Lord Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Rama and an iconic figure of strength, devotion, and selfless service, is revered by millions across India. Temples dedicated to Hanuman are considered shaktisthals—spiritual powerhouses where devotees seek courage, protection, and blessings. Here is an immersive journey through the top 10 Hanuman temples in India, renowned for their history, legends, and spiritual magnetism.
1. Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh)
Situated close to the sacred Ram Janmabhoomi, Hanuman Garhi is one of the oldest and most respected Hanuman temples in India. Devotees climb 76 steps to reach the main shrine, symbolizing each effort to earn Lord Hanuman’s grace. Legends state that Hanuman resided here to protect Ayodhya, making this temple integral to the spiritual fabric of the city. The bustling energy, continuous chanting, and aarti offerings create an unforgettable atmosphere for pilgrims and spiritual seekers.
2. Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)
Founded in the 16th century by poet-saint Tulsidas, this temple is closely linked to the epic Ramcharitmanas. Sankat Mochan literally means “the reliever of troubles,” and devotees throng here for blessings of protection, health, and happiness. Special Hanuman Jayanti celebrations witness thousands offering prayers and singing the Hanuman Chalisa, enveloping the temple in a devotional aura.
3. Shri Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place (Delhi)
Located in the heart of India’s capital, this temple boasts a lineage dating back to the Mahabharata era. Besides its historical value, a striking feature is the spire topped with an Islamic crescent moon—believed to have protected it from destruction during invasions. The lively temple grounds witness continuous singing of bhajans and the reading of the Hanuman Chalisa, especially during festivals, making it a must-visit spiritual location in Delhi.
4. Jakhu Hanuman Temple, Shimla (Himachal Pradesh)
Sitting atop the 8,000-foot-high Jakhu Hill, Shimla, this temple is famous for a colossal 108-foot-tall Hanuman statue that dominates the skyline. According to legend, Hanuman stopped here while searching for the Sanjeevani herb for Lakshmana during the Ramayana. The panoramic views and serene ambiance offer a spiritual escape and a deep sense of reverence.
5. Salasar Balaji Mandir, Salasar (Rajasthan)
Located in the Churu district, this renowned temple is unique for its idol, which features a mustache and beard—a rare depiction of Hanuman. Devotees believe prayers here bring healing, familial happiness, and fulfillment of wishes. The annual fairs and daily rituals attract millions, making Salasar Balaji one of Rajasthan’s busiest devotional centers.
6. Mahavir Hanuman Mandir, Patna (Bihar)
Standing near the bustling Patna Junction, this 20th-century temple has become one of Eastern India’s biggest Hanuman shrines. Worshipped here as Mahavir (the warrior), Hanuman is believed to grant miraculous wish fulfillment and protection, making this temple especially popular among those embarking on new ventures or journeying outside Bihar.
7. Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple (Tamil Nadu)
This South Indian temple features an 18-foot-tall gilded Hanuman idol, one of the tallest in India. The temple’s architecture and annual Hanuman Jayanti festivities draw vast crowds, reflecting the continuing devotion that reverberates through the centuries. Many believe that the shrine’s unique location atop a hill infuses the temple with spiritual potency.
8. Yantrodharaka Hanuman Temple, Hampi (Karnataka)
Located amidst the ruins of Hampi, this temple reveals Hanuman in Padmasana, surrounded by a mystical yantra—a diagram believed to harness divine energy. Established by Vyasaraya, the guru of the Vijayanagara Empire, this temple is known for meditative strength, yogic energy, and wisdom. Pilgrims visit not just for blessings but also to experience the tranquil spiritual environment of historic Hampi.
9. Paritala Anjaneya Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Housing a 176-foot-tall statue, Paritala Anjaneya Temple near Vijayawada features one of the world’s tallest Hanuman idols. The towering figure exemplifies strength and hope, attracting thousands who revere Hanuman’s role as a remover of obstacles and a symbol of unwavering devotion. Its impressive size and grandeur make it a marvelous architectural and spiritual achievement.
10. Bedi Hanuman (Dakshin Dwar Hanuman), Puri (Odisha)
Standing guard at the southern gate of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Bedi Hanuman is chained according to legend—placed by Sita herself to restrain his playful nature and ensure he remained to protect the city. Devotees stop here, believing Hanuman’s presence safeguards Puri from calamities, particularly those from the sea. This sacred narrative and the temple’s proximity to Jagannath ensure it remains a pillar of local faith.
Significance and Pilgrimage
Each temple in this list represents not just a place of worship but also a living legend, a center for community, and a spiritual journey for countless devotees. From the snow-capped hills of Shimla to the bustling lanes of Delhi and the ancient stones of Hampi, these Hanuman temples showcase the diversity and scale of India’s spiritual heritage. Pilgrims and travelers alike find inspiration, hope, and inner strength when visiting these shrines, reaffirming the undying faith in Hanuman’s protection and grace.
Whether embarking on a religious pilgrimage, exploring cultural landmarks, or simply seeking solace, these top 10 Hanuman temples form an integral part of India’s spiritual and architectural landscape.
