By the still waters of Lakhota Lake in Jamnagar, Gujarat, stands the Bala Hanuman Temple, a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the most qualified devotee of Lord Rama. Built long ago in 1964 by Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj, this small temple, is situated at the south east side of Ranmal Lake (or Lakhota Lake) in Jamnagar. If you plan to visit this holy spot, here’s a simple guide about its tale, its look, its prayers, and how to get there.
Notable Fact: This temple’s known for chanting “Sri Ram Tarak Mantra: Shri Ram, Jai Ram, Jai Jai Ram” without stop since 1st August, 1964, day in and day out. This 24×7 ritual has been acknowledged and listed by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Mythological Significance
Bala Hanuman Temple holds old tales. One story says young Hanuman stood here to shield Rama’s land. Another tells of a man whose sick child got well after he vowed to chant Hanuman’s name each day. Locals here say that the temple guards them from natural calamities and other troubles and give strength and peace. As a main Hanuman shrine, it’s tied to his brave and true heart in the Ramayana.
Historical Background
The temple was made in 1964 by Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj, a saint of the Ramanandi way, when Jamnagar was a royal town. Devotees gave money to build it for Hanuman. A stone from 1964 marks its start. In the 1970s, its chants got famous. By the 1990s, it was a big prayer spot. After 2000, the Shri Prembhikshuji Maharaj Trust took care. Fixes in the 2010s kept its plain look. Saints long back shared Hanuman’s stories, making it known. Now, many come to Jamnagar’s holy shore.
The temple’s past is deep. Records from the 1960s tell of its chants. Local talk calls it a calm place. Photos from 1970 show its early days.
Architecture of Bala Hanuman Temple
Bala Hanuman Temple sits on one acre by Lakhota Lake, built real simple. The main part, from 1964, has a low brick top with paintings of Hanuman carrying Rama, holding a mace, and lotus flowers, all in plaster. Inside, a two-foot Hanuman statue, red-painted, kneels low, lit by oil lamps. The inner walls got plain tiles with Ramayana words.
A small hall has four pillars, painted with Rama and Sita. Little shrines for Rama-Sita, Ganesh, and Durga are in the yard, made of brick. The Rama-Sita one shows them sitting, for love. The Ganesh one, from 1970, has him with sweets, for smarts. The Durga one shows her with a lion, for might. The stone ground feels holy, right by the lake. A plain gate has a Hanuman carving. A rough water tank’s for prayers. Walls show Hanuman’s tales, guiding those who come. The lake’s breeze keeps it calm.
Rituals and Festivals
The temple wakes up for festivals. Hanuman Jayanti, in April, is the big one, with songs and prasad meals. Ram Navami, in April, honors Rama with chants. Diwali, in October or November, lights lamps for joy. Kartik Purnima, in November, has prayers by the lake. Janmashtami, in August, sings of Krishna.
Local population has deep faith in the temple and believes that it guards them from natural calamities and other troubles. Arti (ritual of worship) takes place twice in a day (morning and evening). The evening arti is the most awaited event of the day.
Information for Travelers
Hours and Entry: Open every day, 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It’s free to enter.
Clothing: Wear clothes covering shoulders and knees. Women for prayers wear sarees or suits, men wear kurtas.
How to Get There:
Air: Jamnagar Airport, 6 km away, is nearest. Taxis take 15 minutes to the temple.
Train: Jamnagar Station, 4 km off, links to Ahmedabad (6 hours). Autos cost ₹50-100.
Road: Buses from Rajkot (2 hours) come to Jamnagar. Taxis cost ₹800-1200. Roads are quiet.
Places to Stay: Jamnagar has guesthouses like Hotel Aram (₹800-1500). Hotels like Fortune Palace (₹2000-3000) are nice. Stalls sell vada pav, khakhra, and tea.
Best Time to Visit: October to March is cool, 20-30°C. Weekdays are calm. Hanuman Jayanti’s busy, so plan early.
Nearby Attractions:
Lakhota Fort, 1 km away, is a lake fort.
Ranmal Lake, 2 km away, is a quiet spot.
Bhujiyo Kotho, 3 km away, is an old tower.
Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary, 15 km away, has birds.
Narara Marine Sanctuary, 60 km away, has corals.
Final Thoughts
Bala Hanuman Temple in Jamnagar, Gujarat, a holy place in western India, is a treasure for the soul. Lord Hanuman’s strong touch reaches all who visit, making it a spot you must see among India’s sacred places.
