Shri Hanuman Mandir at Sarangpur is considered one of the most holy and sacred Hanuman temples in Gujarat. It holds a prominent place within the Swaminarayan Sampraday and draws large numbers of devotees — particularly on Saturdays — who come seeking Hanuman’s blessings and relief from afflictions. The temple complex is large and spacious, with free prasad lunch served daily to thousands of visitors.
Quick Facts
- Location: Sarangpur, Gujarat
- Affiliation: Swaminarayan Sampraday
- Temple Hours: 6:00 am – 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm (every day)
- Prasad Lunch: Served free to all visitors (approx. 5,000 daily)
- Overnight Stay: Dharmshala available near the temple gate
- Distance from Bhavnagar: Approximately 82 km
Location
The temple is situated in Sarangpur village in Gujarat, approximately 82 km from Bhavnagar. The village is easily reachable by bus or car, with regular bus services from all major cities of Gujarat.
History
According to Swaminarayan Sampraday tradition, the image of Lord Hanuman at this temple was installed by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami on Ashwini Vadi Pancham of Samvat 1905 (Hindu calendar). The temple has undergone renovation since its original establishment.
Note: The date of installation and the attribution to Sadguru Gopalanand Swami are drawn from Swaminarayan Sampraday accounts. Independent historical verification of these details is not available on this site.
Religious Significance
Shri Hanuman Mandir Sarangpur is among the most prominent temples in the Swaminarayan Sampraday. Devotees from across Gujarat and beyond visit the temple to seek Hanuman’s protection and blessings.
Within the devotional tradition, the image of Hanuman at Sarangpur is held to have exceptional protective power. It is believed by devotees that a single darshan (sight) of the image is sufficient to drive away evil influences from those afflicted. This is a religious belief within the Swaminarayan and broader Hindu devotional tradition.
Saturdays carry special significance for Hanuman worship across India, and this temple sees its largest visitor numbers on that day. The prasad lunch served on Saturdays is approximately double the weekday figure.
The Deity
The central image of Lord Hanuman at Sarangpur is regarded as impressive and powerful by devotees. The temple also has a sacred well on the premises; collecting holy water from this well is a common practice among visitors.
Temple Features
The temple complex is large and well-maintained, accommodating thousands of daily visitors. Within the same complex is a Swaminarayan temple. Key facilities include:
- Dining hall: Free prasad lunch is served to all visitors every day, managed jointly by the temple trust and the Swaminarayan temple. Approximately 5,000 people receive lunch on a typical day; this figure doubles on Saturdays.
- Holy well: A well within the premises from which devotees collect sacred water.
- Dharmshala: Accommodation near the temple gate for overnight stays.
- Donation counters: Donations can be made at counters where official receipts are issued.
- Prasad: Visitors receive a packet containing sukhdi, a traditional Gujarati sweet.
- Hanuman Chalisa booklets: Available in various formats and sizes at nominal cost.
Worship and Darshan
The temple is open every day of the week. Darshan hours are 6:00 am to 12:00 noon in the morning and 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the evening. Visitors should expect longer queues at the temple gate on Saturdays, when footfall is significantly higher.
Festivals and Important Occasions
Saturdays consistently see the highest attendance at this temple, reflecting Hanuman’s association with the day in Hindu tradition. Hanuman Jayanti — the annual celebration of Hanuman’s birth — is observed at temples across India, including those connected to the Swaminarayan Sampraday.
For specific festival dates and temple programmes, visitors should confirm directly with the temple authorities, as schedules change annually.
How to Reach
Sarangpur is approximately 82 km from Bhavnagar and is accessible by both bus and car. Regular bus services connect Sarangpur from all the major cities of Gujarat. The temple is located within the village and is easily identified upon arrival.