Karman Ghat Hanuman Temple - Hyderabad

Hyderabad, a prominent city in South India, holds a special place in the newly formed Telangana state, as well as Andhra Pradesh. Known as the 'City of Pearls,' Hyderabad boasts a rich historical heritage, which has been significantly augmented in recent decades by the burgeoning IT industry. Amidst its array of popular tourist destinations, including forts, palaces, lakes, masjids, and temples, we delve into an ancient and significant temple - the Karman Ghat Hanuman Temple.

Legend:

Legend has it that the Mughal Emperor Aurangazeb, upon conquering Hyderabad, sought to destroy the Karman Ghat Hanuman Temple. However, his efforts were thwarted as his soldiers encountered an insurmountable force preventing their entry. Undeterred, Aurangazeb himself ventured to demolish the temple but, like his men, he found himself unable to enter. Instead, he heard a divine voice instructing him to strengthen his heart if he wished to gain access. Over time, the phrase "Karo man ghat" (strengthen your heart) is believed to have evolved into the temple's name - Karman Ghat.

Another legend recounts the temple's origin story. King Pratap Rudra I of the Kakatiya dynasty was hunting in Lakshmipuram, which is the present-day Karman Ghat, when he heard the resonant chant of "Sri Ram." As he approached the source of the chanting, he discovered an icon of Lord Hanuman. That night, he dreamt of building a temple on the site, and so, this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman came into existence.

History:

The temple's roots trace back to the 12th century CE when it was commissioned by King Pratap Rudra I of the Kakatiya dynasty.

Temple Layout:

While the temple's entrance faces south, all the shrines within the complex are oriented eastward. At the entrance, a grand arch features stucco images of Dyana Anjaneya and Hanuman wielding a mace. As of 2016 CE, construction of the temple's tower was in progress.

The primary shrine houses a sizable, red-colored icon representing Lord Hanuman's visage. The temple also enshrines the utsav icon of Dyana Anjaneya.

Within the prakara, you'll find an utsav icon of Hanuman, standing tall and clutching a mace. The front mandapa boasts pillars in the Kakatiya architectural style.

The main shrine or temple in the complex is dedicated to Hanuman. There are many sub-temples or shrines built by the Kakatiya Kings found within the same complex.

Other Temples:

The list of other temples or shrines that are found in the complex:

• Vigneshwara (Ganesha)
• Santoshi Mata - she is found in the sitting posture and has four arms
• Nageshwara - an old Shiv Linga with an equally old Nandi ; a rare icon of Ganesha with two elephants on his either side is also situated in this temple
• Saptika Lingeshwara along with the Goddess Brahmarambika
• Saraswati - a very beautiful icon
• Navagraha
• Durga - she is not in the typical style of Durga; the image is very small
• Rama, Sita and Lakshmana - very beautiful icons; the utsav images of Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Hanuman, Tirumangai Alwar, Andal and Ramanuja are also found in the same temple
• Shiva temple with an ancient and beautiful Vimana along with the pillared frontside mandapa
• Venugopal with his two consorts - this temple also has an ancient Vimana and frontside pillared mandapa
• Nagas - the main Naga is 21 hood serpent
• Nagas and Hanuman beneath a holy tree

Happy travelling.