Salangpur Hanuman Temple (Kashtbhanjan Dev), Gujarat

History of Salangpur Hanuman Temple

Salangpur Hanuman Temple was established in 1848 by Gopalanand Swami, one of the leading saints of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. He installed and consecrated the idol of Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji at this sacred place.

According to temple tradition, Gopalanand Swami touched the idol with a sacred rod during its consecration, after which the idol appeared to move. Devotees considered this a sign that Lord Hanuman had manifested his divine presence in the murti.

The temple gradually became one of Gujarat’s most important Hanuman pilgrimage centres. In 1899, Shastriji Maharaj, also known as Shastri Yagnapurushdas, was appointed to supervise the temple’s affairs. During his period of service, the temple was renovated, nearby facilities were developed, and additional land was acquired for the expansion of the complex.

Further renovations and improvements were later undertaken by the Vadtal Gadi, giving the temple its present grand appearance.

Religious Significance of Kashtbhanjan Dev

Lord Hanuman is worshipped as a symbol of courage, devotion, discipline, physical strength, and complete surrender to Lord Rama.

At Salangpur, Hanumanji is worshipped as Kashtbhanjan Dev—the divine power who removes troubles and provides strength during difficult periods. Devotees visit the temple to pray for:

• Courage and self-confidence
• Relief from fear and anxiety
• Protection from negative influences
• Peace and emotional strength
• Success in important work
• Family happiness and prosperity
• Devotion and self-discipline
• Strength to overcome difficult circumstances

Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered especially auspicious for worshipping Lord Hanuman.

Idol of Kashtbhanjan Dev Hanumanji

The idol of Kashtbhanjan Dev was installed by Gopalanand Swami in 1848. Lord Hanuman is depicted in a powerful standing posture with a prominent moustache.

The idol shows Hanumanji standing over a feminine representation associated with Shani. The form symbolises the divine protection of Lord Hanuman and his power over fear, adversity, and planetary troubles.

The deity is decorated with flowers, garlands, ornaments, sacred clothing, and sindoor. Special decorations are performed on Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti, and other important occasions.

Architecture of Salangpur Hanuman Temple

The temple reflects traditional Gujarati and Swaminarayan architectural influences. Its beautifully decorated entrance, carved pillars, spacious prayer hall, ornate sanctum, and large courtyards create a grand devotional environment.

The temple complex includes:

• Main sanctum of Kashtbhanjan Dev
• Spacious assembly and prayer halls
• Courtyards for devotees
• Accommodation facilities
• Prasadam and bhojanalaya facilities
• Shops selling religious items
• Administrative and service buildings
• The King of Salangpur statue

The temple remains especially vibrant during aarti, when bells, devotional chants, and the sound of traditional instruments fill the premises.

King of Salangpur Statue

One of the major attractions near the temple is the King of Salangpur, a magnificent 54-foot-tall metal statue of Lord Hanuman.

The statue weighs approximately 30,000 kilograms and was unveiled on 6 April 2023. Its powerful standing form represents courage, devotion, and protection.

The statue can be seen from a considerable distance and has become an important spiritual and cultural landmark of Salangpur.

Salangpur Hanuman Temple Timings

The general darshan and aarti timings are:

The morning aarti schedule may vary by weekday. On Tuesdays, Saturdays, festivals, and special occasions, darshan arrangements may be extended or modified due to the large number of devotees.

Puja and Offerings

Devotees can offer the following items to Kashtbhanjan Dev:

• Sindoor
• Jasmine oil
• Flowers and garlands
• Coconut
• Red cloth
• Sacred thread
• Fruits
• Ladoos and sweets
• Incense sticks
• Ghee lamps

Offerings should be submitted only at the designated temple counters or places instructed by the temple authorities.

The commonly chanted mantra of Lord Hanuman is:

ॐ हनुमते नमः

Devotees may also recite the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, Sundarkand, or Ram Naam according to their faith and spiritual practice.

Special Saturday Worship

Saturday is one of the busiest and most important days at Salangpur Hanuman Temple. Thousands of devotees visit the shrine for special darshan and prayers.

Special rituals are conducted in accordance with temple traditions. Devotees participate in aarti, chant the Hanuman Chalisa, perform circumambulation, and seek the blessings of Kashtbhanjan Dev.

Visitors planning a Saturday darshan should arrive early because queues can become lengthy.

