Lesser-known facts about the Hanuman mandir in Jhandewalan, Delhi

Delhi is a treasure trove of heritage and culture that has been living and thriving over the years as an epitome of devotion, and one such temple is the Hanuman Mandir at Jhandewalan, Delhi. Here’s the lesser-known story of this unique and massive temple standing tall for years.The statue of faith and devotionNestled amidst the hustle-bustle of Delhi’s Karol Bagh, the Hanuman Mandir at Jhandewalan towers is a beacon of faith with its 108-foot colossal statue that is frequented by thousands of devotees every day. Beyond the chants, hymns and crowds, this statue of faith is an excellent manifestation of divinity and architecture, which makes this temple an artistic marvel. Dream behind the formationAccording to the legends, the late saint Nag Baba Sevagiri Maharaj meditated here when Hanuman appeared in a vivid dream, urging a massive murti to guard devotees. In 1994, construction began after this divine vision. It is believed that this temple was created as a manifestation of devotion. It is believed the temple was built with pure bhakti spanning over 13 grueling years till the 2007 unveiling. Baba's disciples swear the saint's belief to create the temple at the exact spot where once a tiny old Hanuman idol stood beside Shiva's dhuni and that’s how the dream manifested as Delhi’s tallest Hanuman mandir. Demon's maw at the gateInterestingly, unlike other temples, this temple’s entrance is unique and it is like stepping through the entrance mimicking a slain demon or Rakshasa's gaping jaws, teeth bared, and agony frozen as if Lord Hanuman himself ripped it open mid-roar. This dramatic portal nods to his demon-slaying epics, with bells dangling like trophies inside. Devotees feel protected crossing that entrance, and it is believed to be a subtle reminder of Bajrang Bali's triumph over evil lurking in plain sight.The chest opens to Ram-Sita darshanThe tale of Lord Hanuman’s expression of eternal love and devotion to Lord Rama and Goddess Sita is beautifully depicted in this temple. Wherein during the evening aarti, the lighting artistically highlights and depicts Lord Hanuman's arms and his chest cracks, revealing the enshrined Ram-Sita idols that glow under lights. Eternal flame from JwalajiOn March 30, 2006, it is believed that temple authorities got a holy flame from Himachal's Jwalaji temple, igniting as an akhand jyoti that flickers nonstop to this day. Tucked in a side shrine, it defies winds and monsoons, drawing childless couples and the ailing for its unbroken warmth. Priests claim it's Hanuman's breath keeping troubles at bay for all who pray before it.One of the tallest templesThe temple has three floors for Panchmukhi Hanuman atop and his eyes are on four directions plus the sky—complete with a Shani shrine below where Saturdays are frequented by devotees lighting oil lamps and chanting hymns. The carvings of this temple depict Ramayana battles and Samudra Manthan live recitals echoing for peace.Metro's SpotlightCommuters from Jhandewalan or Karol Bagh metro stations spot the temple first, turning rush-hour rides into a divine pilgrimage.