PRACHEEN HUNUMAN MANDIR, NEW DELHI...
gk kaushik
Delhi the Indraprastha
It is customary to talk of the eight cities of Delhi, though actually there
are about fifteen sites having distinct stages of habitation in and around
Delhi. The long history of this area is not difficult to understand. Delhi
lies at a strategically significant position at the opening of the fertile
Indo-Gangetic plain, through which have poured the hordes of invaders.
Delhi by tradition traces its history to the Mahabharata. The legendary tale
of an epic war fought between two houses of cousins, the Kauravas and the
Pandavas, nearly three thound years ago. The city of Indraprastha was one of
the bones of contention between them and this city, probably built by
Pandavas is said to be the original city of Delhi.
Nothing remains of Indraprastha above ground now. But recent excavations at
the Old Fort have revealed a fine grey earthenware that could support the
theory of the existence of Indraprastha at that site.
Mahabarata and Hanuman
Sriman Narayan who had taken the avathara as Lord Rama had shown the
governance through dharma to us and left for Vaikuntha. All the characters of
Ramayana had left for Vaikuntha, but Hanuman remained here with us in this
world, to spread the Ramaraj and dharma. Not only that, he had seen Sriman
Narayan in the next yuga as Lord Krishna and his help was sought for
reestablishment of dharma. There is anecdote in Mahabarata about the presence
of Hanuman during that time. Pandavas were on exile imposed by Duryodhan.
During that time when roaming about in jungles, Draupadi smelled a divine
fragrance. She was so enamored of the fragrance, that she requested Bheema to
fetch the flower. Bheema went in search of the flower, following the lead
given by the fragrance. He found an old looking monkey covering the path of
his way. Bheema condescendingly asked the monkey to make way for him unaware
that the monkey in non other then his brother Hanuman (both are vayu amsa).
The arrogance in the tone of Bheema prompted Hanuman to ask Bheema to lift
his tail since he old and weak. Bheema with reluctance lifted the tail that
was blocking his way, but could not do so even after several tries. Then he
realised that the monkey is Lord Hanuman. Bheema apologised for his arrogant
behavior and said he had realised that power devoid of arrogance is greater.
On the request of Bheema, Anjuna and Lord Krishna it is said that Lord
Hanuman was present in the flag post of the chariot of Anjuna driven by Lord
Krishna during the Kurushetra war.
Ancient Temples of Indraprashtha
There are five shrines in Delhi that are identified with Pandavas in their
Indraprastha by the tradition. They are Yogamaya temple in Mehrauli, Kalkaji
Maa Temple in Kalkaji, Bhairav Temple near Purana-killa (Old fort), Bhairav
temple in Kalkaji, BalaHanuman Temple near Jantar Mandir. It is believed that
the shrines were built during more or less same period and all these idols
are said to be swayambhuhu (self manifested ones)
Ancient Hanuman Temple
The Ancient Hanuman Temple situated on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, New Delhi near
Jantar Mandir is one of the oldest Hanuman temples of India and dating back
to the era of the Pandavas. The idol of this mandir is a swayambhuhu.
The city Indraprashtha is part of the history and Delhi was seat of power
many dynasties. There are legendary stories of Hindu resistance against
repeated Muslim invasions by the Rajput King, Prithviraj Chauhan. Several
temples built by Tomars and Chauhans, were pulled down by the conquering
Mulims and their stones reutilised mainly in the construction of the
Auwwat-ul-Islam mosque at Lal Kot, in the Qutb complex.
The Hanuman temple in Baba Kharak Singh Marg near Connaught place has
withstood Mughals' on-slot of Hindu temples. There is a crescent moon symbol
in the vimana, unlike the Aum or Sun symbol above the vimana as in other
Hindu shrines. This has influenced the Mughals then not to destroy the
shrine. The crescent moon symbol in the vimana is not to be found normally in
any Hindu temple where prominence is for the sun god or AUMKARA.
Deity Bal Hanuman
The deity of Hanuman of this temple is very unique and the face of the
Bhagawan Hanuman is seen as that of a Balak (young child) and the priests
says Bhagawan here represents Bala Hanuman. He is facing the south and we can
see only one eye. Bhagawan Bala Hanuman carries the Gadha in His left hand
and His right hand rests over his chest as in prayer. Adorned with flowers
and a chentura one needs to study the form of the murti to observe this.
Following divine instructions supposedly received by Maharaj Mangaldas or
Dadaguru as he is known, the identity of swyambhuhu Anjaneya was established.
The temple complex
The temple’s main entrance gate known, as Dwar adores embossed artwork done
by the skilled craftsmen is a testimony of the devotion. The complete epic of
Ramayana had been depicted in this art form and the Dwar is said to be
centuries old. The temple had been reconstructed during late seventies.
Complete Ramayana as seen by Swami Thulasidas had been painted in the roof of
main mantap. The paintings have been done so beautifully and are a feast to
the eyes. Just below the paintings the entire verses of Sundarakant of Swami
Thulasidas's Ramachritha manas has been engraved in marble stabs.
The entire temple complex had been redone and developed by the New Delhi
Municipal Council with great care and serves as hub for the religious
activity. The complex is also renowned for the ‘mehandi’ work done on the
hands of ladies. Designs are drawn on the palms of ladies using mehandi
paste. This form of art popular in Rajastan had come to stay here in Delhi
and this temple complex serves as a node.
Visit this ancient temple and have dharshan of the Bala roopi Hanuman when in Inderaprasta (Delhi) next time, and be assured of peace of mind.