Bade Hanuman Temple / Lette Hanuman Temple, Prayagraj - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Bade Hanuman Temple

At a distance of 1 Km from Triveni Sangam, and 7 Km from Allahabad Railway Station, Bade Hanuman Temple is a well-known Hindu temple located in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. Popularly known as Lette Hanuman Mandir, Bade Hanuman Temple is dedicated to Hanuman, the monkey god. This temple is an underground pit that houses a huge lying idol of Hanumanji, which is six to seven feet below the ground. This is the only Lord Hanuman temple in the world where the idol is in a reclining position. Situated near Allahabad Fort, it is one of the popular religious places to visit in Prayagraj.

History & Mythology of Bade Hanuman Temple

The origins of the temple can be traced back roughly 700 years. As per legend, the king of Kannauj was childless. In his quest for offspring, he visited the Guru Ashram, where the Guru instructed Rajan to install a statue of Hanuman in his domain. Consequently, he journeyed towards the Vidhyanchal hills and transported the statue to his kingdom by boat. During this journey, he reached the area of Prayag. The king chose to rest for the night by mooring the boat on the shore at Prayag. However, during the night, the boat unexpectedly capsized, causing Hanuman Ji's Deity to be submerged. Witnessing this event, the king was filled with sorrow and returned to his kingdom. Many years later, as the water level of the Ganges receded, a Ram devotee named Baba Balagiri Ji Maharaj discovered the deity while excavating the dhuni. Overjoyed to find the complete Deity, Baba began to worship Hanuman Ji at this location.

Architecture of Bade Hanuman Temple

The sanctum sanctorum of the temple contains the south-facing idol of Lord Hanuman in a reclining position. Measuring 20 feet in length and 8 feet in width, this idol is believed to be approximately 600-700 years old. Hanuman Ji is portrayed with Ram and Laxman in his left hand, a mace in his right hand, Ahirawan beneath his right foot, and Kamada Devi of Patalpuri under his left foot. An intriguing aspect of this temple is that one side of Lord Hanuman's statue is partially submerged in the waters of the River Ganges. During the monsoon season, when the water level rises, it is said that the river's waters reach the feet of the deity. At this time, many devotees flock to witness this sacred sight.

Additionally, there is a peepal tree and the 'Janaki Temple' located near the temple. The temple is overseen by the Baghambari Gaddi, which is affiliated with the Niranjani Akhara. This shrine is a well-known pilgrimage destination in the city and is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

Festivals of Bade Hanuman Temple

The Bade Hanuman Temple located in Prayagraj hosts numerous significant Hindu festivals, with Hanuman Jayanti being the most notable. This festival, which commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, is celebrated with immense fervor at the temple, where devotees engage in special prayers, rituals, and decorations. Additionally, other festivals celebrated at the temple include Ram Navami and Narak Chaturdashi. The temple also experiences considerable crowd on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which are regarded as auspicious days for Hanuman worship.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Bade Hanuman Temple

The Bade Hanuman Temple, also referred to as the Lete Huye Hanuman Temple, enforces a dress code that prioritizes modest and traditional clothing. Men are expected to wear dhoti or pyjamas paired with an upper garment, such as a shirt and trousers. Women are advised to don sarees, half-sarees, or salwar kameez. Attire such as shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans, and short-length T-shirts is prohibited within the temple grounds.

Non-Hindus are typically permitted to visit and appreciate the temple's architectural beauty, provided they comply with the established regulations and traditions of the temple.

Bade Hanuman Temple Timings

Monday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Tuesday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Wednesday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Thursday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Friday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Saturday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM
Sunday: 5:30 AM - 2 PM & 5 PM - 8 PM

Bade Hanuman Temple Entry Fee

Entry is Free

Best Time to Visit Bade Hanuman Temple

The best time to visit the Bade Hanuman Temple is during the winter months, specifically from October to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant for sightseeing. Additionally, coordinating your visit with the Hindu festival of Hanuman Jayanti in March/April, which commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, can be especially fulfilling. The summer months in Allahabad are marked by high temperatures and dryness, so it is advisable to avoid this time. On the other hand, the monsoon season is indeed the most advantageous time to visit Allahabad, as the climate is enjoyable and the city experiences minimal rainfall.

How to Reach Bade Hanuman Temple

Prayagraj is well connected by air, train and road. The nearest airport to reach Prayagraj is Allahabad Airport, located at a distance of 11 Km from the city and is connected to New Delhi, Mumbai, Indore, Pune, and Bangalore. Allahabad Railway Junction is well-connected by trains with Lucknow, Patna, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Kochi, Rameswaram, Mumbai, Gaya, Ajmer, Bangalore, Howrah, Darbhanga, Dibrugarh, Ranchi, Guwahati, Jharkhand, Jaipur, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ayodhya. Allahabad can also be reached by road from all the major cities of Uttar Pradesh and New Delhi. Tourists can reach Bade Hanuman Temple by using buses, cabs, and auto rickshaws from all parts of the city of Allahabad.