Ever seen a Hanuman temple where the idol lies in a resting position instead of standing? Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir in Prayagraj is known for this rare and unique form of Lord Hanuman. Located near the banks of the Sangam, the temple holds strong religious importance, especially during the Kumbh Mela.
The idol here is in a reclining posture, which is not commonly seen in other Hanuman temples across India. This distinct feature, along with its location near the holy confluence, makes the temple a major attraction for devotees visiting Prayagraj.
History of Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
The history of Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir in Prayagraj goes back nearly 700 years. It is believed that the idol of Lord Hanuman was discovered and installed by Baba Balagiri Ji Maharaj. According to local legends, the idol was originally carved from stone found in the Vindhyachal region and later brought to Prayagraj by a devotee.
Another interesting part of its history is linked to the Mughal period. Emperor Akbar is said to have tried relocating the idol but it could not be moved. He then ordered the construction of the fort wall behind the temple instead. Over time, the temple became an important religious site, especially during Kumbh Mela, attracting lakhs of devotees every year.
Architecture of Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
The Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir is simple in structure but stands out because of its unique design and idol. Unlike most temples, it is built slightly below ground level and the idol is placed in a reclining position. The idol of Lord Hanuman is about 20 feet long and lies flat on the ground, which is extremely rare in India.
Another striking feature is that the Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir is located close to the Triveni Sangam and during monsoon, the rising water of the rivers partially submerges the idol. This is considered highly auspicious by devotees and adds to the temple’s spiritual importance.
Timings of Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
The Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir follows a daily schedule with a break in the afternoon for rituals and rest. Timings may change slightly during festivals and peak days.
Morning Darshan: 5:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Evening Darshan: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Extended Timings: Till 10:00 PM on Tuesdays and Saturdays
Entry Fee: Free
These timings can vary during events like Kumbh Mela, when the temple sees a huge rush of visitors.
Best Time to Visit Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
The best time to visit the Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir is between October and March, when the weather in Prayagraj is pleasant and suitable for sightseeing. Early morning hours are ideal for a peaceful darshan with fewer crowds.
If you want to experience the temple at its most vibrant, plan your visit during festivals like Hanuman Jayanti or Kumbh Mela. However, these times also bring very heavy crowds. Monsoon visits are unique because the temple sometimes gets partially submerged, which is considered a sacred event.
How to Reach Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir is located near the Sangam area in Prayagraj and is well connected to major cities by rail, road and air. The temple is easy to access once you reach the city, with multiple local transport options available. The final stretch involves a short walk, especially during busy hours as the area near the temple can get crowded with devotees.
By Train: Nearest station is Prayagraj Junction (6-7 km away)
By Air: Nearest airport is Prayagraj Airport (around 15 km away)
By Road: Taxis, autos and buses easily available within the city
Nearby Landmark: Close to Triveni Sangam
Last Stretch: Short walk from the main road to the temple entrance
Places to Visit Near Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
There are several important spots around Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir that you can easily cover in one visit. From sacred river ghats to historic sites, the area around Prayagraj offers a good mix of spiritual and cultural places.
1. Triveni Sangam
Triveni Sangam is the most important spiritual spot near the temple, where the rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati meet. It is considered highly sacred and many visitors take a holy dip here before visiting nearby temples. The area is always active with priests, boats and devotees performing rituals. A short boat ride gives a closer view of the exact confluence point. Early mornings are calmer and better for visiting.
Distance from Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir: 500 metres
Timings: Open all day
Entry Fee: Free (boat rides extra)
2. Allahabad Fort
Built by Akbar in the 16th century, Allahabad Fort stands close to the Sangam and is one of the largest forts of its time. Though much of it is under army control, certain parts like the Patalpuri Temple and Ashoka Pillar can be visited. The structure reflects Mughal architecture and offers a glimpse into the city’s historical importance. It is a good stop for those interested in history along with religious travel.
Distance from Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir: 300 metres
Timings: 7:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free (restricted access areas)
3. Patalpuri Temple
Located inside Allahabad Fort, Patalpuri Temple is believed to be an ancient underground temple. It holds strong religious importance and is often visited along with the Sangam. The temple is associated with various legends and is said to have existed since ancient times. The atmosphere inside is calm and slightly different from regular temples due to its underground structure.
Distance from Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir: 300 metres
Timings: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Anand Bhavan
Anand Bhavan is a historic house museum that was once the residence of the Nehru family. It gives a detailed look into India’s freedom movement and the life of Jawaharlal Nehru. The rooms, photographs and exhibits are well preserved, making it an interesting place for visitors who want to explore beyond temples. It adds a cultural and historical layer to your Prayagraj trip.
Distance from Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir: 5 km
Timings: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹20-₹50 (approx.)
5. Khusro Bagh
Khusro Bagh is a Mughal-era garden complex known for its tombs and peaceful surroundings. It houses the tomb of Prince Khusro, son of Emperor Jahangir. The large green space, combined with historical architecture, makes it a quiet place to relax away from the crowded temple areas. It is ideal for visitors who want a mix of history and open space.
Distance from Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir:: 7 km
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Travel Tips for Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir
Visit early morning: Less crowd and smoother darshan experience
Avoid peak hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays are the busiest days
Carry minimal items: The temple area can get crowded
Wear comfortable footwear: You may need to walk a bit near the Sangam area
Stay cautious of monkeys: Keep phones, glasses and bags secure
Follow temple rules: Photography may be restricted inside
Stay hydrated: Weather in Prayagraj can get warm during the day
Combine nearby spots: Visit Sangam and fort together to save time
Use local transport: E-rickshaws are convenient for short distances
Plan during off-season: For a more peaceful visit without heavy rush
Conclusion
Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir offers a unique spiritual experience that stands out from other temples. The reclining idol of Lord Hanuman, its location near the sacred Sangam and the strong local beliefs make it an important place for devotees. Shri Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir is simple in structure but rich in meaning and tradition. Its connection with major events like Kumbh Mela adds to its significance. Along with nearby attractions, it makes for a complete visit in Prayagraj, especially for those interested in both spirituality and history.
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