About Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
The Prachin Hanuman Mandir stands on Baba Kharak Singh Marg, about 250 metres from Connaught Place in central New Delhi. It enshrines a self-manifested image of Hanuman as a child, Bala Hanuman, lovingly called Sri Hanuman Ji Maharaj. The south-facing image holds a mace in the left hand, while the right hand rests across the chest in reverence towards the adjoining shrine of Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. Only one eye is visible from the front. In the middle of the capital's busiest commercial district, the temple remains a living neighbourhood shrine, with long queues of devotees on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Local tradition counts this as one of five Delhi temples from the time of the Mahabharata, along with Kalkaji, Yogmaya, a Bhairav temple near Purana Qila and Nili Chhatri Mahadev. A popular story says the poet-saint Tulsidas visited, and that when a Mughal emperor demanded a miracle, he performed one with Hanuman's blessing; the emperor is said to have then given the temple the crescent-moon finial on its spire. The present temple was rebuilt in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber, around the time he built the nearby Jantar Mantar, and some accounts credit an earlier shrine to Raja Man Singh I.
The temple's spire, about 108 feet high, carries a crescent moon instead of the usual Om or sun emblem. Silver-plated doors show scenes from the Ramayana, the foyer has paintings of Hanuman in four aspects, and marble tablets on the walls carry the full text of the Sundar Kand. The ceiling of the main mandapa is painted with Ramayana episodes. Later additions include shrines to Shiva and Parvati, Durga, Lakshmi-Narayana, Ganesha and Santoshi Mata. Small shops around the complex sell offerings and lac bangles, and the lane is known for mehendi artists.
Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place timings & aarti
Usually open daily from early morning until late evening, with the longest hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning aarti | Early morning (approx.) |
| Evening aarti | At sunset |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
By air
Indira Gandhi International Airport is about 15 km away; the Airport Express metro line serves central Delhi.
By train
New Delhi railway station is about 2 km away. Rajiv Chowk is the nearest metro station.
By road
The temple is on Baba Kharak Singh Marg off Connaught Place; Shivaji Stadium is the nearest bus terminal, and autos and taxis are easy to find.
Festivals at Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
- Hanuman JayantiMar/Apr
- Rama NavamiMar/Apr
- DiwaliOct/Nov
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
- Entry
- Free.
- Use the metro to Rajiv Chowk; parking around Connaught Place is difficult.
- Tuesday and Saturday evenings are very crowded; come in the morning for a quieter visit.
- Look up at the spire to see the crescent-moon finial.
- Shops in the lane sell offerings, lac bangles and mehendi.
Places to visit near Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place
- Connaught PlaceHistoric shopping and business hub, about 250 m away
- Jantar Mantar18th-century observatory built by Jai Singh II, about 1 km away
- Gurudwara Bangla SahibMajor Sikh shrine, about 1 km away
- Laxminarayan Temple (Birla Mandir)Large modern temple, about 2 km away
Frequently asked questions
Which is the nearest metro station to Hanuman Mandir Connaught Place?
Rajiv Chowk metro station is the nearest, a short walk from the temple.
Why does the temple have a crescent moon on its spire?
Tradition says a Mughal emperor gave the crescent finial after Tulsidas performed a miracle with Hanuman's blessing.
What are the busiest days at the temple?
Tuesdays and Saturdays, and above all Hanuman Jayanti in Chaitra (March/April).
Who built the Connaught Place Hanuman temple?
The present temple was rebuilt in 1724 by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Amber, though the site is believed to be much older.
What is the aarti time at Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place?
Morning aarti: Early morning (approx.); Evening aarti: At sunset. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place timings?
Usually open daily from early morning until late evening, with the longest hours on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Hanuman Mandir, Connaught Place?
Modest clothing is recommended; remove footwear before entering.
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