Travel Guide to Famous Temples

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Dhamekh Stupa, Sarnath

May 4, 2019, Sasidhar Darla Leave a Comment Filed Under: Uttar Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Buddha Temples

Dhamek Stupa is one of the most famous and Buddhist stupas. It is located in Sarnath near Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, India. Dhamek Stupa is one of the most visited Buddhist structures in the world. This Stupa was originally built in 249 BCE, during the reign of King of the Maurya Dynasty, Ashoka. After that, this massive and prominent structure has gone through several expansions and additions. Dhamek Stupa lies inside the Deer Park in Sarnath.

The Dhamek Stupa marks the spot where the Buddha after attaining enlightenment, gave the first sermon to his first five Brahmin disciples. He revealed his Eightfold Path leading to nirvana.

What is the history of Dhamek Stupa?

The mortal remains of Buddha were distributed and buried under 8 mounds after his cremation. The embers and urn were placed under 2 other mounds. Therefore 10 such monuments consisted of the relics of Lord Buddha.

Emperor Ashoka of the Maurya Dynasty reigned over almost the entire Indian subcontinent from c. 268 to 232 BCE. He built several Stupas that consisted the relics of Lord Buddha. and His disciples across India in his pursuit to spread Buddhism. In 249 BCE he commissioned to build the Dhamek Stupa in Sarnath. The Stupa was later reconstructed in 500 CE. It was around that time that he built the Dhamek Stupa and several other monuments to commemorate his pilgrimage at Sarnath.

Dhamek stupa boasts of a distinct architectural pattern. The stupa bears special significance for devout Buddhist. This is because it marks the ‘seat of the holy Buddha’ as he proclaimed his faith.

What is the architecture of the Stupa?

The Dhamek Stupa is a cylindrical tower. t is 43.6 m high and 28 m in diameter. The Stupa is built with red bricks and stone. The lower part being entirely covered with beautifully carved stones. These are chiseled with exquisite floral carvings of the Gupta period. The borders of the stupa are delicately carved with figures of humans and birds.

The base of the Stupa dates back to the Ashokan period. The panels of Dhamek Stupa Sarnath also consist of ‘Swastikas’. The structure of the stupa was expanded and enlarged almost12 times in the course of history.

How to reach the Dhamek Stupa?

Train: Take a train to Varanasi railway station and Kashi railway station.

Air: Varanasi airport is well connected with all the major cities of the country

Road: Varanasi is connected to all major cities by road.

What is the visiting hours of the Stupa?

The site remains open from sunrise to sunset.
It can be visited all the time during the year.

What is the entry fees of the Stupa?

The entry fees of the Stupa is:

Rs. 5: Foro Indian citizens and visitors of SAARC and BIMSTEC nations.
Rs. 100/: Others.
Free: For children up to 15 years of age

Lepakshi Temple Timings, Poojas, Dress Code, and History

March 9, 2020, Sasidhar Darla 41 Comments Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Shiva Temples

Lepakshi Temple is a dedication to the cult deity Veerabhadra. The temple is based in the small village of Lepakshi in the Anantapur District of Andhra Pradesh. The construction of the temple took place in the 16th century during the reign of Vijayanagara Kings.

Lepakshi Temple has three shrines dedicated to the Hindu Gods Shiva, Vishnu and Veerabhadra. There exist about 70 pillars at this fabulous 16th-century stone structure of Vijayanagar style architecture.

This temple houses the largest sculpture of the demon king Veerabhadra. Moreover, much of the temple stands on a low rocky hill called Kurmasailam. The word ‘Kurmasailam‘ translates to tortoise hill in the Telugu language.

One of the pillars n Lepakshi Temple is popular as the Aakaasa Sthambha (Hanging Column). This pillar does not rest on the ground fully. During the British era, a British engineer’s labour in trying to move it were in vain. However, doing so made the pillar dislodge from its original position.

Introduction of Lepakshi Temple — This Nandi is India’s largest monolithic structure.

Besides the Hanging pillar, the other thing that is worth seeing is the spectacular Nandi which is located almost a mile before the main temple. It is 27 ft in length and 15 ft in height which is reputedly India’s biggest monolithic Nandi.

