The Chamatkarik Hanuman Temple, located in a small lane in the Khadia area of Ahmedabad, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Officially known as Siddheshwar Chamatkarik Hanuman, it is popularly referred to as the ‘Visa Hanuman Temple.’ Devotees strongly believe that praying to Hanuman here guarantees success in visa-related matters, which is why many young people aspiring to go abroad visit this temple. The temple witnesses a large crowd throughout the week, with a significant number of young visitors.
Situated in a lane called Desai Ni Pol, the temple is believed to be around 300 years old. The Hanuman idol here is revered as Siddheshwar, meaning ‘miraculous’ or ‘accomplished.’ Devotees believe that after praying at this temple, their visa process becomes smoother. The origin of this belief is unclear, though scholars suggest it may be linked to the mythological stories of Hanuman. In Hindu mythology, Hanuman is the son of the wind god (Vayuputra) and possesses the power of flight. As a child, he mistook the sun for a ripe fruit and leaped towards it. Later, he flew to Lanka to search for Sita. This association with flight might have led people to seek his blessings for their travel-related needs, including visas and passports. It is said that this practice began during British rule.
Every Saturday, thousands of devotees visit the temple, half of whom face delays in their passport or visa processes.These devotees bring their passport or visa application forms to the temple, where they are presented to the priest. The priest then offers these documents to Lord Hanuman. Devotees believe that offering their prayers in this way helps resolve their issues. A local legend says that after the Gujarat riots, the then Chief Minister Narendra Modi was denied a visa to the United States. His supporters prayed at this temple for him to receive the visa, and eventually, it was granted. It is also believed that many marriages have been arranged successfully with the blessings of Hanuman from this temple.
The temple is situated inside an old mansion. Upon entering through a simple doorway, visitors find themselves in a narrow rectangular courtyard. Beyond that, on an elevated platform, stands a small shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Four steps lead up to the sabhamandap (assembly hall) of this Shiva temple. The structure consists of an open assembly hall and a sanctum. In the centre of the assembly hall is a small marble idol of Nandi, the sacred bull, while the sanctum houses a Shivalinga (symbol of Lord Shiva) with an idol of Goddess Parvati placed behind it.
To the left of this Shiva shrine is the small temple of Chamatkarik Hanuman. Inside the sanctum, Hanuman’s idol sits on a raised pedestal (vajrapitha), and the pillars of the shrine are adorned with lamps. On an elevated platform beside the Hanuman idol is a golden shrine housing an idol of Lord Ganesha and a golden mace (gada), symbolising Hanuman’s strength. The unique feature of this temple is that the Shivalinga and Nandi are positioned in front of Hanuman’s idol, an unusual sight in Hanuman temples. Devotees often sit inside the sanctum, sharing their problems with the temple priest. Every Saturday, the temple is filled with devotees. Hanuman Jayanti, the birth celebration of Hanuman, is celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On this occasion, the temple is adorned with lights and flags. Mahashivaratri also attracts a large number of devotees.
The temple is open for darshan (worship) every day from 7 AM to 12 PM and again from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM. On Saturdays, the temple remains open from 7 AM until 10 PM.
Key Highlights
1.5 km from Ahmedabad Railway Station
City buses from Lal Darwaza Bus Depot available
Private vehicles can access the temple
Numerous options for accommodation and refreshments nearby
