Are you looking for a spiritual and cultural destination in Patna? Do you want to witness the miracles and blessings of Lord Hanuman? If yes, then you must visit Mahavir Mandir, one of the most revered and popular temples in Bihar. Mahavir Mandir is a magnificent temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god who is known for his devotion, strength, and wisdom.
The temple attracts millions of devotees every year, who come to seek the grace and protection of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman, the remover of all troubles. In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Mahavir Mandir, such as its history, significance, timings, poojas, festivals, tips, and more. Read on to discover why Mahavir Mandir is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to experience the divine presence of Lord Hanuman in Patna.
Mahavir Mandir History
Mahavir Mandir has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to centuries. The temple is believed to have been established by a saint named Swami Balanand in 1730 AD, who installed the idol of Sankat Mochan Hanuman in the temple. The temple was later renovated and expanded by the Bhumihar Brahmin community in the 19th century, who also established a trust to manage the temple affairs. The temple underwent several changes and improvements over the years, and the current structure of the temple was built in 1987 by the famous architect Sri Ramanand Sinha.
The temple is a splendid example of Nagara style of architecture, with a towering shikhara, a spacious sanctum, and a marble flooring. The temple also has a unique feature of having two idols of Lord Hanuman, one facing the east and the other facing the west. The temple is also known for its charitable and social activities, such as running a hospital, a school, and a library for the benefit of the society.
Mahavir Mandir Significance
Mahavir Mandir is not just a temple, but a symbol of faith and devotion for millions of people. The temple is considered to be one of the most sacred and powerful temples of Lord Hanuman in India, and is visited by devotees from all over the country and abroad. The temple is also known for its miraculous and mysterious phenomena, such as the self-manifestation of the Sankat Mochan Hanuman idol, the never-ending supply of the Naivedyam (offering of food), and the vision of Lord Rama in the temple.
The temple is also famous for its special poojas and rituals, such as the Chola (offering of clothes), the Sindoor (vermilion), and the Ashtottara Shatanamavali (recitation of 108 names of Lord Hanuman). The temple is also a hub of cultural and religious activities, such as the celebration of various festivals, the organization of musical and spiritual events, and the promotion of Vedic and Sanskrit education.
Mahavir Mandir Timings
Mahavir Mandir is open for the devotees throughout the year, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The temple follows a strict schedule of poojas and rituals, which are performed by the priests with utmost devotion and reverence. The temple also distributes prasad (sacred food) to the devotees, which is considered to be very auspicious and delicious. The following table shows the timings of the temple, the poojas, and the prasad distribution:
Time Event
5:00 AM Temple opens
5:30 AM Mangal Aarti
6:00 AM Naivedyam
7:00 AM to 9:00 AM Prasad distribution
12:00 PM Madhyan Aarti
1:00 PM Naivedyam
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM Prasad distribution
6:00 PM Sandhya Aarti
7:00 PM Naivedyam
8:00 PM to 10:00 PM Prasad distribution
10:00 PM Shayan Aarti
10:30 PM Temple closes
Mahavir Mandir Poojas and Rituals
Mahavir Mandir is a place where devotees can perform various types of poojas and rituals to please and worship Lord Hanuman. The temple offers different kinds of services and facilities for the devotees, such as booking of poojas online, arranging of special poojas on request, and providing of materials and guidance for the poojas. Some of the most common and popular poojas and rituals performed at the temple are:
Naivedyam:
This is the offering of food to Lord Hanuman, which is prepared by the temple kitchen with pure and fresh ingredients. The Naivedyam consists of various dishes, such as rice, dal, vegetables, sweets, fruits, and milk. The Naivedyam is offered to Lord Hanuman three times a day, and is then distributed as prasad to the devotees. The Naivedyam is considered to be very sacred and miraculous, as it never gets exhausted or spoiled, even after serving thousands of devotees every day.
Chola:
This is the offering of clothes to Lord Hanuman, which is done by the devotees who wish to fulfill their wishes or express their gratitude to the Lord. The Chola consists of a saffron-colored cloth, a garland, a cap, and a flag, which are draped over the idol of Lord Hanuman. The Chola is offered to Lord Hanuman every Tuesday and Saturday, which are considered to be the auspicious days of the Lord. The devotees can book the Chola online or at the temple counter, and can also take the Chola back as a blessing from the Lord.
Sindoor:
This is the offering of vermilion to Lord Hanuman, which is done by the devotees who seek the protection and strength of the Lord. The Sindoor is a red-colored powder, which is applied on the forehead and body of the idol of Lord Hanuman. The Sindoor is offered to Lord Hanuman every day, and is also available for the devotees to take home as a mark of the Lord’s presence and grace.
