Shri Lete Hanuman Ji (Bade Hanuman Ji, Bandhwa) Mandir is located near Triveni Sangam beside Allahabad fort. It is one of the ancient temple in India which have great sacred beliefs for Lord Hanuman. It is the only temple with idol of Hanuman Ji in sleeping position. This sleeping Hanuman idol has legs towards south and head towards north. The temple is been managed by Baghambari Gaddi. Temple is crowded with devotees specially on Tuesday’s and Saturday’s. Though people visit the temple on other days as well. Shri Lete Hanuman ji Prayagraj fulfil all the wishes and is been offered Nishan (Flag hoisted in bamboo).
Hanuman is the messenger of Ram and is as swift as the wind. He is considered to be the repository of incomparable strength, Knowledge and one who liberates a person from dangers (Sankat). The idol in the Temple is in the supine position or veer-mudra. The story of how this came into being is exciting. It is said that a wealthy but childless businessman from Kannauj, made an idol of Hanuman from stones found in the Vindhyachal hills. He decided to bathe the model at several pilgrimage spots or teerth-sthans. When he arrived at Sangam, he had a dream that if the idol is left here, all his wishes would be fulfilled. He did so and returned to Kannauj, and his wife bore him a son. Soon the idol was submerged in the sand. It was discovered by a revered holy man, Mahatma Balagiri. The icon was installed where it was found, and the Temple became famous the fort. Ever since it has been worshipped as Lete (lying down) Hanuman.
History of Shri Lete Hanuman Ji
The Sleeping Hanuman temple Prayagraj is been believed approximately 700 years ago. According to the ancient stories it is said that King of Kannauj was taking this idol from Vindhyachal to his kingdom by a boat through river Ganga. On the way he halted at Prayag for Night Stay. At night the boat broke down and the idol drowned in the river. The King got upset and returned to his Home Bare-handed.
Later, after many year’s Shri Balgiri Ji Maharaj found this Idol beneath the sand while digging for his Dhuni (sacred site for worship). He started worshiping this idol. Slowly, this place became popular as “Shri Lete Hanuman mandir Prayagraj” and people from various places started to visit and worship here.
It is also said during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar The Allahabad fort was built while the construction of boundary of the fort. This Temple obstructed the boundary wall. Akbar tried to dig and lift up the Hanuman Ji and place it somewhere else so that boundary could be built straight, but when they tried to lift up Hanuman Ji he settled more in the ground. After various attempt they gave up and built the wall thwart.
Later during the rule of Aurangzeb when he heard about the temple, he ordered to throw the idol of Shri Lete Hanuman Ji Prayagraj. This was the time when Hindu temple were demolished in the whole country. Aurangzeb and his soldiers after massive attempts were unable to lift up the idol of Hanuman Ji. As many times they lifted Hanuman Ji settled downwards in the ground. This is the reasons while the idol of Hanuman Ji is 6 to 7 feet beneath the earth.
It is believed by the residents of Prayagraj (Allahabad) and has also been observed that every year during flood when the water level of river Ganga increases it reaches the temple on make Hanuman Ji bath in the holy water. People say Ganga Maiya come and make Hanuman Ji bath and then start decreasing the water level. That mean water levers start decreasing once Hanuman Ji takes bath.
The temple has its own sweet shops and devotional accessories like Rudraksh, Kawacha’s, Yantra etc in its premise currently the Mahant is Narendra Giri Ji Maharaj.
Where is the lying Hanuman temple?
India is home to several grand temples that are sacred to the sleeping posture of Lord Hanuman. These sacred places reveal interesting tales through history and architecture. We’ve put together information about the most popular sleeping Hanuman temple in India places that you need to see.
- Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Temple, Prayagraj (Allahabad): Located near Sangam, this temple features a 20-foot long idol of reclining Hanuman partially submerged in water.
- Hanumanthai Temple, Namakkal, Tamil Nadu: This ancient temple houses a 7.5-foot idol of sleeping Hanuman and is carved into a single rock formation.
- Sone ka Hanuman Temple, Jaunpur, Uttar Pradesh: Famous for its golden reclining idol of Hanuman measuring about 15 feet in length.
- Yantrodharaka Anjaneya Temple, Hampi, Karnataka: Part of UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple features an impressive 18-foot reclining Hanuman statue.