Facts About Lepakshi Temple

Opening and Closing Timings	6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Entry Fee	No fee
Main Deity	Veerbhadra
Nearest Airport	Sri Sathya Sai Airport
Location	Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh
Photography	Allowed

Lepakshi Temple Timings

Devotees can visit the temple for darshan in the following timings –

Timings	From
Morning	6:00 AM
Evening	6:00 PM

The temple opens all days of the week. However, timings may change during festivals, important rituals and eclipses.

Significance of Lepakshi Temple

Lepakshi Temple has three separate Mandapas. The first one is Mukhya Mandapa (or Natya or Ranga Mandapa). The second one is Artha Mandapa and Garba Griha and third is Kalyana Mandapa. The last Mandapa is unfinished.
Devotees worship Veerbhadra who is Shiva’s depiction in his ferocious mood. Warrior God Veerbhadra was worshipped during wartimes in the ancient and medieval periods.
A huge Ganesha is there in the temple’s outer enclosure. And it leans against the rock which is perpendicular to a massive Naga with three coils and seven hoods. This Nagalinga is the largest in India.
Goddess Sita’s footprint is there in the temple premises. Beliefs say that the footprint got imprinted on the floor during the time Ravana was taking Sita to Lanka.

Legends of Lepakshi Temple — This footprint is considered to be of Devi Sita’s from the time Ravana was abducting her.

Poojas and Rituals performed at the Lepakshi Temple

Abhishek Timings	From
Morning	7:00 AM – 7:30 AM

At first, the puja of the Shivalinga takes place. Henceforth Lord Veerabhadra is worshipped. In the morning, the lord appears in Bala rupa (youth). And turns to a hero in a moustache by the evening.

Devotees perform Abhishek to Lord and Mother and offer clothes. Offerings in form of the sweet pudding – Sarkarai Pongal Nivedhana is also made. As in Lord Vishnu temples, here too Sadari blessing with the lotus feet of the Lord is offered to devotees. Betel leaf is given as prasad in the temple.

Lepakshi Temple History

The history of Lepakshi Temple dates back to 1530-40. The Virupanna and Viranna brothers did the construction of the temple. The two brothers were in the service of Vijayanagar Kings. At that time Vijayanagar was King Achutarya’s kingdom.

But according to the Puranic story, Lepakshi Temple was built by the sage Agastya. Moreover, Skanda Purana states that this temple is one of the important pilgrimage sites of Lord Shiva known as divyakshetras.

Legends associated with Lepakshi Temple

The origin of Verbhadra is an interesting mythological tale. According to the tale, it was Sati’s suicide that enraged Shiva to cut off a lock of his hair. And from this lock of his hair, Demon God Veerbhadra and Goddess Kali were born.
Virupanna constructed the Lepakshi temple using the resources from the state treasury. After knowing this, King Achutarya got angry with him and decided to punish Virupanna. Hence, he ordered to blind Virupanna. And on hearing this Virupanna blinded himself there and then.
The temple has different panels of paintings depicting different stories. One of the panels narrates the tale of Shiva’s marriage. Parvati is shown seated on the raised seat alongside six maidens.
The paintings of this temple were first noticed by A H Longhurstin 1912-13 but lack of attention and leakage resulted in deterioration of these artforms.
Rumours are that a lot was later done to the temple during Vijayanagar reigns. However, there are no significant records for it. But we do have a lot of other temples built around the shrine of Veerbhadra.
Also, the presence of the Uddana Veerabhadra Temple in Hampi provides evidence that claims that during Vijayanagar days the people of Hampi worshipped the Gods in their ferocious forms as well. In fact, the ruins of Hampi points towards the existence of this cult.

Rules to follow in Lepakshi Temple

While visiting the Lepakshi temple, do not forget to wear decent clothes. And do not carry leather bags or belts, etc. However, temple authorities permit photography inside this temple so one must carry their camera.
Moreover, one should choose to wear a traditional piece of clothing to the temple. Temple authorities prohibit clothing items like jeans, t-shirts, shorts and skirts etc in the temple premises.

