The Salangpur/Sarangpur Hanuman temple is one of the most renowned temples for the monkey god, Hanuman. It lies in Gujarat, and is part of the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Here, Hanuman is in the form of Kashtabhanjan. Hanuman is believed to be the Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva who took birth during the Treta Yuga to help Vishnu who incarnated as Lord Rama.
The word ‘Kashtabhanjan’ means ‘crusher of sorrows’. Hanuman is a deity who embodies traits like courage, loyalty, strength, devotion, and protection. He has many supernatural abilities. His mystical powers include the ability to protect devotees from evil spirits, ghosts, and negative energy. This power of Hanuman is evident at the Salangpur Hanuman Temple, according to visitors and worshippers at the temple. They believe that Salangpur Hanuman will drive out evil spirits, cure various ailments and mental disorders, and bestow prosperity. Hanuman is famous for his strength and power. He is the symbol of physical and mental fortitude. By worshipping him, devotees hope to acquire courage and strength.
History of the Salangpur Hanuman Temple
The Salangpur Hanuman Temple has a fascinating history. The famous saint Gopalananda Swami, who was a devotee of Lord Swaminarayan, built it in the 19th century. The story goes that when he visited the village of Salangpur, he found that many of the locals suffered from various ailments and troubles caused by evil spirits.
He believed that Hanuman’s presence was essential to free the villagers from the problems they faced. He told people to worship Hanuman with faith and devotion, as he could help them overcome their problems. In time, the temple became popular and began to attract pilgrims from all over the world. Devotees believe that the temple has the ability to repel evil spirits and heal various diseases.
A rich businessman by the name of Sheth Shree Kasamali Laxmidas came forward to fund the temple’s renovation and the provision of new amenities at the turn of the 20th century. The Shree Hanumanji Temple Trust, which manages the temple and its infrastructure, is now in charge of the Salangpur Hanuman Temple.
Thousands of devotees visit the temple daily. It is an important historical and cultural monument in Gujarat.
The Architecture of Salangpur Temple
The temple architecture is in the conventional Indian style or the Solanki architectural style, which features ornate sculptures. The temple has towers and lesser domes all around the central dome.
The idol here is of black stone and is 10 ft tall. It is said to have miraculous powers to heal the sick and grant wishes. A unique feature of the temple is that it has an idol of Shani Bhagwan at the feet of Hanuman. People fear Shani or Saturn as it is a malefic planet. But Hanuman has the power to reduce its negative effects.
Surprisingly, Shani has a female form in this temple. According to legend, Shani was making his devotees suffer a lot. The devotees prayed to Hanuman for relief. On seeing their condition, Hanuman became angry and decided to punish Shani.
Shani began to think to ways to protect himself from Hanuman’s anger. He thought that as Hanuman is a ‘brahmachari,’ he could never hurt a woman. So he turned into a woman, and surrendered himself at Hanuman’s feet, seeking forgiveness. Hanuman forgave him, and hence, Shani is present here in the female form.
The temple’s main entrance is framed by a huge arch that sports carvings and sculptures of various Hindu deities. On the pillars and walls are ornate sculptures and carvings that represent incidents in Hindu mythology. These carvings are of good quality sandstone, and boast exquisite craftsmanship.
There is also a large courtyard for devotees to offer prayers and perform rituals. Smaller shrines and pavilions that surround the courtyard enhance the temple’s beauty. The temple was built under the guidance of the Swaminarayan Trust.
Significance of Salangpur Hanuman Temple
Hanuman here is in the form of Kashtbhanjan who alleviates the sufferings of his devotees. Supposedly, the idol is so powerful that just a glance at it can banish all evil and negativity from a person. On Saturdays, there are special rites for those who suffer from mental illness or other disorders, and one can see queues of people waiting to enter the temple. Those who are possessed by ghosts and evil spirits also visit the temple to be free of them.
The temple is quite famous for its healing powers. People who suffer from physical as well as mental ailments visit the temple, seeking relief. There are Pandits here, who help devotees to perform certain rituals and suggest specific Mantras for chanting that can bring relief and peace of mind. When one enters the temple premises itself, one feels a surge of energy and the mind becomes calm.
Hanuman also gives one courage and protection against negative energies. There are rituals to protect people from the effects of black magic, evil eyes, and witchcraft.
The Hanuman Chalisa says that ghosts and evil spirits will not come near if they hear the name of Hanuman. The temple performs a unique Aarti and exorcism on those who are possessed by demons or ghosts.
Poojas in Sarangpur Temple
The Poojas and rituals at this temple include the following:
• Abishekam: Hanuman’s idol is bathed in water, milk, honey, and other holy substances during this ritual.
• Aarti: Lamps are lit and waved before the deity, while chanting hymns during this process.
• Hanuman Chalisa Path: The Hanuman Chalisa is chanted to invoke Hanuman’s protection and blessings.
• Special Poojas: There are special Poojas on occasions like Hanuman Jayanti, Diwali, and Navratri.
• Prasad: Devotees offer Prasad to Hanuman, and it is given back to the worshippers by the priest after it has been blessed by the deity.
There is a strict dress code here, under which men have to wear dhotis and women should wear sarees or salwar-kameez. Devotees offer gifts to Hanuman, which include fruits, flowers, coconuts, and incense sticks.
Accommodation is available for devotees who wish to spend the night.
How to Reach:
The temple is in Salangpur in Gujarat’s Botad district.
By Air
The nearest domestic airport, Bahavanpur, is 82 km away. Ahmedabad International Airport is 159 km away. One can take a bus or cab to the temple from the airport.
By Train
The nearest train station is Botad Junction, which is 12 km away.
By Road
Buses are available from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, and other major cities in Gujarat.
Sarangpur Temple Timings:
Monday to Sunday: 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.
