The Mahavir Temple, Patna, Its Historical, Divine And Cultural Significance
Located in the state of Bihar, at Patna, the Mahavir temple is among the most famous temples of India. The temple is the holy abode of Lord Hanuman, having a footfall of over millions of devotees and pilgrims, annually, placing it at the second spot, amidst the most visited shrines of northern India. Although, it is among the holiest destinations of pilgrimage, the primary establishment period of the temple remains in oblivion. According to historical sources, the first reconstruction of the temple occurred in 1947, at the time of the great divide. Later, in 1987, the constructional concrete framework of the temple was demolished for reconstruction in marble.
Significant cultural heritage
The patna mahavir mandir is the pious abode of Sankat-Mochan. In terms of distinguished cultural significance, the temple ranks high, among some of the most popular Hanuman temples of the country. Every morning in this temple starts with the recital of Ramayana. Apart from the daily enumeration of Valmiki Ramayana, religious sagas from the holiest Hindu scriptures are also included. Moreover, the temple essays the essence of unity of mankind. Because of the presence of this specific factor, you will find Sanskrit pundits, and the Bairagi sages, belonging to the Ramanand sect, worshipping the deities in complete harmony. Additionally, Naivedyam, the prasadam of the temple resemble the laddos and prepared by cooking experts of Tirupati.
Principle deity of the temple
Devotees all over the world and country, come to offer their homage to Lord Hanuman, the elemental deity of the temple. The temple is not a single, reclusive structure. Rather, it is an entire complex with a huge premise. As you proceed to the left, on entering the temple premises, you will come to an elevated platform that leads you to the main worship arena, or the Garbagriha. It is the pious sanctorum of the principle deity, Lord Hanuman. Moreover, the temple houses not one, but two idols of Sankat Mochan.
Detailed description of idol
There are two idols of the principle deity, present in the temple. Both idols of Sankat Mochan are worshipped with utmost dedication, since ages. Moreover, both the idols portray the conventional vermillion colored appearance of Lord Hanuman, with golden crowns on their heads. While paying a visit to this temple, you can see that the idols are covered with red cloth. According to the religious sagas of Rig Veda, Lord Hanuman is an incarnation Lord Rudra, along with special cosmic powers of Lord Surya and Indra. Therefore, among the two idols, one provides protection against all odds, and the other punishes the evil doers.
Presence of other shrines
Around the area of the Garbagriha, you will find the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Moving onto the first floor of the temple, you will come across four shrines. Firstly, there is the shrine of Lord Rama. Beside this shrine, you can offer prayers to the idol of Lord Krishna, situated in a summoning posture. Just beside the idol of Lord Krishna, stands the idol of goddess Durga. As you move towards the adjacent area, you will come across the stately standing idol of Lord Shiva, accompanied by the meditating idols of Lord Parvati and Nandi. Additionally, when devotees make through the Dhyanmandap, there are sure to witness the benevolent darshan of Lord Buddha, Lord Ganesha and Lord Satyanarayan and also Shani Maharaj.
Ancient Vedic Rituals
Pilgrims and devotees all over the world are entitled to offer their prayers to the Lord. The principle worship methodology followed in the temple complies with the ancient Vedic rules. Moreover, it is not necessary for the Yajman or the worshipper to be present in person. The temple has a well-defined worship methodology, divided into two segments. Devotees and pilgrims can dedicate spiritual offerings to the deity as Akhand Jyoti, Holy Flag for the Lord as well as Sindoor Shringar and Sadhu-seva. Other than that, the Brihad-manokamana-yajna, Rudra-Abhishek puja and Brihat-Hanumat-Puja are the Vedic rituals performed.
Special occasions and festivities
After the Hanumangarhi at Ayodhya, the hanuman temple patna hosts the grandest celebrations of Ram Navami. The auspicious event of Lord Rama’s birth is celebrated with great pomp and grandeur. Also to this, the arrival of the month of Vaishakh, signifies Mata Sita’s birth. This day, popular as Janaki Navami, happens to be a great occasion of the celebration at the temple. After these occasions, arrives the much awaited Hanuman Jayanti, on the month of Kartik, especially during the dark fortnight. Devotees offer prayers to the Lord on the 14th day of the dark period. It is at this time; the temple changes its Dwaja or flag.
Apart from the auspicious celebrations mentioned above, the temple also celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna. On the eve of Janmashtami, the temple priests hold religious canonicals and bhajans sung both in Sanskrit and Hindi. Other than that, Durga Puja, Sanskrit Divas on shravana purnima, Vivah Pnachami and Tulsi Jayanti are some of the most prestigious celebrations of the temple.
A famous pilgrimage destination
Every year, the Hanuman Temple at Patna, Bihar, experiences a footfall of millions of pilgrims from all over the country. Mostly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays, you will see long queues of devotees, waiting eagerly for a glimpse of the deity. Moreover, at the time of Ram Navami, the temple has the maximum number of visitors.