Sagar
Sagar, called the city of lakes, on a spur of the Vindhya Range and 1750 ft above sea level, is in Madhya Pradesh state of central India. The main lake is called Sagar Lake established by Lakha Banzaara in early 1100 AD in the heart of the city, and the very panoramic view of the lake can give you peace. Sagar was made the region's capital, ruled by Maratha Governor Govind Pant Bundele in 1735. From then on the importance of the place had only increased.
Old Sagar
Sagar is known to many today. The present-day Sagar was founded as an alternate capital by the rulers who were ruling with Gadpahra as the capital. Let us go to the place which is older than Sagar, presently it is known as Old Sagar. Gadpahra is situated around twelve kilometers from Sagar on the hill of Bhainsha on Jhansi road. If you come to National Highway No. 26 leading to Lalitpur, you can get a bus that can take you to Gadpahra or the shared jeep plying between Sagar and Gadpahra.
The ancient fort on top of the mountain is guarded by Sri Hanuman from the temple in front of the fort.
You will see an Old fort built on a low range of Bhainsha hills. Gadpahra is known as the most ancient Siddh Kshetra. The place is known as Siddh because of the presence of the powerful ancient Hanuman Mandir.
Rulers of Gadpahra
This is known from the good old days of the Goud dynasty. This area was captured by
Dangis and came under the rules of Dangis. They are said to be descended from Raja
Dang, a Kachhwaha Rajput king of Narwar. There is nothing known about the said Raja
historically but there is a local saying to the effect and Raja Dang had fought
Indra. Though many had ruled Gadpahra only three rulers are known Sri Prithvipath,
Sri Maharajakumar, and Sri ManaSingh. Sri Prathvipath became Jagirdhar of the Mughal
Emperor around 1689.
Temples of Gadpahra
There are two main temples in the mountain. The lake and the fort of Gadpahra are also worth seeing. The temple of Angat Devi is in the downstream of the mountain. In the rear down the hill, there is a small but beautiful lake known as Motidal.
Lord Hanuman of Gadpahra
The step that leads you to the Hanuman Mandir is visible from far off. The steps are
painted white and saffron on the sides. Once you are in front of the bottom of the
footsteps you can see the Sidh Hanuman Mandir. You have to claim around four hundred
to four hundred fifty steps to reach the mandir. While claiming you will hear
devotees singing Hanuman Chalisa. On the sides of the steps, you will see the forest
with good trees around. The breeze and the Hanuman Chalisa will play on your mind
and give you a lot of santhi. The Mandir is in the one corner of the front of
the old fort. The temple is no big structure; it is just simple but a big hall with
a gombhot over the hall. There is a long verandah that leads you into this
hall. The gombhot on the top resembles that of Mughal architecture. You can
see saffron triangle flags flying on all four corners of the Mandir and also on top
of the gombhot.
Lord Hanuman the Siddha
Once inside the Mandir, you will feel the vibration and presence of Holiness within you. The Lord Hanuman is a self-emerged one. The murti of Lord Hanuman is pasted with saffron and vermilion. The murti of Lord Hanuman is around six feet in height. Lord Hanuman's right hand is seen raised above His head and giving you ashirwad. Lord Hanuman is seen facing His devotee and giving darshan to him with His open eyes. The Lord Hanuman's eyes are shedding mercy on His devotees and bless him in full. Once you are in front of the murti you can feel the blessings showered by the Lord on you. There is a general belief that having expressed their wish to Sri Hanuman, nobody returns without their wish fulfilled.
Festivals
There is a festival and Mela during the month of Ashada on the Mah star. On normal Tuesdays, there is a heavy rush for Dharshan. On the back of the mandir, one can see the old fort. One can see the Shesh Mahal [Glass House/palace] some distance away. The Shesh Mahal is supposed to have been built during the Dangi rulers. If you step down below the mountain from here you will come across the Ankat Devi Mandir. Since the presence of Hanuman, there are plenty of Monkeys around the mandir and fort. Only on rare occasions does the monkeys snatch the Prasad from the devotees otherwise they take what is offered to them.
Location of the temple: "Hanuman Mandir, Gadpahra, Sagar"
Experience
Come and visit this beautiful Sagar the city of lakes, and visit the Siddha Sthal Gadpahra Lod Hanuman and get all your rightful wishes fulfilled.
SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE
Ed [Aug. 2010]
Updates: [Jan 2025]
* the author is
working in Police Acadamy, Sagar