Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Rama and an epic character of the Ramayana, is revered for his unwavering loyalty, strength, and devotion. He is known for his constant chanting of Lord Rama’s name and his relentless efforts to locate Goddess Sita Devi, who was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana during their exile. According to Hindu mythology, Rama and his troop traversed across India in search of Mother Sita.
Karmanghat Dhyana Hanuman Temple: A Place of Penance and Devotion
Temples with mythological significance can be found in every corner of India. Today, we touringwala have come up with a place where Lord Hanuman performed penance for Lord Rama. To your surprise, it is located right here in Hyderabad – the Karmanghat Dhyana Hanuman Temple.
Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Sri Rama and an epic character of the Ramayana, is revered for his unwavering loyalty, strength, and devotion. He is known for his constant chanting of Lord Rama’s name and his relentless efforts to locate Goddess Sita Devi, who was kidnapped by the demon king Ravana during their exile. According to Hindu mythology, Rama and his troop traversed across India in search of Mother Sita.
History of the Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
Nestled in the heart of Kharmanghat, Hyderabad, and very close to Sagar Road, the Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is one of the state’s most ancient temples, dating back 400 years. According to historians, the temple was constructed by a Kakatiya ruler in the 12th century AD.
Legend has it that years ago, this area was a dense forest. One day, a Kakatiya ruler visited the place to hunt wild animals. Tired from his hunt, he sat down under a tree to rest. After a few hours, the king heard someone’s voice chanting the name of Lord Sri Rama. Eagerly, he searched for the source of the sound and, deep within the forest, he found an idol of Lord Hanuman sitting in a meditative posture. He realized that the sound was emanating from the idol. He offered prayers to the Lord and returned to his kingdom.
Later, in a celestial dream, Lord Hanuman instructed the king to build a temple at that very spot. Within a short span of time, the king constructed the temple at its current location, where it has been revered for the past 400 years.
Did Aurangzeb Fail to Demolish This Temple?
As we all know, Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of all Hindu temples in the country, and many magnificent temples were indeed demolished. The Karmanghat Hanuman Temple was not spared from this destruction attempt. Aurangzeb’s armies attempted to destroy the temple but failed. The soldiers were unable to even step onto the temple premises and informed their king, Aurangzeb, of their failure.
Legend has it that the king himself visited the temple with the intention of demolishing it. However, he heard a heavenly voice that proclaimed, “Oh king! To destroy the temple, make your heart strong.”
Today, one can see the idol of Lord Hanuman in a sitting posture within the inner sanctum of the temple. Locals worship the Lord as Dhyana Anjaneya Swamy.
How to Reach
The temple is located approximately 10 kilometers from Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station (MGBS). Numerous buses also shuttle from the main parts of the city to the temple, particularly from Koti.
Nearby Places
In addition to the Karmanghat Dhyana Hanuman Temple, Hyderabad offers a variety of other historical and cultural attractions, including:
- Paigah Tombs
- Ashtalakshmi Temple
- Charminar
- Salarjung Museum
These are just a few of the many places worth visiting in Hyderabad. Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast, or simply seeking a spiritual experience, Hyderabad has something to offer everyone.
pic credit TS Toursim