Every one of these temples provides distinctive spiritual experiences through their divine presence. The architectural styles depend upon the regional influence. Devotees come to these temples in deep faith and return with blessed memories.
श्री लेटे हुए हनुमान जी मन्दिर | जिला प्रयागराज, उत्तर प्रदेश
श्री बड़े हनुमान जी मंदिर प्रयागराज में गंगा नदी के तट पर स्थित है। यह मंदिर अपने लेटे हुए हनुमान जी की मूर्ति के लिए प्रसिद्ध है। इस मंदिर की स्थापना गोस्वामी तुलसीदास जी द्वारा की गई थी। कहा जाता है कि इन्होंने हनुमान जी को साक्षात प्रकट करवाया था। यहां की मूर्ति लगभग 20 फुट लम्बी है और मान्यता है कि यह हर साल कुछ इंच बढ़ती है। बाढ़ के समय में मूर्ति आंशिक रूप से जल में डूब जाती है, लेकिन पूजा निरंतर चलती रहती है। प्रयागराज कुंभ मेले के दौरान यहां बड़ी संख्या में श्रद्धालु दर्शन करने आते हैं। हनुमान जी को वेदों का ज्ञाता माना जाता है और इस मंदिर में विशेष पूजा का महत्व है।
How to reach Shri Lete Hanuman Ji
You can reach Shri Lete Hanuman Ji easily by any means of surface Transport prominently used by people railways, roadways or Airways.
You can take use shared Taxis, Auto’s or Book a Cab (online or offline) to reach Triveni Sangam.
Distance from Important Railway Stations & Airport to Lete Hanuman Ji:
Prayagraj Junction: 7-8 kms approx.
Prayagraj Cheoki: 10 kms approx.
Naini Junction: 8 kms approx.
Prayag Junction: 7-8 kms approx
Prayagraj Sangam: 2.5 Kms approx.
Prayagraj Civil Airport: 17 kms approx.
Temple Visiting Information
To help you plan your visit effectively, we’ve gathered essential information about temple timings and special ceremonies:
Lete Hanuman Mandir Timing:- 5:30 AM to 2:PM, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
The temple remains closed during afternoon hours for the deity’s rest. We recommend visiting during early morning hours when the spiritual energy is particularly vibrant and the temple is less crowded. Our spiritual guides suggest spending time in meditation and prayer during these peaceful morning hours.
Aarti Timing:- 5:00 PM
The evening aarti is a soul-stirring experience that we highly recommend. The rhythmic chanting and ceremonial worship create an atmosphere of divine connection. We advise arriving at least 30 minutes before the aarti begins to secure a good viewing position within the temple premises.
Bhog/Prasad:- During Visiting Hours
Sacred offerings to the deity are distributed as prasad during temple visiting hours. We encourage devotees to partake in this blessed food as it carries the divine energy of Lord Hanuman. Our cultural experts explain that accepting prasad completes the cycle of worship and brings special blessings.
With our comprehensive transportation guide and visiting information, we aim to make your spiritual journey to Shri Lete Hanuman Ji temple a smooth and fulfilling experience. Our team remains committed to providing accurate travel information to enhance your pilgrimage to this sacred site in Prayagraj.
FAQs
1. Why is the Hanuman idol in Prayagraj depicted in a lying position?
The idol represents Hanuman resting after his service to Lord Rama. It’s believed that Tulsidas had a divine vision of Hanuman in this posture, leading to the temple’s establishment.
2. Does the idol of Lete Hanuman Ji actually grow in size?
Yes, according to local belief and temple records, the idol grows a few inches each year. Many devotees visit regularly to witness this miraculous phenomenon.
3. What is the best time to visit Lete Hanuman Ji Temple?
Early morning between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM is ideal for a peaceful darshan. The Kumbh Mela period is especially significant, though it attracts larger crowds.
4. Is photography allowed inside the Lete Hanuman Ji Temple?
Photography is restricted in the main sanctum sanctorum to maintain the sacred atmosphere. Visitors can take pictures in the outer temple complex with due respect.
5. What special offerings are recommended for Lete Hanuman Ji?
Red cloth, sindoor (vermilion), and sweets (especially laddoos) are traditional offerings. Reciting Hanuman Chalisa during your visit is also highly recommended by the temple priests.