Hanuman Temple Damanjodi stands as a sacred testament to spirituality. The temple premises has a temple area with marble flooring for the prayer, a beautifully decorated garden, and a huge Hanuman statue.
With an impressive height of 108.9 feet (33.1 meters), the Hanuman statue has the record of being the 2nd tallest Hanuman statue in the world. This is also called the Hanuman Vatika Damanjodi.
The temple is situated near the main gate of Nalco township, adjacent to Bhejaput. The temple’s construction was completed around 2017 and was mostly funded by Nalco. Since then, it has been attracting pilgrims and devotees from all over the nation.
Along with its natural green surroundings and rich tradition, the Hanuman Temple in Damanjodi has recently become a popular destination for tourists around the country and spiritual seekers and tourists alike.
Besides the Hanuman Vatika and statue, there are many attractions that pull tourists from around the world to Damanjodi Odisha. Some are Sabari Lake (with a huge dinosaur statue), the hilltop Jagannath temple, and the red mud pond.
Here I’ll give some in-depth facts about the temple, including the statue, history, facilities in the temple, opening hours, and contact details about the core committee of the temple.
The construction of the temple started around 2013. The lead for the construction was taken by BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha). The vision was high, to make a record-breaking Hanuman statue.
After the construction of the premises, statue construction was started. Starting from the land to the statue, everything was funded by Nalco. It took around 4 years to complete the project.
The inauguration of the statue was completed in 2017, and from 2017 to date, it holds the record of being the 2nd largest standing Hanuman Statue in the world.
Along with this marvelous giant statue, a temple for Lord Ram is also there on the premises. The whole premises is surrounded by beautiful gardens and serves as a relaxing place for most locals.
Here are some photos during the construction :
Hanuman in Hindu Mythology
Hanuman holds immense significance in Hindu mythology. Lord Hanuman has great significance. He is considered as the most believed and beloved deity.
Lord Hanuman is well known for his extraordinary physical strength, unparalleled devotion, exceptional intelligence, and immense courage.
Festivals in Hanuman temple damanjodi
The Hanuman Temple comes alive specifically during Hanuman Jayanti (The birth anniversary of the deity). This time the celebration attracts mainly locals along with devotees from nearby places, like Sunabeda, Similiguda, and Litiguda.
Every year on April 23, the trustee (Currently BMS) celebrates the auspicious day of Hanuman Jayanti with great interest. On this day, they offer free prasad to all devotees. Usually, prasad consists of rice, Dalma (Dal with many vegetables), Khata, and saag.
Besides Hanuman Jayanti, festivals like Diwali, Navratri, and Ram Navami are also celebrated with great enthusiasm. The temple premises are well-lit and ventilated, surrounded by a well-maintained garden.
You can find a priest all most every time of the day inside the temple. Also, the premises has ample space, so you can sit in the divine place as long as you want to offer your prayer.
The natural beauty of lush greenery, nearby hills, and flowers garden enhance the overall ambiance, making it an ideal place for meditation, introspection, and connecting with one’s inner self.
The inner boundary of the fence has been painted with beautiful images. You can see that in the below gallery.
Daily Activities in Hanuman Temple
I am attaching the image below so that you can get the daily routine of the Hanuman temple in Damanjodi. But as it is written in Odia language, let me write it for you.
Mandir opens at 6.00 AM daily, and then cleaning works get started. By 6.25 AM, Mangala Arati happens daily for 10-15 minutes.
Then till 7.15 devotees chant a prayer and Hanuman Chalisa, this is the time when the priest decorates the Lord with flowers and basil leaves.
The main door of the temple “Garva Grih” remains closed from 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM. This is callled “PAHADA”. Meaning the deity takes a rest after the food.
You would not be able to see the deity (inside the temple) if you come to the temple during this PAHADA time. However, you can have access to the Hanuman Statue every time.
Evening prayer (Sandhya Dhupa) starts at 6.30 PM, followed by prayers. The doors to the temple close at 9.00 PM.
Facilities in Hanuman vatika damanjodi
Hanuman Temple Damanjodi provides many necessary facilities to the pilgrims, which include daily prasadam, drinking water, an eating place, and a counter to buy puja samagree.
You can find Prasad every day inside the temple. They have a designated place for eating prasad inside the temple premises.
There are two types of prasad. One is normal, and the other is special. In special prasad, you will get extra Panner curry and kheer along with all items of normal thali. This will cost you 130 Rupees.
The normal thali will cost you around 100 Rupees, and you can get Rice, Dal or Dalma, Seasonal Khata, and Saag. The foods are prepared without using garlic and onions.
If you plan to visit the temple, then plan around lunchtime. You can call the temple trustee and book the Prasada. They have a distinct taste, and you will definitely enjoy the same.
Besides this, you will have access to drinking water inside the temple. Also, you can spend quality time in the meditation area.
Also, the Mandir premise has designated places for male and female toilets.
Funding the Hanuman temple Damanjodi
During the construction of Hanuman temple Damanjodi, all the land and funds were provided by Nalco. BMS (Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangha) had taken the initiative and completed this grand statue and temple with a spending of around 100 Crore.
Every year for organizing the event of Hanuman Jayanti, BMS accumulates funds from members and from local Nalco employees.
Even most of the time they get sponsored by higher rank employees and local contractors. These donations along with donations from visiting devotes, BMS has been able to maintain the high standards of the temple.
You can explore different handlooms of Odisha here : Odisha Handlooms
You can read about the visiting places in Damanjodi here : Places to visit in Damanjodi
Height of Hanuman statue Damanjodi is 108 feet and 9 inches.
Hanuman temple Damanjodi opens at 6.00 AM and closes at 9.00 PM. Pahada time is from 1.00 PM to 4.00 PM.
Yes, you can get anna prasada in Hanuman temple Damanjodi.
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