon under his foot and baring teeth, having a handlebar mustache, a 9 feet tall structure standing among the sculpted images of the monkey attendants all bearing fruits for the lord. The idol in Salangpur Hanumanji temple garbhagriha has the lord staring directly at the devotees considered to be staring into their souls and curing them of all evils.

• Another substantial ground for Sarangpur Hanumanji Temple is the daily rituals and prayers conducted in honor of Lord Hanuman. There are daily Aarti, Bhajan, and prasad distributions, devotees often offer prayers and circumambulation (parikrama) and are able to participate in temple spiritual activities

• The Sarangpur Hanuman Dada Nu Mandir provides devotees with a place to praise the lord and obtain solace for their disturbed minds and souls, the surrounding and serene devotional atmosphere makes the temple spiritually charged helping the devotees meditate and reflect on themselves. The Salangpur Hanumanji represents a deep-rooted Bhakti tradition in Hinduism and continues to draw believers pertaining to the temples’s history intertwined with devotion, and legends making it a significant religious and cultural landmark in Gujrat, India. 

Sarangpur Hanumanji Temple Architectural Ensemble 

The architecture of any space enhances its beauty which is more of a temple that is built with devotion and love for the lord. In each curve, there is dedication and admiration for the dedicated lord seen providing the onlookers and visitors with visual feat and amazement. The same is true with the Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir dedicated to lord Hanuman, even though the deity is its main attraction, its temple’s architectural ensemble holds a cultural and aesthetic significance.  

• The Salangpur Hanuman Dada nu Mandir is a showcase of intricate architectural details and beautiful artwork, including sculptures and murals on domes and spires depicting scenes of Hindu traditions, legends, and culture adding to the spiritual value of the temple.

• The architecture follows a traditional style it has a grand entrance leading to the central courtyard surrounded by intricately carved walls and pillars all of which reflect classical Indian temple design principles. The entrance gate of Sarangpur Hanuman Mandir is adorned with ornate and artistical carvings of legends related to Lord Hanuman also known as Panchmukhi Hanuman.

• Salangpur Hanuman Mandir’s layout typically includes a Mandap (hall or pavilion) leading to Garbhagriha (sanctum) where the main idol of Lord Hanuman is enshrined. The exterior and interior feature beautiful carvings and sculptures. These artistic depictions often showcase various deities, divine beings, animals, and narratives adding to the temple’s aesthetic appeals.

• The architecture of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple includes decorative elements, and a supportive color palette enhancing the religious and cultural symbolism. It has a courtyard for devotees to gather for prayer, rituals, ceremonies, and congregational prayers all of it adding to the Salangpur Hanumanji’s grandeur and providing an aesthetically and spiritually enriching atmosphere.

With all the significance involved in the Salangpur Hanumanji Mandir the great experience of devotees, it is a place that provides solace to the visitors. The one who comes seeking blessing and relief from problems always gets their solutions. The Sarangpur Hanuman Temple contributes to the believer’s aesthetical, spiritual, cultural satiation, and mental health enhancement. It is a divine pilgrim site having several places in the vicinity like Polo Forest, Sarangpur Reservoir, Harnav River, Ambaji Temple, and Shamlaji Temple, all adding to the visitor’s expeditions and providing them serene experience. So a visit to Hanuman Temple in Salangpur would not only gain you the blessing of Lord Maruti but also present an opportunity to explore the nearby scenic places.