Amritsar the holy city
When you think of Amritsar City of Punjab, the first thing that crosses your mind is the great Harmandir Sahib, popularly known as the Golden Temple. Harmandir Sahib is the sacred shrine of Sikhs and is visited by Sikhs as well as people belonging to other faiths. Amritsar, literally a Pool of Nectar, derives its name from Amrit Sarovar, the sacred tank that surrounds the Golden Temple. The city of Amritsar was established by the fourth Guru of Sikhs, Sri Amar Dass Ji.
Very near this great Golden Temple is a temple built for Sri Durga Ma, Sri Durgiana
Mandir. Foundation for Durgiana Sarovar the great sacred tank was laid on 4th
January 1921. In February of the same year during the 'vasant' period work on
building Mandir for Durga Ma was started. The installations of murtis were done in
the month of April of the same year. Since then it has become an important religious
pilgrimage of the Hindus in Northern India.
On the northwestern corner of this temple, is a temple for Lord Hanuman. The temple is Sri Bade [Bara] Hanuman Mandir more popularly known as Langoorwala Hanuman Mandir.
Langoorwala Mela
West Bengal celebrates 'Durga Pooja', Gujaratis 'Dandiya', and Amritsar celebrates 'Langoorwala Mela'. Many couples seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman for a male child. When their wishes are complete they come to this mandir during Navratri and pay their tribute to the Lord for the blessings He had bestowed on them.
The couples seeking the male child tie a thread on the ancient banyan tree in the courtyard of the Bara Hanuman temple.
When their wishes are fulfilled, they come during 'Navratra' along with the male child. During these nine days, they sleep on the floor, observing fast. They take one-time food of raw vegetables and fruits. The recitation of Ramayana especially Sunder Kant goes on throughout the nine days.
Sri Hanuman, the humble devotee of Sri Rama came to confront Luv and Kush. The sons of Sri Rama had tied Sri Hanuman to the banyan tree. It is said that couples are tying thread wishing for a male child in the same banyan tree where Sri Hanuman had been tied by Luv and Kush. Both the Hanuman mandir and the banyan tree are said to be very ancient.
During the mela, the male child is dressed as langoors, in bright red outfits laced with gold or silver lining. Their faces are smeared with fuller earth to look like langoor and a big tail with an artificial mace completes the appearance.
After the Navratra, the langoors would take off their langoor outfits, near the banyan tree where their parents had tied the thread. Now the mother of the langoor will untie the thread on this ancient tree since Lord Bara Hanuman has fulfilled their wishes.
This annual function at this ancient 'Bara Hanuman Mandir' starts with the beginning of Navratri. People from far-off places and also from abroad visit this temple during this festival.
Legend
The Emperors usually perform Ashwamedha yajna by letting loose a horse and territory
the horse sets its foot without challenge, it is said to be the Emperor's territory.
and the horse is not challenged. So also Sri Rama let loose an Ashwamedha horse to
stake claim of territories, while his wife Sri Sita was living in exile.
Sri Sita, who was under the care of Sri Valmiki, gave birth to twin sons, Luv and Kush. It is said that Luv and Kush challenged the Aswamedha horse, not knowing that it was set out by none other than their father, Lord Sri Rama. Once challenged, a fight ensued, and Sri Rama's brothers were knocked off. The mighty Sri Hanuman, the humble devotee of Sri Rama, came to confront Luv and Kush. The sons of Sri Rama had tied Sri Hanuman to the banyan tree.
It is believed that it is the very same banyan tree couples are tying thread wishing for a male child, where Sri Hanuman was tied by the Luv and Kush. The Hanuman mandir and the tree are said to be very ancient.
A place known as Valmiki Ashram is near Amritsar. It is said that Lahore and Kasur now in Pakistan were named after Luv and Kush respectively.
Bara Hanuman
Sri Hanuman of Hanuan Gadi, Ayodhya is seen in the sitting posture. Sri Bara Hanuman of this mandir is magnificent and huge. Lord is seen sitting in a laying posture as if He is in a relaxed mood. After all, he is the one who had united Sri Rama and Sri Sita [from Lanka]. Now here in this kshetra, He is the one who had united Sri Rama and Sri Luv and Kush, His sons. Sri Hanuman has all the reasons to relax. Pray on to Him to get rid of all worries and relax.
Location of the temple: "Sri Bara Hanuman Mandir, Amritsar"
Experience
A visit to this ancient temple and have the darshan of Lord Bara Hanuman. It is sure to make all the worries wane and make one's mind relax brimming with happiness.
SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE
Ed [June 2010]
Updates: [Jan 2025]
*The author is a
practicing pediatrician