Puri Siddha Mahaveer Hanuman Temple– Odisha

Address

Puri Siddha Mahaveer Hanuman Temple– Atta Kolo Ln, Siddhamahavir, Puri, Odisha 752002

Diety

Siddha Mahaveer Hanuman

Introduction

Siddha Mahaveer Temple in Puri, Odisha, India. The Siddha Mahaveer Temple is dedicated to Lord Anjaneya (Hanuman). It is considered one of the Ashta Mahavira Temples of Puri. The temple is situated in Siddha Mahavira Patna, in the northeastern outskirts of Puri. The temple is approximately 2 kilometers from Puri Railway Station, 2 kilometers from Puri Bus Stand, and 4 kilometers from the Puri Jagannatha Temple.

Puranic Significance

It is believed that after retiring from active service to Lord Rama, Hanuman desired to settle in this shrine.
The Ramananda Sect arranged for the installation of Hanuman images in different parts of the Jagannatha Kshetra, including Siddha Mahavira.
The temple was constructed in the 16th century AD by the Gajapati ruler of Odisha.
Some of the sculptures in the temple were brought from the Konark Sun Temple.
The famous author of “Rama Charita Manasa,” Tulasi Das, stayed at this temple during his visit to Puri.

Special Features

Temple Architecture and Idol:

The temple features a beautiful idol of Lord Hanuman, which is about 6 feet in height and stands 2 feet above the ground.
The pedestal on which the idol stands is 2 feet high and is decorated with carvings depicting various postures of Lord Hanuman, such as Bali, Sugriva, Jambavan, Sushena, and Angada.
The main temple, known as the Vimana, has three sides adorned with images of Yamraj (Southern wall), Keshari (Western wall), and Devi Anjana (Western wall).
The Vimana is about 35 feet high.
The Jagamohana is about 30 feet high and features an entrance doorway wall with two large panels depicting Panchamukhi Ganesha and a Sikshadana scene.
Two lion sculptures are installed on both sides of the Jagamohana doorway.
The flat roof of the Jagamohana’s ceiling has recently been painted with different scenes, most of which are derived from the stories of the Ramayana.
There is a pedestal in the Natamandapa with the footprint of Lord Rama carved on top for worship.

Presiding Deity:

The presiding deity is known as Veer Hanuman or Siddha Hanuman.
Siddha Hanuman is one of the most beautiful and largest images in Odisha.
The idol is about 6 feet in height and holds a gada (mace) in the left hand and a massive rock boulder (Gandha-Mardana Parvata) in the right hand.

Temple Complex:

The temple complex includes a kitchen on the left side where food is prepared for the presiding deity.
A beautiful pond is located in front of the temple, and devotees wash their hands and feet in it before entering the temple.