Festivals celebrated at Lepakshi Temple

The month of February calls for a 10 day-long celebration in the premises of Lepakshi temple. This festival also includes the car festival. During the festival, pilgrims flock in huge numbers to the temple.
Mahashivratri– On this occasion dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple organises a huge fair. The fair invites traders of sweetmeats, clothes, bangles, toys and bamboo articles. Also, the trading of domestic animals like goats, cows etc take place in the temple fair. Moreover, a lot of villagers arrive on this day to redeem their vows.
Durgamma Festival– This is a four-day-long festival that falls in the Bhadrapada month of Hindu Calendar. On this day devotees draw water from Majira river for worshipping. Moreover, a lot of other sacrifices also take place during the time. Temple authorities organise a fair on this day.
Masi Brahmmotsavam falling in the months of February-March and Tirukarthikai falling in November-December are some of the other festivals that call for celebration in the Lepakshi temple.

How to reach Lepakshi Temple – Road, Rail and Air

Train– Hindupur railway station is the nearest railways station to Lepakshi. It is located about 12 km away from the temple.
Road– Lepakshi has good road connectivity via Hindupur. Many private and government buses connect Hindupur to the rest of India. Also, one can hire a taxi service to reach their destination.
Air– Sri Sathya Sai Airport, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh is the nearest to the temple. It is 58 km away from the Lepakshi temple.

Hotels near Lepakshi Temple – Where to stay

Lepakshi temple does not have any guesthouse available. However, there are some good hotels nearby it –

AP Tourism Hotel near Nandi– This place is very affordable. Also, this hotel accepts bookings one day in advance too. Moreover, one must carry a confirmation voucher of the same along with a valid ID proof.
Hotel Bheema– This place is another stay near the temple. It is a blend of all the modern amenities and is very budget-friendly.
SRS Regency Hotel– This hotel is a complete divinity for the travellers. One can have all the modern amenities here. This place is also quite near to the temple and is pocket-friendly.

Where to eat?

There are several hotels around the temple that offer tasty and mouth-watering dishes. The South Indian food prepared here has an unbeatable taste. Tourists can get both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food near the temple. Other cuisines one can find here include North Indian and other modern varieties. The nearby restaurants that are worth visiting include Annapoorna and Ghuma Ghumalu Restaurant.

Nearby Temples

Lepakshi Nandi: There is a monolithic sculpture of Shiva’s bull Nandi on the main road of Lepakshi which is approximately 550 m from the temple. The sculpture faces the shiva linga that a large serpent is shielding.
Sri Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: Sri Veerabhadra Swamy came to life with an aim to demolish Dakshyagna. After doing so, Dakshyagna was redone successfully. However, even after the completion of yagna, Sri Veerabhadra Swamy lived in anger and was burning in fire caused by the Yoga Sakthi of Sati. Hence, other saints and devotees of Veerbhadra Swamy went to Vaikunta to request Lord Vishnu to pacify Veera Bhadra Swamy. This temple is 48 Km from Kadapa.
Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy: Bayalu Veerabhadra Swami Temple idol is there is a temple facing north. Beliefs say that it guards the Lord Mallikarjuna Swami. He is the kshetrapalaka of Srisailam. He has no roof above him. Hence, it goes by the name Bayalu Veerabhadra Swamy.
Sri Bhadrakali Sametha Veereswara Swamy Devasthanam: In this temple, the Goddess Bhadrakali is present on the same platform, in order to pacify Veerabhadra Swamy. Pujaris perform Nithyakalyanam here to Veereswara Swamy and Sri Bhadrakali.
Sri Agora Veerabhadra Swamy Temple: A goat’s head was put on Dhakshan after Sri Veerabhadra cut his off. Beliefs are that Dhakshan lost to Sri Veerabhadra at this place. Sri Veerabhadra faces north, holding many weapons. Goddess Kaali is present just outside the sanctum, facing east. This temple attracts lots of devotees during new moon days and full moon days. Beliefs are that it cures people with mental illness.

If you have any questions about Lepakshi Temple, please leave a comment below, and we will get back to you within one hour.

Sapta Badri Temples – List, History, Map, Best Time to Visit

July 9, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Char Dham Yatra, Uttarakhand Temples Tagged With: Sapta Badri, Vishnu Temples

Sapta Badri are the seven holy Shrine temples of Char Dham Yatra are dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Badrinath, Adi Badri, Vriddha Badri, Bhavishya Badri, Yogadhyan Badri, Dhyan Badri, and Ardha Badri are seven Sapta Badri.

These temples are also a part of the Char Dham Yatra within Uttarakhand.

