Hanuman Temple at Girnar Hills, Junagadh

History of Lambe Hanuman Temple

Lambe Hanuman Temple is regarded as an ancient shrine connected with the spiritual traditions of Girnar. The temple is also associated with references found in the traditional text known as Girnar Kalpa, which describes the religious importance of various sacred places in the Girnar region.

For generations, pilgrims have worshipped Lord Hanuman here before climbing Girnar or beginning the Girnar Parikrama. Devotees also return to the temple after completing their journey to express gratitude.

The shrine gradually developed into an important religious centre where regular puja, aarti, Hanuman Chalisa recitation, Sundarkand Path, and special festival rituals are conducted.

Why Is It Called Lambe Hanuman?

The temple is popularly known as Lambe Hanuman because of the distinctive appearance and size of the sacred idol.

According to a local religious belief, the idol of Lord Hanuman increases in size every year by the measure of a grain of rice. This belief has made the shrine particularly famous among devotees and has contributed to the name “Lambe Hanuman.”

The belief is part of the temple’s devotional tradition and is respectfully passed from one generation of devotees to another.

Significance of Lambe Hanuman Temple

Lambe Hanuman Temple holds special importance for people undertaking the difficult climb to the sacred temples and peaks of Girnar.

Lord Hanuman is worshipped as a divine protector who provides courage, physical strength, confidence, and determination. Pilgrims pray for the strength required to complete the Girnar journey and for protection throughout the pilgrimage.

Devotees commonly visit the temple to pray for:

• Courage during difficult situations
• Strength to overcome obstacles
• Protection during travel and pilgrimage
• Mental peace and confidence
• Devotion towards Lord Rama
• Discipline and determination
• Peace and harmony within the family
• Success in personal responsibilities
• Spiritual strength and guidance

Main Idol of Lord Hanuman

The principal deity is Lord Hanuman in a distinctive and powerful form. The sacred idol is decorated with sindoor, flowers, garlands, ornaments, and traditional clothes.

Devotees offer prayers before the deity and recite the Hanuman Chalisa, Bajrang Baan, Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak, and Sundarkand.

The powerful appearance of the idol and the peaceful atmosphere of Girnar Taleti create a deeply devotional experience for visitors.

Other Deities in the Temple Complex

Along with Lord Hanuman, devotees can also have darshan of Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, and Lord Lakshmana within the temple premises.

The complex is also associated with shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities. The presence of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana highlights Hanuman Ji’s eternal devotion and service to Lord Rama.

A gaushala and spaces for religious activities are also associated with the temple complex.

Architecture of Lambe Hanuman Temple

Lambe Hanuman Temple follows a traditional Hindu temple arrangement centred on the main sanctum of Lord Hanuman.

The temple’s architecture is simple and devotional, giving prominence to the sacred idol rather than elaborate ornamentation. Bells, saffron flags, religious symbols, flowers, and images associated with Lord Rama and Hanuman enhance the spiritual setting.

The natural landscape of Girnar Hills surrounding the temple contributes significantly to its peaceful and sacred atmosphere.

Hanuman Temple at Girnar Hills Timings

Morning and evening puja and aarti are conducted according to the temple’s daily ritual schedule. Special aarti, abhishek, decoration, and bhog are organised on Hanuman Jayanti and other important religious occasions.

Temple timings may change during the Girnar Parikrama, Maha Shivratri fair, Hanuman Jayanti, and special events.

Best Time for Darshan

The best time for a peaceful darshan is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Pilgrims planning to climb Girnar should visit the temple before beginning their journey.

Evening darshan between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM is suitable for visitors who wish to experience the temple’s devotional atmosphere after exploring Bhavnath Taleti.

Saturday is considered an auspicious day for Hanuman worship but may be more crowded than regular weekdays.

Puja and Religious Activities

Regular religious activities at Lambe Hanuman Temple include:

• Daily puja and aarti
• Hanuman Chalisa recitation
• Sundarkand Path
• Bajrang Baan recitation
• Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtak
• Ram Naam chanting
• Abhishek of Lord Hanuman
• Sindoor and oil offerings
• Saturday worship
• Special Hanuman Jayanti rituals
• Bhajan and devotional programmes

Sundarkand Path is especially associated with Saturday worship at the temple.

Offerings at Lambe Hanuman Temple

Devotees may offer:

• Sindoor
• Jasmine oil
• Red flowers
• Red cloth
• Sacred thread
• Coconut
• Bananas
• Boondi
• Ladoos
• Incense sticks
• Mustard-oil or ghee lamps

Visitors should follow the instructions of the temple priests and place offerings only in designated areas.

Prasad at Lambe Hanuman Temple

Boondi ladoos, fruits, and sweets are commonly offered to Lord Hanuman. Devotees receive blessed prasad after completing darshan and puja.

During Hanuman Jayanti, large quantities of boondi ladoos are offered to the deity. Special prasad distribution and community meals may also be organised for devotees.

Major Festivals Celebrated

Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is the principal festival celebrated at Lambe Hanuman Temple. The deity is adorned with special clothes, flowers, sindoor, and ornaments.

