Photo copyright: Satyabrata Maiti
Lord Hanuman is one of the most revered Gods of Hindus. He is an ocean of strength and wisdom and is considered as a direct incarnation of Lord Shiva. He is respected as a symbol of supreme Bhakti that he had on Lord Rama. Hanuman Chalisa describes his power and he is a symbol power too. When he was asked to bring a plant from “Gandhamadan Parvat” for the treatment of Lakshmana before the sunrise, he brought the entire “Parvat” to Lanka where Rama and Ravan battle was going on since he could not identify the “Mritasanjavini plant” which could give the life to Lakshmana. That was the power of him. He is worshiped as “Sankatabhanjan” at a time of crisis.
Bharat has many ancient Hanuman temples and one such temple is located in Lambhvel village in Anand, Gujarat.Lambhvel village is located just about 2.5 km away from Anand township on the Ananad –Nadiad highway which is known as Dandi Yatra Road. Temple is about more than 500 years old dedicated to lord Hanumanji. Lambhvel Hanumanji temple is famous for Swayambhu (Self manifested) idol of Lord Hanumanji.
The mythological tale associated with the temple:
It dates back to around 16th century. A small cowboy named Lambhu used to take cows for grazing in the forest. While the cows grazed, Lambhu would play his flute joyfully. One beautiful cow in his herd would stand near a specific “aakda” (Calotropis spp) plant every day and release a stream of milk onto the plant before returning home with the rest of the cows which Lambhu was quite unaware of. However, he observed that whenever, he tried to milk this cow, it would yield no milk. Curious about this behaviour, Lambhu decided to keep a watch over the cow to understand the mystery behind it. He prevented the cow for leaving the herd one day. Unable to go to the “aakda” plant, the cow became restless and escaped from the shed at night. Lambhu followed the cow secretly and found that the cow went straight to the “aakda” plant and stood over it, releasing a stream of milk. Lambhu was astonished and went to sleep that night with deep thoughts about what he saw.
That night, he had a dreamadvising to dig that spot. Next day, as he dug, his spade struck something hard, revealing a reddish hue. He stopped digging and carefully removed the soil with his hands, uncovering a beautiful hanumanji idol. His dream had come true as the idol was discovered during this excavation. Following proper rituals, a grand temple was constructed and the idol was officially enshrined on “Shravan Sud Ashtami” in 1523 CE (Vikram Samvat 1579).
It is believed that the village was named as Lambhavel after Lambhu’s Hanuman-ji.
Excellent facilities in the temple
Excellent facilities have been created for devotees and travellers visiting from other parts of the country. A “dharmashala” is run for visitors. The temple premises host several social and charitable activities. Spread over approximately three acres, the temple maintains an inclusive tradition of distributing free food for all from its inception. Key festivals celebrated here include Lord Ram’s birth, Hanuman Jayanti, and the day of the idol’s consecration.
The temple complex includes a well-equipped Yajna Shala for conducting Maruti Yajnas, which is available for any devotee to use. Additionally, a charitable dispensary operates within the premises, where many doctors provide honorary free services. Adjacent to the temple there are two gardens which are frequently used for religious and social events. During the month of Shraavan, devotees gather in large numbers to seek blessings and participate in the festivities. A grand fair is held here on “Janmashtami” day. A significant crowd also gather on Shravan Saturdays. Mass marriage is also organized here.
Construction of new temple for relocation of the present Temple
After the construction of Rama Temple in Ayodhya, the Lambhvel Hanumanji temple committee also prepared a grand plan for renovation and construction of a new temple complex with the help of devotees. A new plan has been in operation. Two stones from Hampi (Kishkindha Kshetra, the birth place of Hanumanji), Karnataka have been brought for this purpose. Model of the “would be” temple complex is ready now and stone carving has been started. It is estimated that the new temple would be ready by 2026.
Other activities
The Lambhvel Fair is celebrated on last Saturday of “Shravan” Month of Gujarati calendar.
A huge fair is organized here on “Kali Chaudash” in Diwali time. Hanuman Jayanti is also celebrated in a grand fashion. Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkand Path are organized by the temple committee on regular basis. Hanumanji temple committee also run a hospital where doctors give there service voluntarily. Every devoted wishes are fulfilled by Lord Hanumanji.
Jai Bharat!
Sataybrata Maiti
Acknowledgement
- The Temple Committee for allowing me to take the photographs;
- Geetha, K. A., who introduced me to the Temple Committee for taking photographs and also adding mythological inputs;
- Aarti Kawane for helping me some Gujarati literature translated in English for my understanding;
- On line literature resources used for the write up.
Well narrated accompanied by excellent pics.👏 Please note that all the temples, especially the old ones have what is called,’ Sthala Purana’ , roughly translating a fictional story of its origin.
Jai Hanuman 🙏