Deity	Seven holy Shrine temples of Lord Vishnu
Location	Uttarakhand
Best Time to Visit	May to June and September to October
Darshan Timings	5 AM to 12 PM 2 PM to 9 PM
Entry Fees	Free
Dress Code	Traditional Wear

Trek to these holy Hindu Temples lies in Badri Van (means forest of Berries), from Satopanth Glacier above Badrinath temple to Badri-Kshetra village near Karnprayag in Uttarakhand.

Route of Sapta Badri

List of Seven Badri –

1. Badri Vishal (Badrinath)

Badri Vishal or Badrinath is the main Badri and temple of Lord Vishnu that is located on the bank of the Alaknanda River in Mana Village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. Read More..

2. Adi Badri

Adi Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. It is the second temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Devotees worship Lord Vishnu in Adi Badri temple whenever Badrinath temple remains closed due to extremities in the weather. Read more..

3. Vriddha Badri

Vriddha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the third temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Sage Narada performed penance in this region to appease Lord Vishnu. Read more..

4. Bhavishya Badri

Bhavishya Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Subhai, Uttarakhand. It is the fourth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples.Devotees believe it to be the future abode of Badrinath at the end of the Kali Yuga when there will be the destruction of the present world and the creation of a new world. Read more..

5. Yogadhyan Badri

Yogadhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Pandukeshwar village near Govind Ghat in the district of Chamoli, Uttarakhand. It is the fifth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. According to the religious texts, the king Pandu worshipped here to get rid of him from the sin of killing of two mating deer; the two deer were ascetics in their previous lives. The Pandavas were also born here. Read more..

6. Dhyan Badri

Dhyan Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Urgam Valley near Kalpeshwar, in the Chamoli district, Uttarakhand. It is the sixth temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Urvarishi, son of King Puranjaya of the Pandavas lineage meditated in Urgam valley and established a temple of Lord Vishnu here. Read more..

7. Ardha Badri

Ardha Badri Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in Joshimath, Uttarakhand. It is the seventh temple complex among the Sapta Badri temples. Ardha Badri in comparison to other temples, the idol of Lord Vishnu here is smaller. Hence, the name of the temple roughly means ‘the little Badri‘. Read more..

Somarama Temple Bhimavaram Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

September 15, 2019, Sasidhar Darla 2 Comments Filed Under: Andhra Pradesh Temples Tagged With: Pancharama, Shiva Temples

Somarama Temple Bhimavaram (Someswara Temple) is one of the Pancharama Kshetras in Bhimavaram of West Godavari district. Many believe that Chalukaya Bheema constructed it. People also believe that Lord Chandra installed the Shiva Lingam of the temple. A tinge of modernity becomes conspicuous due to the paintings and sculptures.

What is the history of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

The history of the Somarama Temple Bhimavaram is that according to beliefs, during Tarakasura vadha, the Shivalingam which was present on the throat of Tarakasura, a powerful asura, was divided into five pieces. The Pancharama Kshetras are present in the place where the five pieces fell.

There are two famous legends about the temple. The legend says that, the Shivalinga was owned by Rakshasa King Tarakasura and he was so powerful that no one could win over him due to the power of Shivalinga.

Lord Kumara Swamy used his powers (Sakthi Ayudha) to kill Tarakasura into pieces but failed as they reunited again and again. On the guidance of Lord Sriraman Narayana who informed him to break the Shiva lingam worn by Tarakusura into pieces first and then place them in five different places forming the sacred temples (PancharamaKshetras).

Lord Chandra installed Shivalinga in Bhimavaram temple and hence the name SomeshwaraSwamy.

Another legend says that Lord Shiva when destroyed Tripura’s during ‘Tripura Samharam’, all that was left was a Shivalingam in the throat of the Lord of Tripuras was broken into five pieces and installed for worship in five different places as Pancharama Kshetras.

