Ulta Hanuman Temple – Fulfills Everyone’s Wishes Here

Sankatmochan Hanuman has many temples across the country; some are miraculous, and some connect with legendary tales. But one such miraculous temple of Lord Hanuman is located in the Indore district, and its connection is found even from the Ramayana period. Moreover, the idol of Lord Hanuman consecrated in the temple is unique in itself.

Indeed, an Ulta idol of Lord Hanuman is enshrined in Sanwer, located 25 kilometers from Indore, meaning Lord Hanuman’s head faces down and his feet face up. This is the only such temple across the country where Lord Hanuman’s idol is Ulta. In contrast, in all other temples in the country, Hanuman’s idol is enshrined either standing or sitting. Devotees travel from far and wide to have darshan of the Ulta Hanuman.

Connection Believed to be from the Ramayana Period

People also believe this temple of Lord Hanuman connects to the Ramayana period. In the war between Ram and Ravana, Ravana’s friend and the King of Patala (the underworld), Ahiravan, deceitfully disguised himself and joined Shri Ram’s army. When everyone slept at night, he fainted Shri Ram and Lakshman, kidnapped them, and took them with him to Patala Loka. Later, Lord Hanuman learned that Ahiravan had taken Shri Ram and Lakshman with him and prepared to sacrifice both of them.

Following this, Hanuman also reached Patala Loka in search of them. There, a battle ensued between Ahiravan and Hanuman, and Hanuman killed Ahiravan, freeing Shri Ram and Lakshman and bringing them back to the battlefield. It is believed that when Lord Hanuman was going to Patala Loka, his head faced the earth and his feet faced the sky, which led to the installation of this type of idol. People also see the temple as a symbol of the Sankatmochan’s victory over Patala.

The Story of Hanumanji Going to Patala

A doorkeeper stopped Hanuman at the gate of Patala. He looked half-monkey and half-crocodile. When Hanumanji asked for his introduction, he introduced himself as Makardhwaj and stated he was Hanumanji’s son. Hanuman was surprised to hear this because he was a lifelong Brahmachari (celibate) and had no son. Then Makardhwaj explained that when he was leaping across the ocean to go to Lanka, a drop of his sweat fell into a crocodile’s mouth, resulting in his birth. Makardhwaj said that if you want to go inside, you must first defeat me in battle.

To kill Ahiravan, Hanumanji had to fight his own son and, after defeating him, Hanuman entered Patala Loka. Hanumanji reached under a tree and started thinking about where Ahiravan would be. Two birds sitting on the same tree under which Hanumanji was, were talking to each other that today Ahiravan is going to sacrifice humans to the Mother Goddess. Hanumanji knew the language of birds and animals, so he started searching for Shri Ram and Lakshman in that area.

When Hanumanji reached Ahiravan’s secret place, he saw five lamps there. Makardhwaj had already told him that Ahiravan would only die when those five lamps were extinguished simultaneously. Following this, he assumed the Panchmukhi (Five-Faced) form and extinguished all five lamps at once. Hanumanji brought an end to Ahiravan and freed Shri Ram and Lakshman from there.

Wishes are Fulfilled by Doing Darshan

The Ulta Hanuman Temple of Sanwer has religious significance and is also connected to miracles. People say that any devotee who visits the temple for three or five consecutive Tuesdays will have the Sankatmochan remove all their troubles and fulfill all their wishes. Also, devotees offer Chola (saffron-colored clothing/coating) to Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays. This temple of Lord Hanuman is very ancient. Its history dates back to the 13th century, specifically the year 1200. Also, the tombs (Samadhis) of many saints are built here. Furthermore, the temple complex features many trees of Peepal, Neem, Tulsi, and Banyan, which enhance the natural beauty of the temple.