MY VISIT TO HANUMANSETU TEMPLE

 

This is one of the most popular and frequently visited Hanuman temples in Lucknow. Other hanuman temples in Lucknow are the New Hanuman temple at Aliganj. Dakshinamukhi Hanuman temple in Hazrathganj and Chhachhi Kuan Hanuman temple in Aliganj. This Hanuman temple is seen on the side of the new bridge which comnnects Hazrathganj and the Lucknow University. Hence this temple is called Sankatmochan Hanuman Sethu Mandir. Previously the old temple was near the old bridge called ‘Monkey Bridge.” Swami Neem Karauli Baba established this old temple.  In 1960 the bridge collapsed due to heavy floods. The temple was also washed away. But miraculously nothing happened to the idol inside the temple. A new bridge was constructed and the idol was installed by Karauli Baba in the new temple on January26, 1967. (Basant Panchami). Baba’s chamber can still be seen in the old temple at a lower level from the new temple.

 The design of the new temple and the new bridge were done by Sri Kanvide Rai & Co.The 6.5 foot idol was made of a single marble stone and was sculpted in Jaipur.  The oval shaped pooja hall can accommodate nearly 250 people to participate in Pooja activities. On the walls beautiful mural sculptures of Ram and Lakshman are seen on one side while Rama, Lakshman and other vanara army are seen performing Shiv pooja on the other side. In the inner sanctum the idol of Hanuman is seen standing majestically revealing Ram and Sita enshrined within his bosom. In this temple many devotees write their problems and submit them at the feet of the Lord. Before closing hour all these letters are read by the priest and the devotees believe that the Lord would listen to their problems and help them in solving their personal issues.

 Special poojas are done on every Tuesday of Jyesht month (May and June) considered to be a very auspicious time for worshipping Hauman. Abhishek, Havan, recital of Ramcharitmanas , bhajans and cultural performances are performed during this period. Many people offer wheat, sweet puri and jaggery as Prasad to the Lord. Every Tuesday nearly 30,000 devotees come here for darshan. Prasad is distributed to all people in an orderly manner. Annadan (distribution of food) is done for more than one hundred poor people every day. The temple also runs a free homeopathic dispensary to serve the poor people. The opening hours of this temple are from 5.00 a.m. to 12.00 p.m. and from 4.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. Many political dignitaries and other celebrities visit this temple to worship this powerful deity.

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            13th october, 2019                                    Somaseshu Gutala