What is the significance of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here is the significance of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

The Pancharama Kshetras are: Amararama at Amaravati, Guntur Draksharama at Draksharama, East Godavari Somarama at Bhimavaram, West Godavari Ksheerarama at Palakol, West Godavari Bhimarama at Samarlakota, East Godavari.
Within the premises on to the left side of the entrance lie the shrines of Lord Hanuman, Lord Sriram, Lord Kumaraswamy and Navagrahas in a hall. On to the right is an open hall with a huge statue of Nandi.
One of the most special features of this temple is that the color of the Shivalingam will change its color regarding the lunar aspects, the shape of the illuminated (sunlit) portion of the Moon. And hence during Pournami (full moon days), the color of the Shivalingam will be in white and during Amavasya (dark nights), the color of the lingam will be black.
Other deities are Goddess Adilakshmi, Lord Anjaneya Swamy, Lord Kumara Swamy, Sun God, Lord Ganesha, Navagraha and Nandi. The Pushkarani (temple tank) of Somarama Temple is Soma Gundam Pushkarani.

What are the timings of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here are the timings of Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

Timings	From	To
Morning Darshan	5 AM	11:00 AM
Evening Darshan	4:00 PM	8:00 PM

Which festivals are celebrated at Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Somarama Temple Bhimavaram are:

Maha Shivaratri is a foremost festivals taking place in the months of February/March.
Sarannavarathri is another grand event that takes place during the months of September/October.

How to reach Somarama Temple Bhimavaram?

Here’s how to reach Somarama Temple Bhimavaram:

Road: The Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (APSRTC) runs buses frequently from Palakollu, Rajahmundry as well as Vijayawada.
Air: The nearest airport is Rajahmudry or Vijaywada from where one can avail regular flights.
Rail: Also, the temple is 2km away from Bhimavaram railway station.

Where to stay nearby?

One can stay at ‘Visiv Stay’. This lodge is in Bhimavaram. It offers polished, sophisticated and a visual pleasure to its guests. The rooms are neat and are replete with all basic amenities.

What are some places to visit near Bhimavaram?

Some of the places one can visit near Somarama Temple Bhimavaram are:

Dwaraka Tirumala is popular for Chinna Tirupati Temple, a Lord Venkateshwara Temple on the top of the Seshachala Hill.
Dindi is about 80 km from Rajahmundry and has a village with virgin backwaters, lakes, lagoons, and rivulets around it.
Pithapuram and Draksharamam are two pilgrimage centers that people usually visit together with Kakinda as the base town for a stay.
The Bhadrachalam Temple Seetaramachandra Swamy temple is a 17th Century Lord Rama temple and is another important pilgrimage center.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Guide – Timings, Poojas, and History

June 29, 2022, Sasidhar Darla 24 Comments Filed Under: Gujarat Temples Tagged With: Hanuman Temples

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is considered to be one of the most sacred and holy temples in Swaminarayan Sampraday, created by Guru Swaminarayan. Situated in Sarangpur village of Ahmedabad district in Gujarat, here the presiding deity is the mighty Lord Hanuman who is revered in the form of Kastbhanjan i.e. remover of sorrows.

*Sarangpur* *Temple Facts*
Temple Timings (Darshan)	6:00 am to 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Prasadam Timings (Annadanam)	1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Pooja Timings	8:00 am to 9:00 am
Time Taken for Darshan	1-2 hours
Entry Fee	Free
Best Time to Visit	August to March
Dress Code	Men: Dhoti, No shirt. Women: Saree
Poojas	Annadanam, Vastra Samarpana
Nearest City	Botad

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Timings

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is open from 6 am to 12 pm. There is an afternoon break in darshan from 12 pm to 3 pm. The temple reopens again at 3 pm and closes at 9 pm. Mangla Aarti is performed at the temple in the morning at 5:30 am.

Tuesday and Saturday are devoted to Hanumanji, it is designated day for a special ritualistic for those affected by mental illness, stress and other disorder.
Temple is open from 3 pm to 9 pm everyday.
Rajbhog is performed from 10.30 am to 11 am and the darshan is closed for it.
A special Shangar Aarti is performed on every Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7.00 am.
The evening aarti at Sarangpur Hanuman Temple is performed depending upon the sunsets.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple Food Timings

Food is served free to all visitors at the temple’s dining room. This dining room is run by the temple’s trust as well as the Swaminarayana temple located in the same complex. Around 5,000 people take prasad in the form of lunch daily. On donations to the temple, one is given prasad in the form of sukhdis which is a Gujarati sweet.

The Bal Bhog is served from 6:30 to 7:30 in the morning.

The Raj Bhog is served from 10:30 to 11:00 in the morning.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple – Aarti Details

Devotees chant the Swaminarayan Mahamantra while going around the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple.

