Sri Hanuman, the great Sri Rama Bhakth, is considered the Kotwal [watchman] of Ayodhya city. For long the place west of Ram Kot [birth place of Sri Ram] is revered as a place where Sri Hanuman is living and guarding the city of Ayodhya, from there. King Vikramaditya who had revived the city of Ayodhya to its original glory and rejuvenated the followers of Sanadhana Dharma, had constructed a temple for Sri Hanuman at the very same spot – near Ram Kot.
During period when Ayodhya was under the rule of Nawabs of Awadh with Faizabad as their capital, the temple was reconstructed. During the period of Nawab Mansoor Aloi a fort around the temple was built under the supervision of his trusted noble lieutenant, Sri Tikait Rai.
Hanuman Garhi
Today the temple for Sri Hanuman is known as Hanuman Garhi and is located in a fort situated at the western gate of Ram Kot. Hanuman Garhi is actually a cave temple that is approachable by a flight of 76 steps. The manner in which this temple has been carved out is breathtaking. One has to take the curved flight of stairs to reach this spot. In the sanctum one can see the deity of Mata Anjani holding infant Hanuman on her lap. At the first look of the deity, one may not be able to see clearly the details of Mata Anjani and Sri Hanuman. A close look will reveal the details.