Hanuman Temple (Hanuman Mandir)

The Basics

Interesting features of this house of worship include silver-plated doors depicting scenes from the Ramayana, a Hindu epic in which Hanuman plays an integral role, along with numerous idols of other prominent Hindu gods. There has been continuous chanting to the god Ram (whom Hanuman serves) in this temple since August of 1964. It’s an interesting spot to check out if you’re in the Connaught Place area, and some area tours stop here.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The temple is a must-visit for travelers interested in local culture and spirituality.

• Be prepared to take off your shoes before entering the temple.

• Remember to dress modestly out of respect for local customs, with clothing that covers the shoulders, knees, and décolletage.

How to Get There

The temple is located right by Gole Market, a 15-minute walk east of the Rajiv Chowk metro hub at Connaught Place or 10 minutes southwest of the RK Ashram Metro. It's often visited with other religious attractions in the area, including the Sacred Heart Cathedral (a 15-minute walk south) and the Gurdwara Bangla Sahib Sikh temple (a 10-minute walk away).

When to Get There

The temple is open from sunrise to sunset daily, but is at its busiest on Tuesdays, the day of the week associated with Hanuman, and again on Saturdays. If you happen to be in Delhi during the Hindu month of Chaitra (in March and/or April, depending on the lunar calendar), try to visit on Hanuman Jayanti, held on the full moon, when the god's birthday is celebrated with much fanfare.

Hanuman Servant of Ram

Hanuman, India's celebrated "monkey god," is known as the servant of Ram (an incarnation of the preserver god, Vishnu) and plays a prominent role in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana. Temples to the deity are often found in areas with lots of monkeys, and he's particularly popular among people with careers that involve serving others.