Mangla Aarti: “Jai Kapi Balvanta” is the Aarti of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple. The Mangala Aarti or Aarti which takes place at 5:30 am is done by waving a piece of lighted camphor in circles around an idol of God. The Deities offer the first darshan of the day, signifying the auspicious beginning of the day for devotees.

Shangar Aarti: Shangar aarti done at 7:00 am is performed every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Shangar means adornments. During this aarti, the Deities are dressed and adorned.

Rajbhog Aarti: During the Rajbhog aarti takes place from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. Royal offerings of the mid-day meal are offered to the devtas.

Sandhya Aarti: This aarti is performed during the evening depending upon the timings of the sunset. Devotees gather to seek the darshan of the deity and offer their prayers during the Sandhya Aarti.

Shayan Aarti: After the Shayan Aarti, the darshan is closed for the devotees. It signifies that the Deities are about to retire for the night.

Significance of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple

During darshan, one will come out via the famous well whose water is considered very holy. It is a belief that the statue of Lord Hanuman was found in this well before about 350 years and the temple was constructed at the same place.

It is famous around the world for expelling spirits and ghosts from people plagued with such problems. The priests perform a puja vidhi near the well of the temple. It takes around a couple of hours to do this procedure.

It is required to reach in the early morning if you are interested in such vidhi. A large number of people in India make it a point to begin their work only after visiting Shri Hanumanji. They visit every Saturdays to offer Puja and Prasad without fail.

The affected or inflicted person in the grip of the evil spirit is ordained to circumambulate the shrine a number of times for getting rid of the megative impact permanently. They take the special oath and recite the Swaminarayan Mahamantra.

Sarangpur Hanuman Temple History

The people who are affected by evil spirits seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman to drive away the negative spirits by a single mere look.

Due to the blessing of Gopalanand Swami to Vagha Khachar, who invoked Hanumanji with his wand, to be ever present in the idol to drive out such evils. He decided to install the idol of Hanuman and dedicate his income to the temple. Till today, hundreds of devotees come to Lord Hanuman seeking his blessings so that their problems are eradicated and peace is instilled.

As the idol of the Lord Hanuman in the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple was installed by Gopalanand Swami, there are records of a writer named Raymond Williams which says that while installing the idol, Swami touched it with a rod that enthused life into it and made it move. Now this rod has been covered in silver color. This tale has turned into a belief amongst devotees who vouch for the healing ritual performed at this temple.

In 1899, Kothari Gordhandas of Vadtal appointed Shastri Yagnapurushdas to manage the affairs of the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple. Shastri Yagnapurushdas renovated the site, build adjacent bungalow and also acquired more land for the complex to bring it to its current state.

Festivals celebrated here

Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav: Hanumath Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god, widely venerated throughout India. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm and spirit among the devotees of Lord Hanuman. Devotees from all over the country visit the temple to offer the prayers and to perform the rituals. The devotees visit temples and apply tilaka of sindoor to their foreheads from Hanuman’s idol. The event is celebrated on the 15th day of the Shukla Paksha, during the month of Chaitra

Sundar Kand: Sundar Kand is celebrated in the month of October or November. It is a book that depicts the adventures of Hanuman. Sundara Kanda is the only chapter of the Ramayana in which the hero is not Rama, but rather Hanumana. This lesson is recited by religious Hindus, preferably on Tuesdays or Saturdays.

Holi: Holi is a two-day festival which starts on the Purnima. The first day is known as Holika Dahan or Chhoti Holi while the second day is known as Rangwali Holi, Dhuleti, Dhulandi or Dhulivandan. It is identified as a festival that celebrated agriculture, commemorated good spring harvests, and the fertile land. Devotees arrive at the Sarangpur Hanuman Temple to celebrate this festival of colors.

Sarangpur Temple Live Aarti Darshan

If you wish to witness the sheer glory of the Kashtbhanjandev Aarti Darshan LIVE then see below. It is an extravagant affair where hundreds of Hanuman bhaktas pour in this shrine and seek the Lord’s blessings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=9&v=j565LXaPREE

How to reach Sarangpur Temple?

By Air: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad is the nearest airport. The distance between Ahmedabad to Hanuman Temple, Sarangpur is 159 km 903 meters. The distance and travel time would change accordingly and also as per the traffic and road conditions and it takes approximately 2 hrs 40 mins to cover the distance.

