The Hanuman Temple in Sarangpur, Gujarat, is dedicated to the Monkey God, Hanuman, who played a key role in the Ramayana. Hanuman is believed to be the Rudra avatar of Shiva. He is a symbol of courage, strength, loyalty, and devotion.
The Sarangpur temple, also called Salangpur temple, comes under the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. It is the only temple in this category that has no images of either Swaminarayan or Krishna as the principal deities.
The temple is dedicated to Hanuman in the form of Kashtabhanjan, meaning ‘one who crushes sorrows.’ The image of Hanuman here has such great power that people possessed by evil spirits can be free of them if they merely glance at the deity. This temple is one of the most sacred shrines of Hanuman and attracts devotees from all over India and even abroad.
History of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
The temple was initially small, but after Shastri Yagnapurushdas began managing its affairs in 1899, he supposedly renovated the shrine. He also acquired more land and added new buildings. The idol of Hanuman was installed by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami in 1905. The story goes that when the Sadguru was installing the idol, he happened to touch it with a rod, and it came to life.
Significance of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
The temple complex is spacious. Special rituals take place on Saturdays when people who suffer from mental illness and other disorders visit the temple seeking relief. They touch the energized silver rod, which supposedly has curative powers. This is the same rod used by the Sadguru during the installation ceremony. The priest is a Brahmin householder.
People with mental or physical problems go round the temple, chanting the Swaminarayan Mahamantra to get relief from their distress. There are many Aartis in a day. After offering worship, devotees get Prasad, and many make their way to the dining hall where free food is available. There is a well here, which is supposedly 350 years old. People believe that its waters are holy, and they often take home some, which they use during Poojas or other religious occasions.
Architecture of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
The temple is famous for its architecture, which is in the unique Indian style of temple architecture. As the temple was built under the guidance of the Swaminarayan Trust, one can see the same style and features that mark the Swaminarayan temples here as well.
The architectural style in this temple is Solanki. It includes intricate carvings and ornate sculptures. Around the central dome, one can see towers and lesser domes.
The idol here is of black stone and stands 10 ft tall. People believe that it has miraculous powers and can heal sick people besides granting the wishes of devotees. A unique feature is the idol of Shaniswaran found at the feet of the Hanuman idol. Shani or Saturn is a malefic planet, but Hanuman supposedly can reduce its negative effects.
Shani is present in a female form here. An interesting legend claims that Shani was causing great suffering to his devotees, and they prayed to Hanuman seeking protection from Shani-related troubles. An angry Hanuman decided to punish Shani.
Shani decided to shield himself from Hanuman’s wrath. Hanuman being a bachelor or ‘brahmachari,’ Shani felt that he would not hurt a woman. So he took the form of a woman and surrendered himself at Hanuman’s feet, seeking his pardon. Hanuman did forgive him, and this is why Shani is worshipped here in the female form.
At the temple’s main entrance is a huge arch. One can find intricate carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities on it. The pillars and walls, too, display sculptures and carvings that recreate various episodes in Hindu mythology. These carvings are of fine quality sandstone and are very exquisite in their craftsmanship.
The temple has a large courtyard where devotees can offer prayers and perform rituals. There are also smaller shrines and pavilions around the courtyard that add to its beauty.
Festivals at Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav, in Chaitra month, is celebrated grandly in the temple. Sundar Kand is celebrated in October or November and narrates the feats of Hanuman in his various forms.
Holi, the festival of colors, is also celebrated here with great fanfare.
Benefits of Worshipping at the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, there are special rituals at the Sarangpur temple. Many people come here seeking relief from various physical and mental ailments. Special prayers and Poojas are performed to invoke Hanuman’s blessings on these days.
Many rituals are performed for the benefit of those who suffer from mental illness, stress, etc. The temple is also renowned as a place where people come to exorcise evil spirits and ghosts that inhabit their bodies.
People targeted by witchcraft and black magic also come here for protection and deliverance.
Hanuman is also known as Kashtbhanjan or Sankatmochan, as he can help people get rid of their problems. Devotees chant the Swaminarayan Mahamantra and the Hanuman Chalisa to invoke his protection and blessings.
Hanuman represents courage and strength. Hence, people worship him to acquire these traits so that they can overcome their problems and achieve success in life.
