SRI HANUMAN TEMPLE, PANKI, KANPUR,
UTTER PRADESH
sri akhilesh chandra sexsena, kanpur
Kanpur
This beautiful city of Utter Predesh is situated on the Southern bank of
eternal, peaceful Ganga, which is flowing majestically here. Every city on
the banks of Ganga has a different story to tell us about the pride of the
land and this place Kanpur is no exception. It is believed that this place is
connected with Mahabaratha. One version says that this place is connected
with Sri Krishna (Kanhiya), therefore the original name Kanhiyapur had come
to known as Kanpur. By variation it is said that Duryodhana gifted this place
to Karna, therefore the name Karnapur. Karnapur had latter come to be known
as Kanpur. But Jajmau and Bithoor the two places near Kanpur have shown lot
of evidences linking this places to the vedic times.
The recent excavation on the site Jajmau that is east of Kanpur and on the
other bank of the river Ganga, tends to prove that the site is very ancient
and perhaps dates back to vedic times. The place was in continues inhabitants
from 600 BC to 1600 AD. As per the legends the fort in this site belongs to
Yayati, a Chandravanchi king and eighth in succession to Lord Brahma and
place is known as Sdiddhapuri in ancient days.
As per the legend the other place Bithoor which is situated about 20 Km
upstream of the river Ganga is connected with Saint Valmiki and it is said
that that it is here that Sita brought up her twin sons Lav and Kush in
Valmiki Ashram. It is also said that it is here that Lord Brahma performed
the Ashvamedha Yajna on the banks of Holy Ganga therefore this place was also
known as Brahmavart. This historic town of Bithoor was once famous by the
name of `Bavan Ghaton ki Nagri’ meaning “city of 52 Ghat (river banks)”.
Today it is left with only 29 ghats and place worth a bath in Holy Ganga.
Panki
In this vedic and historic town of Kanpur there is place named Panki
presently inside the Kanpur municipal limits and is about eight Km from the
Kanpur railway station and main bus stand. The place has an electric power
generating station, which supplies to the northern grid. While the place
Bithoor is connected with Saint Valmiki this place Panki is linked to
Hanumanji. Where ever Lord Ram’s name is chanted there you can see Hanumanji.
Any place connected with the ancient epic Ramayana is not ‘purnam’ without
mention of Hanumanji. The place Panki has a wonderful ancient temple for
Hanumanji. An excellent power generator and sustainer!
The temple of Lord Hanumanji
The temple of Lord Hanuman is one of the most popular temples in this
region. He draws lot of devotees from all over the country and their wishes
are heard and fulfilled by the Lord. He showers His blessings on the devotees
who come here with full devotion and absolute faith.
Built on a sprawling land with great elevation, and huge towering ‘kumbas’
are under construction. There are three entrances to the temple from East,
North, and West sides and the temple is a magnificent sight from distance
itself.
The History of the temple
Although no authentic evidence regarding the history of the temple is
available, yet as per the legendary, temple is about three to four hundred
years old and The temple had been founded by Mahant Sri Sri 1008 Purushottam
Dasji Maharaj. Period mention is older than that of the rule of Raja Hindu
Singh who laid the foundation of a village called ‘Kanhapur’ (present Kanpur)
on the auspicious occasion of Janamashtami. As per public ascertainment, once
upon a time Mahant Sri Sri 1008 Purushottam Dasji Maharaj was on a pilgrimage
to Chitrakoot. Traveling on a bullock cart, near Chitrakoot Mahant stopped
for his morning prayers and on finishing of his prayer and prepared to
proceed on his journey, Mahant stumbled upon a rock like object. To his
astonishment that was an idol of Lord Hanuman, and by divine intuition he
felt that Lord Hanuman wanted him to carry the idol with him. Since he was
proceeding towards the holy place Bithoor, the place where Saint Valmiki’s
Ashram was there. Following this divine direction, Mahant picked up the idol,
kept it in his bullock cart with all reverence and continued his journey
towards Bithoor.
After some days of journey when the convoy was just ten koj (fifteen Kms
appox.) away from Bithoor, Mahant found that the bullock cart was not moving
and the bullocks were finding the load of car heavy. Failing all efforts
Mahant decided to rest the bullocks for a while. After putting the bullocks
to rest Mahant also took a light nap. During the rest Mahant again perceived
that the idol of the Lord giving him a divine direction to consecrate the
place and install the idol there itself. Mahant deemed this as a divine order
and installed (Predeshta) the idol at the very same place with the help of
the locals. The place is now known as Panki. Then on the locals started
worshiping the Lord Hanumanji at the installed place. In time to come a small
temple came up with the help of the locals and came to be known as Panki
temple of Lord Hanuman. Now it is very popular, as even the desires perceived
difficult to achieve by devotees will be fulfilled (assadhya sadhaka swamin)
with the worship of Panki Hanumanji. As the fame spread around, the temple
became more and more popular and now devotees from all over the country are
visiting this holy shrine. At present, the Panki temple is known as one of
the very famous temple of Lord Hanuman in Uttar Bharat.
Features of the vigraha
When Aahirawan took away Lord Ram and Lakshman with him to patal lok and
confined them there, Lord Hanuman reaches for rescue of His Lord. Aahirawan
vat takes place. The idol of Lord Hanuman inside Panki temple reflects the
expression of Lord as was at that very moment. The idol of the Lord is East
facing in a quite atmosphere with lot of silver emboss art work done around
the idol.
The Lord Hanuman here in Panki is seen as a gift from the celestial. It is
seen to be wondered that the appearance of the face of the Lord changes
thrice a day. With the raise of Sun in the morning the face of the Lord is
seen as a Bala Hanuman (Balargha sathrusha annanaha) bright and childish.
During noon the face of the Lord is seen as a youth ( Brahmachari). By
evening the Lord Hanuman is seen as a Maha purush (thejasvee).
When on pilgrimage or tour near Kanpur, make it a point to have a dharshan of the Panki Hanumanji at this holy temple, the triloka sanchari is awaiting as a trikala purusha to bless with the boon to fulfill your kamya.
[ed. 02.01.03]