Abhishek, maha aarti, Hanuman Chalisa recitation, devotional programmes, and prasad distribution form an important part of the celebration. Thousands of devotees may visit the shrine on this occasion.

Saturdays

Saturday is an important weekly day for Lord Hanuman’s worship. Devotees participate in puja, offer sindoor and oil, and recite the Hanuman Chalisa or Sundarkand.

Ram Navami

Ram Navami is celebrated with devotion because Lord Hanuman is regarded as the greatest devotee of Lord Rama. Devotees chant Ram Naam and worship Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman.

Girnar Parikrama

The annual Girnar Parikrama attracts a large number of pilgrims. Many devotees visit Lambe Hanuman Temple before beginning the sacred journey.

Maha Shivratri

The Maha Shivratri fair at Bhavnath Taleti brings saints, pilgrims, and visitors from different parts of India. Lambe Hanuman Temple also receives a large number of devotees during this period.

Girnar Pilgrimage and Temple Visit

Lambe Hanuman Temple is situated at the foothills, so visitors do not need to climb thousands of Girnar steps or use the ropeway to reach it.

Pilgrims generally follow this sequence:

1. Visit Bhavnath Taleti.
2. Offer prayers at Lambe Hanuman Temple.
3. Seek strength and protection from Lord Hanuman.
4. Begin the Girnar climb or Parikrama.
5. Return to the temple after completing the pilgrimage.

This tradition reflects the belief that Lord Hanuman protects and strengthens devotees during physically demanding journeys.

Best Season to Visit

The best time to visit Lambe Hanuman Temple is from October to March, when the weather in Junagadh is comfortable for sightseeing and pilgrimage.

The monsoon season makes the Girnar landscape green and beautiful, but visitors should be careful on wet pathways. Summers can be hot, so early morning darshan is preferable.

Recommended Visit Duration

A regular visit to the temple requires 30 to 45 minutes. Devotees participating in Sundarkand Path, aarti, or special puja should keep additional time.

Visitors combining the temple with Bhavnath Mahadev Temple, Damodar Kund, and Girnar Hills should plan several hours for the complete journey.

Entry Fee

There is no entry fee for regular darshan at Lambe Hanuman Temple. Devotees can enter the shrine and offer prayers without purchasing a ticket.

Charges may apply for special puja arrangements, offerings, or religious services organised through the temple.

How to Reach Hanuman Temple at Girnar Hills

Lambe Hanuman Temple is located near Bhavnath Taleti at the foothills of Girnar in Junagadh, Gujarat.

By Air

Rajkot International Airport is the nearest major airport. Taxis and buses are available from Rajkot to Junagadh.

By Train

Junagadh Junction is the nearest railway station. It is connected with Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Somnath, Veraval, and other cities.

Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local buses are available from the railway station to Bhavnath Taleti.

By Road

Junagadh is connected with Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Somnath, Dwarka, Porbandar, and other cities through state highways and regular bus services.

From central Junagadh, visitors can reach Bhavnath Taleti using:

• Auto-rickshaw
• Local bus
• Taxi
• App-based cab
• Private vehicle

After reaching Bhavnath Taleti, follow the route towards the Girnar steps to reach Lambe Hanuman Temple.

Nearby Places to Visit

Visitors can explore the following religious and tourist attractions:

• Bhavnath Mahadev Temple
• Damodar Kund
• Girnar Ropeway
• Ambaji Temple
• Dattatreya Paduka Temple
• Jain Temples of Girnar
• Gorakhnath Temple
• Ashokan Rock Edicts
• Uparkot Fort
• Mahabat Maqbara
• Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden

Facilities for Visitors

Facilities available at or near Bhavnath Taleti may include:

• Drinking water
• Footwear deposit areas
• Flower and prasad shops
• Local transportation
• Parking facilities
• Food stalls
• Dharamshalas
• Public washrooms
• Resting areas

Facilities may be limited or crowded during the Girnar Parikrama and Maha Shivratri fair.

Important Tips for Visitors

• Wear modest and comfortable clothing.
• Remove footwear before entering the worship area.
• Follow the instructions of temple priests.
• Ask permission before taking photographs.
• Do not touch the deity without permission.
• Carry drinking water if planning to climb Girnar.
• Wear comfortable footwear for the pilgrimage.
• Avoid littering in the temple and hill areas.
• Do not feed or disturb wild animals.
• Follow forest and local administration guidelines.
• Begin the Girnar climb early in the morning.
• Check weather conditions during the monsoon.
• Confirm festival timings before planning a special visit.

Conclusion

Lambe Hanuman Temple at Girnar Hills in Junagadh is an ancient and spiritually important shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Its location at Bhavnath Taleti, association with the Girnar pilgrimage, distinctive idol, and peaceful natural surroundings make it an important destination for devotees.

Pilgrims seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman before climbing Girnar, praying for courage, strength, protection, and determination. A visit to this temple adds a meaningful devotional beginning to the sacred journey of Girnar.