Also known as Balaji Mandir, Hanuman Mandir near Caltex More in Malbazar is a grand brownish-red shrine to Lord Hanuman in the Dooars — built by the local Marwari community, its main hall seats over 200 devotees and draws pilgrims for the annual Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav.
The narrative of the Ramayana explicitly defines the notable role of mighty Hanuman in King Rama's victory over Ravana. The greatest Brahmachari, Hanuman is also regarded as one of the Chiranjivi (among the seven immortals in Hinduism). Also known as Bajrangbali, he was an ardent devotee of Rama. Born in Benaras, he is mentioned as the son of the wind god, Pawan.
An apsara cursed to be born on earth gave birth to Hanuman, redeeming herself from the curse. Other interpretations hold that Hanuman is the 11th incarnation of Shiva. People regard him as the living god of Kaliyuga and widely worship him in India. There are lakhs of Hanuman temples in India, where millions of devotees visit from every corner of the country to offer prayers.
Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar – A Glimpse Into Another Hindu Shrine in North Bengal
Speaking of Hanuman temples in North Bengal and the Dooars region, boasts one. The temple solely devotes itself to mighty Hanuman. The grandiose Hanuman Mandir in Malbazar, also called Balaji Mandir, is located near Caltex More. The intricate designs and the artistically erected temple are simply eye-catching. The architectural layout is unique in every aspect.
The only public park in the bustling town of Mal, Malbazar Park is a green, secluded retreat near the National Highway in Jalpaiguri — a verdant oasis of flowers, an aquarium, birds, and water canals, and the base point for exploring the Dooars wildlife sanctuaries.
A picturesque, relatively untouched spot near Looksan village in Jalpaiguri, Lal Jhamela Basti sits on the India–Bhutan border beside the Diana river — offering forest treks, wildlife, a hanging bridge, and stunning views of the Bhutan hills.
The exterior of the temple, including the main entrance, boasts a variety of idols. These statues evoke the resemblance of guarding the temple.
Apart from the idol of Hanuman, the upper floor of the temple complex houses many idols and figurines of various deities that widely cater to devotees. Crimson and golden-bordered prayer flags embellish the entire temple complex. The sheer architecture stands tall, thoroughly washed in a brownish-red tint that makes it stand out from the adjoining structures.
Location, Conception, Inauguration and Interior of Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar
The Dooars region in North Bengal profoundly endows mesmerizing natural hotspots that attract travel fanatics from across the country and abroad. Considered the doorway to the Northeast, Dooars is also a haven for ardent religious devotees.
The place has a good number of temples that not only incorporate religious significance but also reflect age-old traditions, beliefs, and customs deeply rooted in the past. Malbazar, a small province in the Dooars region, is gaining popularity as a major attraction in North Bengal due to its spiritual shrines and natural attractions.
Drifting focus away from the hustle and bustle of burgeoning commercialization, the tiny town of Malbazar has so much more to offer. From dotting hamlets scattered amidst the vast plains to its sprawling lush tea gardens, the place holds its own unique charm.
The place also claims to be home to the grand and sacred architectural brilliance — Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar, or Balaji Mandir. The temple, built in reverence of mighty Hanuman, attracts Hindu pilgrims and locally based devotees. The local Marwari community residing in Malbazar constructed this beautifully designed architecture. They carried out the inauguration event lavishly and royally, showering flowers from a helicopter. Every segment of the complex is artistic, allowing visitors to enter the first storey to offer prayer. The main hall of Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar, is spacious enough to fit more than 200 devotees at once.
Visiting Hours
Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar, remains open to visitors every day. The authorities designate specific entry hours for offering worship. The visiting time inside Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar, is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (first phase). The entry time for the second phase is from 4 p.m. onwards.
Significance of Hanuman Mandir, Malbazar
In Hinduism, people revere Hanuman as a mighty one with the ability to defeat evil and provide protection to devotees. Every year, devotees celebrate Hanuman Jayanti Mahotsav, a significant festival in Hinduism, at this temple.
Devotees observe the Mahotsav to honour Hanuman's steadfast dedication to Sri Rama. The three-day festival honours his energy and strength with prayers and religious offerings. Devotees and priests celebrate his power by chanting mantras like the Hanuman Chalisa and seek his protection.
A roughly 1,000-year-old brick-and-stone Shiva shrine in Mainaguri, 13 km from Jalpaiguri, Jatileswar Mahadev Temple is a little-known epitome of medieval Bengali temple architecture — its walls adorned with terracotta sculptures of Hindu deities.
Read More »
Discussion
No comments yet. Be the first to start the discussion!