Prasadam and Bhojanalaya

The temple provides prasadam and meal facilities for devotees. The Kashtbhanjan Dev Bhojanalaya is a large dining facility designed to serve a significant number of pilgrims.

Simple and sattvic vegetarian food is served according to temple arrangements. Devotees should follow the queue, maintain cleanliness, and avoid wasting food.

Ladoos and other sweets are also commonly offered to Hanumanji and distributed as prasad.

Festivals Celebrated at Salangpur Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is the principal festival of the temple. Special aarti, puja, devotional chanting, decorations, and religious programmes are organised.

A large number of devotees visit Salangpur to seek the blessings of Hanumanji on this auspicious day.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, to whom Hanumanji is completely devoted. Ram Naam chanting, bhajans, and special worship are organised.

Diwali

The temple is decorated with lamps and lights during Diwali. Devotees offer prayers for protection, prosperity, and the removal of difficulties.

Kali Chaudas

Kali Chaudas is considered an important occasion for protective worship. Special prayers and rituals are performed at the temple.

Sundarkand and Hanuman Chalisa Programmes

Group recitations of the Sundarkand and Hanuman Chalisa are organised on important occasions. These programmes create a deeply devotional atmosphere within the temple.

Swaminarayan Festivals

Festivals associated with Bhagwan Swaminarayan and the spiritual tradition of the Vadtal Gadi are also observed at the temple.

Best Time to Visit

Salangpur Hanuman Temple can be visited throughout the year. Early morning is suitable for a peaceful darshan and participation in the morning aarti.

Tuesday and Saturday are considered auspicious but are generally more crowded. Visitors who prefer shorter queues may visit on a regular weekday.

The period from October to March is comfortable for travelling in Gujarat. Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, Kali Chaudas, and major holidays attract very large crowds.

Accommodation Facilities

Basic pilgrim accommodation is available near the temple according to availability. Rooms are generally allotted after visitors arrive and depend on the situation at that time.

Devotees should remain careful of unauthorised agents claiming to provide advance or online room bookings on behalf of the temple. Payments should only be made through authorised temple arrangements.

Hotels and guest houses are also available in Botad and nearby towns.

Nearby Places to Visit

Visitors can explore the following religious and tourist attractions:

• BAPS Swaminarayan Temple, Sarangpur
• Swaminarayan Temple, Gadhada
• Shri Gopinathji Maharaj Temple, Gadhada
• Botad
• Bhimnath Mahadev Temple
• Kundal Swaminarayan Temple
• Palitana Jain Temples
• Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar

How to Reach Salangpur Hanuman Temple

By Air

Bhavnagar Airport is one of the nearest airports and is approximately 80–90 kilometres from Salangpur. Ahmedabad Airport is approximately 150–160 kilometres away and offers wider flight connectivity.

Taxis and private vehicles are available from both airports.

By Train

Botad Junction is the nearest major railway station, located approximately 10–15 kilometres from the temple. Taxis, buses, and shared vehicles are available from Botad.

By Road

Salangpur is connected by road with Ahmedabad, Botad, Bhavnagar, Rajkot, and other cities in Gujarat. State transport and private buses operate on routes connecting Salangpur with nearby towns.

From Ahmedabad

Salangpur is approximately 150–160 kilometres from Ahmedabad. The journey usually takes around three to four hours by road, depending on traffic and the selected route.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Visit early on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Wear modest and comfortable clothing.
• Follow the darshan queue and temple instructions.
• Keep footwear at the designated counter.
• Carry only essential belongings.
• Use authorised counters for offerings and donations.
• Avoid unauthorised room-booking agents.
• Maintain cleanliness inside the temple and bhojanalaya.
• Photography may be restricted near the sanctum.
• Keep children and elderly family members close during crowded days.
• Spiritual worship should complement, not replace, appropriate professional medical care when needed.

Conclusion

Salangpur Hanuman Temple is one of the most revered Hanuman temples in Gujarat. Established in 1848 by Gopalanand Swami, the temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman in the powerful form of Kashtbhanjan Dev—the destroyer of troubles and sorrows.

Its sacred idol, traditional rituals, grand architecture, daily aartis, extensive pilgrim facilities, and the magnificent King of Salangpur statue attract devotees from across India. A visit to this temple offers an opportunity to seek courage, peace, protection, and the blessings of Lord Hanuman.