By Train: The distance between Botad Railway Station to Sarangpur Hanuman Temple which is 73 km and 168 meter. It takes approximately 1 hour 45 mins to cover the distance.

By Road: The Dhandhuka taluka (50 km) is well linked with all foremost towns and cities by road. There is also many bus stops situated at Sarangpur.

Hotels nearby: Where to stay?

There are many hotels available to stay near the Sarangpur temple. There is also a Dharamshala nearby. Some of the places to check in include:

Hotel Hilton: GJ SH 36, Gujarat 382450
The Parkland Hotel: Behind Swaminarayan Temple, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Hotel Manila: Opposite Railway Station, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Hotel Samir: Ahead Cadila Railway Cross, GIDC Industrial Estate, Vatva Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Lakshmi Hotel: N H No.8, Opposite Mony Hotel, Isanpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Shere Punjab Hotel: Sindhi Market, Under Railway Fly Over, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Tulsi Dining Hall: Near Patel Bhavan, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Prithvi Hotels Gujarat Private Limited: L G Corner, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Moscow Hotel: Near Maninagar Post Office, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Hotel Marvellous Private Limited: Near Apsara Cinema, Kankaria, Maninagar, Ahmedabad, Gujarat

Places to visit near Sarangpur

Shiv Shakti Temple: This temple is situated at Abhapur where the principal deity of worship is Lord Shiva. There are images of Surya Dev and his consort Suryani in the temple and hence, this temple is also known as the Sun Temple. The temple situated on a low height hillock is an excellent example of Nagar shaily. This Sun Temple is unique with it a statue of Lord Shiva, which showing different moods on the face as per your elevation of viewing, this is “Chaturangi” type temple.

Shree Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath hosts the annual chariot festival, Rath Yatra. The rath yatra entourage passes through different parts of the city of Ahmedabad covering a distance of about 14-km.

Bhadrakali Maa Temple: Bhadrakali Maa Temple is known as one of the oldest and ancient temple in Located inside Bhadra Fort, Near Lal Darwaja, in the Ahmedabad city, Gujarat. Bhadrakali Temple was built during the ruler of Mega city Ahmedabad namely Aazam Khan. The Bhadra fort once encompassed Approximately 12 gates, 189 bastions, and 6000 battlements.

Ayodhyapuram Jain Temple: The temple is dedicated to Bhagwan Rishabh Dev, the first Jain Tirthankara. Shri Ayodhyapuram Teerth located at Gujarat is a Jain pilgrimage centre. The teerth kshetra was built under the inspiration of Panyas Pravar Spiritual Head Sri Abhaysagarji Maharaj Saheb. A large stone weighing about 300 tonnes was brought from a mine about 70 kms away from Jaipur to this place. The idol of the Lord was carved here. The walls and pillars of the temple are adorned with specimens of ancient art. The idol has been beautifully carved from a single stone.

ISKCON Temple: The ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad is located close to the Gujarat Samachar Press. This temple dedicated to Lord Krishna and his consort Radha. The ISKCON Temple in Ahmedabad offers the perfect spot for mediation. The temple with its calm and peaceful atmosphere offers the perfect spot to spend some quiet time with oneself. The temple hosts festivals such as Janmastami which is the birthday of Lord Krishna and is attended by a large number of people from across the state.

Shri Bhimnath Temple: The Bhimnath Mahadev temple is located in Akot. According to the well-known archaeologist V H Sonawane, the period of the city’s founding can be traced from the pavement stones used at this temple which bear the mason marks dating back to the 2nd century BC. It was the spot where the first human settlement came up along the Vishwamitri River, which is almost 2,200 years ago.

FAQs on Sarangpur Temple

What are the general temple timings of Sarangpur Hanuman Temple?

9:00 am to 8:00 pm are the standard timings of Shri Hanuman Mandir.

Am I allowed to take pictures inside Sarangpur Temple?

No, you are not allowed photography. It is strictly prohibited.

What does Kashtbhanjan mean?

The word Kashtbhanjandev means ‘crusher of sorrows’.

What is Sarangpur famous for?

Sarangpur is famous for its Shri Hanuman Mandir where devotees seek the blessings of the almighty Hanumana to eliminate negative spirits from their mind.