Ashtottara Shatanamavali:
This is the recitation of the 108 names of Lord Hanuman, which is done by the devotees who want to praise and glorify the Lord. The Ashtottara Shatanamavali is a collection of the names and attributes of Lord Hanuman, such as Anjaneya, Maruti, Bajrangbali, Pavanputra, and so on. The Ashtottara Shatanamavali is recited by the priests and the devotees every day, and is also available in the form of a booklet or a CD for the devotees to learn and chant at home.
Festivals Celebrated at Mahavir Mandir
Mahavir Mandir is a place where devotees can celebrate various festivals and occasions with joy and enthusiasm. The temple organizes and hosts various festivals throughout the year, which are marked by special poojas, decorations, music, and cultural programs. Some of the major festivals celebrated at the temple are:
Ramnavami:
This is the birthday of Lord Rama, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and the master of Lord Hanuman. The festival is celebrated in the month of March or April, and is observed by fasting, chanting, and offering of flowers and fruits to Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman. The temple also conducts a grand procession of the idols of Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, which is accompanied by devotees and musicians.
Hanuman Jayanti:
This is the birthday of Lord Hanuman, the son of the wind god and the devotee of Lord Rama. The festival is celebrated in the month of April or May, and is observed by offering of Sindoor, Chola, and Naivedyam to Lord Hanuman. The temple also organizes a special pooja and aarti for Lord Hanuman, which is attended by thousands of devotees.
Dussehra:
This is the day when Lord Rama defeated the demon king Ravana, and restored the rule of righteousness and justice. The festival is celebrated in the month of September or October, and is observed by burning the effigies of Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Meghnad, which symbolize the victory of good over evil. The temple also performs a special pooja and aarti for Lord Rama and Lord Hanuman, and distributes sweets and prasad to the devotees.
Mahavir Mandir Tips and Guidelines
Mahavir Mandir is a place where devotees can have a smooth and respectful experience, if they follow some tips and guidelines. The temple has some rules and regulations for the visitors, which are meant to maintain the sanctity and order of the temple. Some of the tips and guidelines for visiting the temple are:
1. Dress appropriately and modestly, as the temple is a sacred and holy place. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or any other revealing clothes.
2. Remove your shoes and socks, and keep them at the shoe counter, before entering the temple premises. The temple provides free shoe keeping service for the visitors.
3. Do not carry any leather items, such as belts, wallets, bags, or jackets, inside the temple, as they are considered to be impure and disrespectful to the Lord. The temple provides free lockers for the visitors to keep their belongings.
4. Do not take any photographs or videos inside the temple, as they are prohibited and can disturb the worship and privacy of the devotees. The temple has a designated area for photography outside the temple, where visitors can capture the memories of their visit.
5. Do not make any noise or disturbance inside the temple, as they can affect the peace and tranquility of the temple. The temple expects the visitors to maintain silence and decorum while inside the temple premises.
6. Do not touch or climb on the idols, statues, or walls of the temple, as they are sacred and delicate. The temple requests the visitors to respect and protect the temple property and heritage.
7. Do not litter or spit inside or outside the temple, as they can pollute and defile the temple environment. The temple urges the visitors to keep the temple clean and green, and use the dustbins and toilets provided by the temple.
8. Do not donate or accept any money or material from any unauthorized person or organization, as they can be fraudulent and illegal. The temple advises the visitors to donate only to the official temple trust or the donation boxes, and get a receipt for the same.
How to Reach Mahavir Mandir
Mahavir Mandir is easily accessible by various modes of transport, as it is located in the heart of Patna, near the Patna Junction railway station. The temple is about 6 km from the Patna airport, 1 km from the Patna Junction railway station, and 2 km from the Patna bus stand. The temple can be reached by the following ways:
By Train:
The Patna Junction railway station is the nearest railway station to the temple, which is well-connected to major cities and towns of India by regular trains. The temple is just a 10-minute walk or a 5-minute auto ride from the railway station.
By Bus:
The Patna bus stand is the nearest bus stand to the temple, which is well-connected to nearby cities and towns of Bihar by frequent buses. The temple is just a 15-minute walk or a 10-minute auto ride from the bus stand.
By Auto:
The auto rickshaw is the most convenient and affordable way to reach the temple from any part of Patna. The auto fare is usually around Rs. 10 to Rs. 20 per person, depending on the distance and the bargaining skills of the passenger.
By Taxi:
The taxi is the most comfortable and hassle-free way to reach the temple from any part of Patna. The taxi fare is usually around Rs. 100 to Rs. 200 per trip, depending on the distance and the traffic conditions of the city.
