Hanuman Garhi, Ayodhya: The Fort Temple of Lord Hanuman

Hanuman Garhi is among the most visited shrines in Ayodhya: by tradition, no pilgrimage to the city is complete without first paying respects to Sevak Hanuman, the devoted servant of Lord Rama, before approaching the Ram Janmabhoomi itself. Devotees often visit Hanuman Garhi before the Ram Mandir on the same day.

Architecture

The temple is built in the unusual form of a four-sided fort, rising on an elevated mound at the centre of the old city. A flight of 76 stone steps ascends from the street to the sanctum: strenuous for older pilgrims, but worth the climb for the panoramic view of Ayodhya from the upper terrace.

The temple was built in the 18th century by a Nawab of Awadh: a remarkable instance of a Muslim ruler patronising a Hindu shrine. Stone inscriptions and gazetteer records attribute the construction to the patronage of the Awadh court following a healing miracle attributed to a saint resident at the spot.

The deity

The principal idol is striking and unconventional: it depicts Anjani Mata: Hanuman’s mother: seated, with the infant Hanuman on her lap. This bal-Hanuman iconography is rare in north India and gives Hanuman Garhi its distinct devotional character. Devotees offer marigold garlands, sindoor, and boondi laddoos in front of the idol.

The atmosphere on Tuesdays and Saturdays: both traditionally auspicious for Hanuman worship: is particularly intense, with continuous chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa echoing through the fort.

Visiting

• Timings: Open from approximately 4:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, with longer hours on festivals.
• Hanuman Jayanti (March–April) is celebrated with special grandeur; expect very large crowds.
• The 76-step climb has railings on both sides; volunteers help senior pilgrims and the differently-abled.
• The temple is in the heart of old Ayodhya, walking distance from Kanak Bhawan, Ramkot, and the bazaar lanes lined with prasad sellers.

Nearby

Ramkot · Kanak Bhawan · Nageshwarnath · Sarayu