Hanumangarhi, Situated on the banks of River Gomti in Sitapur district Uttar Pradesh, 90 km from Lucknow, is one of the most revered sites in Naimisharanya, stands as a beacon of hope and courage for devotees. Hanumangarhi in Naimisharanya is a spiritual bastion of Lord Hanuman’s devotion and might. The 12-foot tall statue of Lord Hanuman (Also called It is also known as Bade Hanuman) and a significant mythological connection to the Ramayana.
Hanuman Garhi is often referred to as Dakshineshwar Temple as the temple’s presiding deity faces the dakshin (south) direction. It is situated on a high mount of about 500 metres from Chakratirtha. This temple is considered from the Ramayana period, Dwapara Yuga.
During the great battle between Lord Rama and Ravana, Ravana’s greatest warriors were being killed one by one. In desperation, Ravana called upon Ahiravan, the powerful king of Patal Lok (the underworld), to assist him. Ahiravan agreed and used deception to fulfill Ravana’s wishes.
Taking the form of Vibhishana (Ravana’s brother), Ahiravan managed to trick Lord Rama and Lakshman into following him, and he transported them to Patal Lok with the intent of killing them. When Lord Hanuman discovered this, he immediately journeyed to Patal Lok to save his beloved Lord Rama and Lakshman.
In Patal Lok, a fierce battle took place between Lord Hanuman and Ahiravan. Hanuman, with his unmatched strength and devotion, killed Ahiravan and rescued both Lord Rama and Lakshman. Carrying them on his shoulders, Lord Hanuman emerged from Patal Lok at the very spot where Hanuman Garhi now stands.
From this sacred ground, Hanuman took Lord Rama and Lakshman back to the battlefield, continuing the events that ultimately led to Ravana’s defeat. The place where Hanuman first set foot on Earth after returning from Patal Lok has since been regarded as Hanuman Garhi at Naimisharanya.
It has been asserted that Rama Charitha Manas was jotted down here by poet Tulsidas.
Another notable temple is the Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple, near Lalita Devi Shakti Peeth, which hoses a 5 faced Hanuman.
How to reach Naimisharanya
By Air: Lucknow airport is 110km away.
Naimishararanya is in the Sitapur Dist of U.P. and 110 km away from Lucknow, on the banks of the river Gomati. From Sitapur Cantt one can get to Naimisharanya by train 1KM away. Bus, autos and taxis are also going there from Lucknow. There are trains leaving from Sitapur at 13-20 and 17-20 hrs for Naimisharanya. You can also reach by getting down at Hardoi station before Lucknow which is 20 KM. from Naimisharanya.
It is a small village but there are several ashrams and dharmashalas where you can stay.