Hotels Near Mahavir Mandir
Mahavir Mandir is surrounded by many hotels and lodges, which cater to the needs and budgets of the visitors. The hotels near the temple offer various facilities and services, such as AC, TV, Wi-Fi, parking, restaurant, and room service. The following table shows some of the best hotels near the temple, with ratings, prices, and distances:
Hotel Name Rating Price Distance
Hotel Chanakya 4.0/5 Rs. 3000 per night 0.5 km
Hotel Maurya 4.2/5 Rs. 4000 per night 1 km
Hotel Patliputra Continental 4.4/5 Rs. 5000 per night 2 km
Hotel Buddha Heritage 4.1/5 Rs. 2000 per night 3 km
Hotel Royal Ville 3.9/5 Rs. 1500 per night 4 km
Places to Visit Near Mahavir Mandir
Mahavir Mandir is not only a religious destination, but also a cultural and historical one. The temple is located in the vicinity of many other attractions in Patna, which showcase the rich and diverse heritage of the city. The places to visit near the temple are:
Golghar:
This is a dome-shaped granary, which was built by the British in 1786 to store grains during the famine. The Golghar offers a panoramic view of the city and the river Ganga from its top, which can be reached by climbing 145 steps.
Patna Museum:
This is a museum, which displays the artifacts and relics of the ancient and medieval periods of Bihar, such as sculptures, paintings, coins, weapons, and manuscripts. The museum also houses a rare collection of Buddhist and Jain sculptures, and a fossil of a tree that is over 200 million years old.
Gandhi Maidan:
This is a large public park, which is the venue of many political and cultural events in Patna. The park also has a statue of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, and a memorial of the martyrs of the Quit India Movement of 1942.
Kumhrar:
This is an archaeological site, which reveals the remains of the ancient city of Pataliputra, the capital of the Mauryan and Gupta empires. The site exhibits the ruins of a hall with 80 pillars, a monastery, a palace, and a water tank, which date back to the 3rd century BC to the 12th century AD.
Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park:
This is a zoological and botanical park, which houses a variety of animals, birds, reptiles, and plants. The park also has a toy train, a lake, a museum, and an aquarium, which offer fun and education for the visitors.
Patna Sahib Gurudwara:
This is a Sikh shrine, which is dedicated to the tenth guru of Sikhism, Guru Gobind Singh. The shrine is the birthplace of the guru, and also contains some of his relics, such as a cradle, a sword, and a pair of sandals. The shrine is also a place of pilgrimage and celebration for the Sikhs, especially during the festival of Prakash Parv.
FAQs and Contact Details
Mahavir Mandir is a place where visitors can have a smooth and hassle-free experience, if they have some basic information and assistance. The temple has some FAQs and contact details, which can address the common queries and doubts of the visitors and provide more information and assistance. Here are some of the FAQs and contact details of the temple:
Q: What are the entry fees and charges for the temple?
A: There are no entry fees or charges for visiting the temple. However, the visitors can make voluntary donations to the temple trust or the donation boxes, which are used for the maintenance and development of the temple.
Q: What are the facilities and amenities available at the temple?
A: The temple provides various facilities and amenities for the visitors, such as free shoe keeping, free lockers, free water, free toilets, free parking, shops, and canteens.
Q: What are the best times and seasons to visit the temple?
A: The temple can be visited at any time and season of the year, as the temple is open throughout the year, and the weather is pleasant and moderate in Patna. However, the best times and seasons to visit the temple are during the morning and evening hours, when the temple is less crowded and more serene, and during the festivals, when the temple is more lively and colorful.
Q: How can I book or request a special pooja or service at the temple?
A: You can book or request a special pooja or service at the temple by visiting the official website of the temple, www.mahavirmandirpatna.org, or by contacting the temple office at +91-612-2670631, +91-612-2670270, or +91-612-2670189. You can also email the temple at mahavirmandirpatna@gmail.com, or visit the temple counter in person.
Q: How can I get more information or assistance about the temple?
A: You can get more information or assistance about the temple by visiting the official website of the temple, www.mahavirmandirpatna.org, or by following the temple on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can also call the temple helpline at +91-612-2670631, +91-612-2670270, or +91-612-2670189, or email the temple at mahavirmandirpatna@gmail.com.
Mahavir Mandir is a place where you can have a divine and enriching experience, as you explore the history, significance, poojas, festivals, and miracles of the temple. The temple is a perfect destination for anyone who wants to experience the grace and protection of Lord Hanuman, the Sankat Mochan. The temple is also a great place to learn and appreciate the culture and heritage of Patna, the ancient city of Pataliputra.
So, what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Mahavir Mandir today, and get ready to be amazed and blessed by the Lord of the Monkeys. Jai Bajrangbali!
