Salangpur Hanuman Temple, Gujarat
Address
Salangpur Hanuman Temple, Gujarat
P.O.Salangpur Hanuman Tal: Barwala, Dist, Sarangpur, Gujarat 382450
Moolavar
Kashtabhanjan Dev (Hanuman)
Introduction
- Location: Situated in Sarangpur, Gujarat, this temple is an important part of the Vadtal Gadi of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya.
- Deity: The temple is dedicated to Hanuman in his form as Kashtabhanjan Dev, meaning “Crusher of Sorrows”. In this form, Hanuman is considered a Rudra avatar of Lord Shiva, who incarnated during the Treta Yuga to assist Lord Ram.
- Religious Importance: It is one of the most prominent temples devoted to Lord Hanuman, attracting numerous devotees seeking relief from their sorrows and challenges.
Puranic Significance:
- Installation of the Idol: The idol of Hanuman was installed by Gopalanand Swami, one of the foremost disciples of Swaminarayan. According to the narrative, when Gopalanand Swami installed the idol, he touched it with a rod, and the idol miraculously came alive and moved. This story underpins the healing rituals performed at the temple today.
- Depiction of Hanuman: The idol of Hanuman is a robust figure with a handlebar moustache, standing powerfully with Shani Dev (Saturn) in a feminine form under his foot, symbolizing the control and defeat of negative forces. Hanuman is depicted standing among sculpted foliage with monkey attendants, adding to the divine aura of the temple.
- Historical Renovations: Over the years, the temple has been renovated multiple times. Under the guidance of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, notable improvements were made, including the construction of adjacent buildings and land acquisition. The Vadtal Gadi continues to maintain the temple, with Hariprakash Swami serving as one of its trustees.
Special Features:
- Spiritual Power: The image of Hanuman in this temple is believed to be exceptionally powerful. A mere glance at the idol is said to drive away evil spirits and negative energies from those affected by them.
- Healing Rituals: The temple is renowned for its special rituals conducted for those suffering from mental illnesses and other disorders. Every Saturday, a designated day for these rituals, affected individuals come to the temple for healing.
- The ritual involves a Brahmin priest performing the puja and vidhi (sacred procedures) to cleanse the person of the negative influences.
- After the ritual, the affected person is instructed to circumambulate the shrine and repeat the process after having darshan (divine sight) of Hanuman several times.
Festivals
Hanuman Jayanthi
Century/Period
1000 years old.
Nearest Bus Station
Sarangpur
Nearest Railway Station
Botad Junction
Nearest Airport
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad