Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
Karmanghat Hanuman Temple
The Karmanghat Hanuman Temple is one of the oldest and popular Hindu temples in Hyderabad, in the state of Telangana.The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman and the temple complex also houses other deities viz. Lord Rama, Lord Shiva, Goddess Saraswathi, Goddess Durga, Goddess Santoshimata, Lord Venugopala Swamy, and Lord Jagannath.
Karmanghat Hanuman Temple was built in the 12th century A.D (approximately 1143). When a Kakatiya king went hunting and was resting under a tree, he heard the chanting of Lord Rama’s name. Wondering who it was in the middle of a dense forest, he discovered a stone idol of Lord Hanuman, in seated posture and the voice coming from the vigraha. Having paid his respects, he returned to his capital, and that night, Lord appeared in his dream and asked him to construct a temple. The temple was built immediately and successive kings ruled it well.
About 400 years later, Aurangzeb sent out his armies to all corners of the country for further expansion of Mughal Empire. At this temple, the army couldn’t even step close to the compound wall. When the general reported this to Aurangzeb, he himself went with a crow bar to break down the temple. At the threshold of the temple, he heard a deafening roar rumbling like thunder, and the crowbar slipped from his hands as he was shaking in fear. Then he heard a voice in the heavens “Mandir todna hai Rajan, to kar man ghat” (translation: “If you want to break down the temple, O King, harden your heart.”) which is why the place got the name kar-man-ghat. And to this day, Lord Anjaneya sits peacefully meditating and blessing devotees, as Dhyana Anjaneya Swamy.
People believe that worshiping Lord Hanumana for 40 days can cure any kind of illness. Also, childless ladies are blessed with healthy and wise kids if they worship Lord Hanumana with complete devotion and dedication.
Among important festivals, Sri Ramnavami and Sri Hanuman Jayanthi are the prominent ones. A lot of pomp and splendor can be seen among the devotees who come to the temple to take part in the festivities. Devotees perform religious rituals on every Tuesdays and Saturdays.
