The Hanuman Temple is said to be a staggering 5000 years old! There is an incredible legendary tale of Bheema, one of the Pandava brothers, using his mace to create the ‘pol or gate’ when their way was being obstructed. Thereafter, an encounter with Lord Hanuman resulted in the temple being constructed by Bheema.
This historical site is located deep within the confines of the Sariska Tiger Sanctuary. For those with their own cars, the forest department has made a concession; visitors are allowed in the park on Tuesdays and Saturdays by paying a small fee of INR 250. It is an adventurous hour long drive from Sariska and is set among local date palm trees. The temple has a giant idol of Lord Hanuman and the entire history of the temple is signposted on a board behind the temple.
The Hanuman Temple is said to have been in existence for thousands of years, while Pandupol is a natural opening (gate) in the rocks through which the Pandavas are believed to have passed in their period of exile. There are lovely reflections of the palm trees in the adjacent stream while monkeys are treated as reincarnations of the monkey god Hanuman and devotees offer them prasad. It is located around 15-20 km from Sariska, inside the sanctuary.
Pandupol hanuman mandir history and Story
According to Mahabharata Pandavas during their exile lived here for some period of time; it is believed that Bheem (Strongest among Pandavas) hit the mountain to make the way; since the way was made by Pandavas the place got the name Pandupole which literally means “Gate of Pandavas”. One narration in Mahabharata suggests that it is the very same place where Lord Hanuman destroyed the proud Bheem of being strongest in all worlds. Since that incident a temple was constructed here dedicated to Lord Hanuman; to the level of amazement the main deity is an idol of Lord Hanuman which is in sleeping position which is a very exclusive posture as most of the temples have the idols of Lord Hanuman in either standing or sitting posture.
Pandupol hanuman mandir timings - The age of temple is unknown but it is believed to be very old; on every Tuesday & Saturday a large number of devotees reach at Pandupole temple as Tuseday & Saturday are days which are dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Hindu mythology. Because of its miraculous deity & rich mythological importance Pandupole Temple is among the most celebrated temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman in Rajasthan; the devotees of this temple are not only from just Rajasthan but across India.
Architecture of Temple Shri Pandupol Hanuman Ji
It is a simple Temple built of locally available building material and is surrounded by immense natural beauty of lush green hills, the forest hills, dales and flora and fauna of the Sariska Sanctuary. The idol of Lord Hanuman Ji is in reclining position with a very long tail. The cenotaph of Sant Nirbhaya Das is located nearby.
The bridge of Pandupol related to the Pandavas of Mahabharata Period is located nearby. It is said that they had spent part of their time in exile here incognito. At one place, two hills meet together and have a door like opening out of which a natural water stream flows. It is said that the way was obstructed which was broken upon by Bheem, the most powerful of the five Pandava brothers with his Gada (the mace). The devotees from far off places visit here in huge numbers to pay homage to Lord Hanuman Ji on Tuesdays and Saturdays because these days are held sacred to Lord Hanuman Ji.
How to Reach Pandupol Hanuman Temple Alwar :
By Air: Jaipur Airport From Alwar- 162 Kms (Sanganer Airport Jaipur)
Delhi Airport From Alwar – 170 Kms (Indra Gandhi International Airport)
By Train: Jaipur Railway Station from Alwar – 145 Kms (3 Hour approx)
Delhi Railway Station from Alwar – 156 Kms (4 Hour approx)
By Road: Jaipur to Alwar – 155 Kms ( 2 Hour 58 Minutes Via NH11)
Delhi to Alwar – 157 Kms ( 3 Hour 10 Minutes Via Alwar- Bhiwadi Road)
