The Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanuman Temple is also known as Shri Panchdev Swaminarayan Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple. It is a revered site located in Ghaludidham, Kamrej. Devotees hold steadfast faith in Lord Hanuman here. They believe him to be a divine force who removes hardships, alleviates sufferingand protects against negative influences. The temple draws large crowds, especially on Saturdaysand its spiritual significance has earned it the nickname ‘Mini Sarangpur.’
The temple draws inspiration from the famous Swaminarayan Hanuman Temple in Sarangpur, located near Botad in the Saurashtra region. Unlike other Swaminarayan temples, where Swaminarayan or Lord Krishna are worshipped as the principal deities, the Sarangpur temple is unique in venerating Lord Hanuman. Raymond Brady Williams, director of the Centre for the Study of Religion at Wabash College in Indiana, USA, highlights the Sarangpur temple’s legend in his book, ‘An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism’ (2001). According to the account, Gopalanand Swami consecrated the idol of Hanuman at Sarangpur. It is said that when he touched the idol with a stick, it came to life and began moving. This miraculous story forms the basis of the rituals performed there to ward off negative influences and mental afflictions. The Ghaludidham temple follows similar practices, which is why it is often referred to as ‘Mini Sarangpur.’
The temple is spread over a large area and features a grand entrance archway. Upon entering, visitors find an ancient shrine dedicated to Chandika Hanuman on the left. The idol of Chandika Hanuman, located in an open pavilion atop an elevated platform, depicts the deity holding a mace in his right hand, a mountain (Dronagiri) in his left handand standing with one foot on the demoness Simhika. This idol references Simhika’s story in the first chapter of the Sundara Kanda in the Valmiki Ramayana. Simhika, a demoness residing near Lanka’s coast, had the ability to capture shadows and attempted to devour Hanuman during his journey to Lanka. Hanuman killed her. A tale also echoed in the Vishnu Purana, which identifies Simhika as the daughter of sage Kashyapa and Ditiand the sister of Hiranyakashipu. She was also the mother of Rahu and Ketu.
The Chandika Hanuman shrine is intricately adorned, with carved stone pillars featuring sculptures of elephants and lions at their bases. The upper sections of the pillars depict Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna. The ceiling has carvings of Nandi (the bull) and Vishnu. Beneath the idol of Hanuman is a sculpture of Garuda. On one side of this sanctum are idols of Lord Rama, Sitaand Lakshmana and on the other side are idol of Ganesh with Riddhi and Siddhi.
Directly opposite the Chandika Hanuman shrine is the grand Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple, which stands atop a tall platform. It features a mukha-mandapa (entrance hall), sabha-mandapa (assembly hall)and a garbha-griha (sanctum). The temple’s dome is adorned with four intricate domed spires.
Within the sanctum, the idol of Lord Hanuman is enshrined on an ornate platform. The deity is depicted in a powerful stance: one foot resting on Simhika, a raised mace in his right hand, the demoness’s hair held in his left, a crown adorning his headand his body clad in armour-like attire. Behind the idol is a carved stone panel showcasing various monkey attendants. At the deity’s feet lies a large mace gilded with golden plating. Beside the main idol is another smaller, vermilion-covered Hanuman idol. The sanctum also houses statues of Lord Rama, Lakshmana, Sitaand Swami Gopalanand. A smaller idol of Hanuman, placed on a raised pedestal with a mace, is positioned in the centre of the sanctum.
In front of the sanctum is a shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh. Along the walls of the sabha-mandapa are shrines devoted to Swaminarayan deities, including Ghanshyam Maharaj, Harikrishna Maharaj, Narayan Bhagwanand Lakshmi Mata.
The temple precinct also houses a small shrine dedicated to Narmadeshwar Mahadev (a Shiva Ling believed to fulfil wishes). Adjacent to this shrine, a covered pavilion contains a statue of Swaminarayan seated on a horse. Behind this pavilion is a large mural of Kashtabhanjan Hanuman. The complex includes facilities such as a goshala (cow shelter), a shop for puja materialsand a bookstore.
At the Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanuman Temple, large crowds of devotees gather every Saturday, with the numbers peaking during the auspicious month of Shravan. Festivals like Hanuman Jayanti and other Hindu celebrations are observed here with great devotion and enthusiasm. The temple is open for darshan (viewing the deity) from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
Key Features
Located 10 km from Kamrej and 26 km from Surat.
Public transportation (ST buses) is available from Kamrej and Surat.
Visitors can drive up to the temple’s dedicated parking area.
There are no accommodation facilities within the temple premises.
