Hanuman Temple Connaught Place, Delhi

The capital city of Delhi is thronged with numerous temples tracing their history from ancient times that are today counted amongst the top tourist attractions in India. Amongst those, one such revered shrine is Hanuman Temple located at Baba Kharak Singh Marg in Connaught Place. Every year, lakhs of devotees come to this place to commemorate Lord Hanuman who is also the presiding deity of this Hindu temple in Delhi. Moreover, as per the folklore, the deity of the temple is self-manifested.

The idol of Lord Hanuman at the temple is placed in such a way that it faces the south direction holding a ‘Gada’ (the weapon of Lord Hanuman) in his left hand, while, the other hand rests on his chest in reverence to the effigies of Lord Rama, his brother Laxmana and wife Sita. On every Tuesday and Saturday, the temple receives oodles of pilgrims who come to offer their prayers. Besides, the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti also marks a heavy gathering of devotees at this Lord Hanuman’s temple in Delhi.

Boasting a height of around 108 feet, this temple, at present, serves as one of the major religious centers in Delhi. Being reckoned amongst the oldest Hanuman temples in India, this shrine is also believed to be erected by Pandavas after the Kurukshetra war against the Kauravas, and thus, it is also known as one of the five temples of Mahabharata days in Delhi. However, the original temple was said to have been constructed in 1724 AD by Raja Jai Singh.

Since its inception, the temple has undergone numerous modifications. An amazing fact to know about this temple is that from August 1, 1964, the temple is following a unique way of worshipping the deity where a 24-hour hymn chanting is performed at the temple. It is claimed that this unique fact is also listed in the Guinness Book of World Records.

History of Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place

The Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place is believed to be one of the five ancient temples of Delhi dating back to the Mahabharata era, originally established by the Pandavas after their victory in the Kurukshetra war. The temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Lord Hanuman in His childhood form, making it unique among Hanuman temples in India.

The present structure was first constructed by Raja Man Singh of Amber and later extensively rebuilt by Raja Jai Singh in 1724 AD. Since then, it has undergone multiple renovations to maintain its grandeur and accommodate the ever-increasing devotees.

Architecture of Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place

The Hanuman Mandir in Connaught Place stands tall with a 108-feet shikhara, making it one of the tallest temples in Delhi. Built with red sandstone and marble, the temple houses a unique south-facing idol of Lord Hanuman, holding a gada in his left hand and showing devotion to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana with his right hand. The entrance is decorated with mythological carvings, while the interiors feature Ramayana-themed paintings. A special Akhand Ram Naam chanting hall, where the mantra “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” has been recited continuously since 1964, adds to the temple’s spiritual aura.

Key Features:

• Height: 108 feet shikhara
• Idol Direction: South-facing Swayambhu Hanuman
• Construction: Red sandstone & marble
• Unique Ritual: 24-hour Ram Naam chanting since 1964
• Interiors: Carvings & Ramayana paintings

Unique Features of Hanuman Mandir

• The idol of Lord Hanuman is positioned facing south, with a Gada (mace) in his left hand and the other hand resting on his chest in devotion to Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lakshmana.
• On August 1, 1964, the temple introduced a unique practice of 24-hour non-stop chanting of the mantra “Sri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram.” This has continued without interruption and is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
• Standing at 108 feet, the temple is one of the tallest religious structures in Delhi.

Festivals & Celebrations

• Tuesdays and Saturdays – considered highly auspicious for Lord Hanuman worship, the temple sees huge gatherings.
• Hanuman Jayanti – celebrated with grandeur, attracting lakhs of devotees who offer prayers and participate in special rituals.

Nearby Attractions

When visiting Hanuman Temple in Connaught Place, you can also explore:

• Jantar Mantar (0.8 km) – An astronomical observatory built by Raja Jai Singh.
• Gurudwara Bangla Sahib (1.2 km) – A historic Sikh shrine known for its Sarovar and langar.
• India Gate (3 km) – Iconic war memorial and picnic spot.
• Rashtrapati Bhavan (3.5 km) – The residence of the President of India.
• Connaught Place Market (walking distance) – Famous for shopping, dining, and colonial-era architecture.

Quick Facts about Hanuman Temple, Connaught Place

The Hanuman Temple at Connaught Place is more than just a place of worship – it is a living testimony of faith, history, and culture. With its connection to the Mahabharata, the ever-resonating chants of “Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram,” and its Guinness World Record recognition, this temple continues to attract both devotees and tourists. Whether you seek blessings, history, or cultural heritage, the Hanuman Mandir stands as a spiritual landmark in the heart of Delhi.