Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Shri Ram, is home to many sacred temples, but Hanuman Garhi holds a special place in every devotee’s heart. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this hilltop temple becomes the spiritual center of Ayodhya during Hanuman Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Bajrang Bali. Every year, thousands of devotees gather here to celebrate the divine energy and devotion of Lord Hanuman with prayers, chants, and grand festivities.
Ayodhya Hanuman Garhi Temple: History, Darshan Timings
Significance of Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Jayanti marks the birth of Lord Hanuman, who is believed to be the eleventh incarnation of Lord Shiva and one of the greatest devotees of Lord Ram. According to Hindu mythology, Hanuman was born to Mata Anjana and Kesari on the full moon day (Purnima) of the Chaitra month, which usually falls between March and April.
In 2025, Hanuman Jayanti will be celebrated on April 12, Saturday. On this day, devotees fast, recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and visit temples to seek blessings for courage, strength, and devotion.
About Hanuman Garhi Temple
The Hanuman Garhi Temple is located in the heart of Ayodhya, about 1 km from Ram Janmabhoomi. Built in the 10th century, the temple stands atop a small hill and is accessed by 76 steps leading to the main sanctum. Inside the sanctum, devotees can see a small idol of Bal Hanuman (child Hanuman) sitting on the lap of Mata Anjana.
Hanuman Garhi is not just a temple; it is considered the protector shrine of Ayodhya. According to belief, Lord Hanuman resides here to guard the Ram Janmabhoomi and ensure peace in the holy city.
Hanuman Jayanti 2025 Date and Timings
| Festival | Date | Day | Purnima Tithi Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanuman Jayanti | April 12, 2025 | Saturday | Starts: April 12 – 09:20 AM Ends: April 13 – 11:10 AM |
Devotees start arriving at Hanuman Garhi early in the morning, and the temple remains open till late night to accommodate the massive footfall.
Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations at Hanuman Garhi
Hanuman Jayanti in Ayodhya is celebrated with unmatched devotion and energy. The celebrations begin a day before the festival and continue through the night.
Main Highlights:
- Special Aarti and Abhishek: Priests perform Rudra Abhishek of Lord Hanuman with holy water, ghee, honey, and milk.
- Hanuman Chalisa Path: Continuous recitation of the Hanuman Chalisa by devotees throughout the day.
- Rath Yatra and Procession: A grand procession of Lord Hanuman’s idol moves through the streets of Ayodhya, accompanied by devotional songs, dhols, and chants of “Jai Bajrang Bali.”
- Distribution of Prasad: Thousands of devotees receive boondi and chana as Prasad.
- Decorations: The entire temple complex is beautifully decorated with marigold flowers, diyas, and colorful lights.
By evening, the temple glows like a beacon, symbolizing faith and strength.
Devotee Footfall and Management
On Hanuman Jayanti, over 4 to 5 lakh devotees visit Hanuman Garhi and nearby temples. The local administration, along with temple authorities, manages the crowd efficiently.
- Separate queues for men and women are arranged.
- Wheelchair facilities are available for senior citizens.
- Drinking water booths, first aid, and police control rooms are set up around the temple area.
Security is tight, and volunteers from the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust and Ayodhya Police help maintain order during the celebration.
Spiritual Importance of Hanuman Garhi on Hanuman Jayanti
Hanuman Garhi is believed to be the residence of Lord Hanuman in Ayodhya. It is said that before visiting Ram Janmabhoomi or Kanak Bhawan, one must first seek Hanuman’s blessings here.
According to local belief:
“Without Hanuman’s permission, no devotee can have complete darshan of Lord Ram.”
This makes Hanuman Jayanti at Hanuman Garhi one of the most spiritually charged days in Ayodhya.
Temple Timings During the Festival
| Session | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti | 4:00 AM |
| Abhishek and Pooja | 5:00 AM – 7:00 AM |
| General Darshan | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Bhog and Rest | 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM |
| Evening Darshan | 2:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Maha Aarti | 8:00 PM |
During Hanuman Jayanti, the temple remains open till midnight, and continuous chanting of “Jai Hanuman” fills the air.
How to Reach Hanuman Garhi
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Maharishi Valmiki International Airport Ayodhya Dham – 8 km from the temple |
| By Train | Ayodhya Dham Junction – 2 km away |
| By Road | Regular buses and taxis available from Lucknow (130 km), Gorakhpur (130 km), and Varanasi (200 km) |
Local e-rickshaws and electric carts are available to take visitors from Ram Path or Ram Janmabhoomi to Hanuman Garhi easily.
Important Tips for Devotees
- Arrive early morning (before 6:00 AM) to avoid long queues.
- Carry only small bags and water bottles.
- Avoid bringing mobile phones or large cameras inside the temple premises.
- Respect the temple’s dress code — simple, traditional clothing is preferred.
- Use only official Prasad counters for offerings.
Conclusion
Hanuman Jayanti at Hanuman Garhi is more than a festival; it’s an experience of devotion, strength, and divine protection. From early morning chants to the grand evening Aarti, every moment at this temple reflects the deep bond between Lord Ram and his most faithful devotee, Hanuman.
For devotees visiting Ayodhya, witnessing Hanuman Jayanti at Hanuman Garhi is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey a reminder of the courage, humility, and unwavering devotion that Lord Hanuman embodies.