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Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya
Hanuman · Guardian of Ayodhya · Uttar Pradesh
॥ ॐ हनुमते नमः ॥
Hanuman Garhi is the great fortress-temple of Ayodhya, set on a mound and reached by a flight of seventy-six steps, where Hanuman is worshipped as the guardian of the holy city of Rama. Pilgrims to the birthplace of Rama come first to Hanuman Garhi, for it is held that none may worship at Ram Janmabhoomi without the leave of the faithful servant who watches over the town.
The guardian of Rama’s city
Hanuman, the devoted servant of Rama, is said to dwell at Ayodhya to guard the city of his lord, and so his temple is the first stop of the pilgrim. Built like a small fort with bastioned walls on a rise, Hanuman Garhi enshrines the image of the lord seated with his mother Anjani, and the climb of seventy-six steps to the shrine is itself part of the darshan.
A temple of the Awadh age
The present temple was raised in the 18th century with the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh, on a site of far older worship, and its fortified form recalls the troubled times in which it grew. It stands at the heart of Ayodhya’s sacred landscape, close to the Ram Janmabhoomi and the ghats of the Saryu.
Hanuman Jayanti at the Garhi
Hanuman Jayanti, the birthday of the lord, and the days of the Ramayana fill Hanuman Garhi with vast crowds, and Tuesdays and Saturdays sacred to Hanuman draw devotees through the year. The temple is among the most visited in Ayodhya, its bells and chanting carrying over the old city.
How to reach the temple
- By road: Hanuman Garhi is in the centre of Ayodhya, near the Ram Janmabhoomi.
- By train: Ayodhya Dham Junction is a few kilometres away.
- By air: Ayodhya’s Maharishi Valmiki International Airport serves the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hanuman Garhi?
Hanuman Garhi is the great fortress-temple of Ayodhya, set on a mound and reached by seventy-six steps, where Hanuman is worshipped as the guardian of Rama’s holy city.
Why do pilgrims visit Hanuman Garhi first?
It is held that none may worship at Ram Janmabhoomi without the leave of Hanuman, the faithful servant who guards the city, so pilgrims come to him first.
Why is it built like a fort?
The temple was raised in the 18th century in a fortified form, with bastioned walls on a rise, recalling the troubled times in which it grew.
Who patronised the temple?
The present temple was built with the patronage of the Nawabs of Awadh in the 18th century, on a site of older worship.
What are the main festivals?
Hanuman Jayanti and the days of the Ramayana are the grandest; Tuesdays and Saturdays draw devotees through the year.
How do I reach Hanuman Garhi?
It is in the centre of Ayodhya near the Ram Janmabhoomi; Ayodhya Dham Junction is a few kilometres away and the city has its own airport.
॥ जय बजरंगबली ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Hanuman (guardian of Ayodhya) |
| Form | Fortress-temple on a mound; 76 steps |
| Significance | First darshan before Ram Janmabhoomi |
| Built | 18th c, Nawab of Awadh patronage |
| River | Saryu |
| Main Festival | Hanuman Jayanti |