HANUMAN MANDIR ALIGANJ

Nestled in the historic heart of Lucknow’s Aliganj stands the revered Hanuman Temple, a testament to the enduring legacy of Aliya Begum, the illustrious wife of Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula and revered grandmother of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah. This sacred sanctuary serves as a radiant beacon of interfaith harmony, welcoming devotees from diverse religious backgrounds to converge every Tuesday during the auspicious month of Jyestha. As they gather to offer fervent prayers, generous donations, and receive sacred prasadam, the temple’s prestige shines brighter, earning its esteemed reputation as the celebrated “Bade Mangal Mela,” one of Lucknow’s most venerated fairs.

Beyond the city’s borders, the temple’s significance assumes monumental proportions, for it is widely believed that any newly established Hanuman temple must receive its sacred idols, vermilion, langot, ghanta, and chhatr from this revered site to attain authenticity. Legend whispers that the temple’s original site lay in Islamabadi, proximal to the present-day Hewett Polytechnic, during the revered Ramayana era. It was here that Lord Rama, accompanied by loyal brother Lakshmana and faithful Hanuman, halted for the night en-route to Bithoor, where he would bid farewell to Goddess Sita.

A tapestry of enchanting legends envelops the temple’s creation. One captivating narrative recounts how Nawab Mohammad Ali Shah’s begum, sought the blessings of Baba in Islamabadi to conceive. Following the miraculous fulfilment of her desire, she was visited by a prophetic dream during pregnancy, wherein her unborn son entreated her to unearth and consecrate the hidden Hanuman idol in Islamabadi. The excavated idol, resplendent in gold, silver, and gems, was placed upon an elephant, which, however, refused to proceed beyond Aliganj. Upon consultation with a holy saint, it was revealed that Hanuman wished to remain on the Gomti River’s western bank, lest he trespass upon Lakshmana’s sacred domain. Thus, the idol was enshrined at its present site, and a magnificent temple arose, its surrounding lands generously donated by the Mahmoodabad estate.

Further legends recount the temple’s trials and triumphs. A devastating plague outbreak, two years after the temple’s inception, drove thousands to seek solace in the old Hanuman temple. However, the priest received a divine vision, wherein Hanuman directed him to redirect the multitude to the new temple, where his potent presence resided. Countless lives were restored to health, and thus the fair commenced. Another testament to the temple’s benevolence credits Aliya Begum, Nawab Wajid Ali Shah’s venerable grandmother, with recovering from illness and subsequently hosting a grand jubilation, distributing lavish charity, and inaugurating the fair’s revered tradition. In her honor, the neighborhood was christened Aliganj.

To this day, this illustrious temple beckons millions of devotees during the Jyestha month’s Bade Mangal celebrations, where they participate in joyous festivities and seek the divine blessings of Lord Hanuman, their hearts filled with reverence and gratitude.

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