In Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram, there is an ancient rule observed by every devout pilgrim: before you seek darshan of Lord Ram, you must first take Hanuman’s blessings. The temple for this is Hanuman Garhi — the oldest and most prominent Hanuman temple in Ayodhya, perched atop a hillock in the heart of the city.
Why Visit Hanuman Garhi First?
The tradition says that Hanuman lives in Ayodhya to guard Ram’s city. Just as no guest visits a great lord without first being admitted by the guardian of the gate, pilgrims seek Hanuman’s permission and blessings before approaching Ram. Hanuman Garhi is where this permission is sought.
History
The temple dates to the 10th century CE, though it has been renovated and expanded many times. Legend holds that Hanuman himself resided in a cave on this hillock to guard the city of Ayodhya. The Nawabs of Awadh were great patrons of the temple in the 18th century — despite being Muslim, they venerated Hanuman and contributed to the temple’s construction and maintenance.
The Temple
- Climb: 76 steps lead up to the temple from the main road below — a symbolic act of devotion as you ascend
- Main idol: Hanuman seated in a throne (singhasan), unusual in that Hanuman is usually depicted standing or flying
- Inner sanctum: An image of Bal Hanuman (child Hanuman) in his mother Anjana’s lap — a rare and beloved image
- View: From the top, you can see the Ram Mandir and much of Ayodhya spread below
Visiting Hanuman Garhi
- Location: Near Sahadatganj, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh — about 1 km from Ram Mandir
- Timings: 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM (approximate)
- Best time: Tuesdays and Saturdays draw huge crowds; early morning darshan is peaceful
- Prasad: Ladoo and besan barfi are popular offerings here
Jai Hanuman Garhi! Jai Shri Ram!