Kanpur
This beautiful city of Uttar Pradesh is situated on the southern bank of the eternal, peaceful Ganga, which is flowing majestically here. Every city on the banks of the 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 the Mahabharata. One version says that this place is connected with Sri Krishna (Kanhiya); therefore, the original name Kanhiyapur came to be known as Kanpur. By variation it is said that Duryodhana gifted this place to Karna, therefore the name Karnapur. Karnapur had later come to be known as Kanpur. But Jajmau and Bithoor, the two places near Kanpur, have shown a lot of evidence linking these places to the Vedic times.
The recent excavation on the site Jajmau, which 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 continuous habitation 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 the 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 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 the 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 places worth a bath in the Holy Ganga.
Panki
In this Vedic and historic town of Kanpur, there is a 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 the northern grid. While the place Bithoor is connected with Saint Valmiki, this place, Panki, is linked to Hanumanji. Wherever 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 a 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 sprawling land with great elevation, huge, towering ‘kumbas’ are under construction. There are three entrances to the temple from the East, North, and West sides, and the temple is a magnificent sight from a distance.
It is a wonder that the appearance of the face of the Lord changes thrice a day. In the morning the face of the Lord is seen as a Bala Hanuman, and during noon as a youth (Brahmachari). and in the evening the Lord Hanuman Maha Purush (thejasvee).
The History of the temple
Although no authentic evidence regarding the history of the temple is available, as per the legend, the 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 Janmashtami. 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 his prayer and preparing 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
kilometers approx.) away from Bithoor, Mahant found that the bullock cart was not
moving and the bullocks were finding the load of the 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 was 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 the locals started worshipping 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 the Panki temple of Lord Hanuman. Now it is very
popular, as even the desires as 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 temples 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 reached for the rescue of His Lord. Aahirawan vat takes place. The idol of Lord Hanuman inside Panki temple reflects the expression of the Lord as it was at that very moment. The idol of the Lord is east-facing in a quiet atmosphere with a lot of silver embossed artwork 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 rise of the 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).
Location of the temple: "Sri Hanuman Temple, Panki, Kanpur"
Experience
When on pilgrimage or tour near Kanpur, make it a point to have a darshan 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.
SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE
[ed 02.01.2003]
the author is a DSP of UP Police
Updates:
Jan 2025]