Mention Hanuman, the monkey God, and any devout Hindu would be all praise for the miracles he performs. A symbol of devotion, Hanuman is one of the most awe-inspiring deities in Indian mythology. As a legend goes, this enchanting God was full of mischief as a child, and once he grabbed the sun and popped it into his mouth thinking it was a fruit. In another instance, in a playful bid, he picked up a meditating ascetic and carried him to some other place. In rage, he cursed the young Hanuman that he would no longer be aware of his powers till he was reminded by someone. Pranks aside, Lord Hanuman is revered all across India for his divine powers. The most significant role he played in Hindu mythology is the rescue of Sita, Lord Rama’s wife, who had been kidnapped by Ravana, and the destruction of the latter’s kingdom, Lanka. Worshippers of Hanuman, the son of Wind, have built temples all over the country, as a mark of respect. Known by various names such as Anjaneya, Bajrang Bali, Pavanputra, and Sankat Mochan, this deity has some of the tallest temples in India, that are listed below in this article.
1. Veera Abhaya Anjaneya Hanuman Swami, Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh
This statue, standing tall at the Paritala Anjaneya Swami Temple in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh, since the year 2003, is the loftiest in India and the world, amongst all idols of Hanuman. This towering white figurine measures 135 feet, and draws a crowds of adherents not just from the nation itself, but also from other parts of the world.
Photo Credit
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/buzz/did-you-know-the-tallest-hanuman-idol-in-india-is-135-feet-tall-12-colossal-statues-in-india-that-will-make-you-feel-really-small-712791.html
2. Hanuman Murti, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
If you are on a holiday to Shimla in Himachal Pradesh, the 108-feet tall Hanuman Murti inside the premises of the Jakhoo Temple is a must-see in your itinerary. And in case you belong to the breathtaking hill station, then the idol is no surprise. According to folklore, this was the place where Lord Hanuman had reposed while looking for a cure for Lakshman. On the occasion of Dussehra, this temple, located at an elevation of 8500-feet above the sea level, comes to life with an annual celebration.
3. Shri Sankat Mochan Dham, New Delhi
This mammoth statue of Lord Hanuman reaches a height of 108-feet, and is located in New Delhi. Other than its stature, what proves to be a crowd-pleaser is Hanuman tearing his bosom open, twice a week, to show miniature figures of Rama and Sita inside the idol. This spectacular view attracts several devotees from all parts of the city.
Photo Credit
http://jaghamani.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-post.html
4. Hanuman Statue, Nandura, Maharashtra
An unusual, eye-catching sight in Nandura, on the National Highway 6, this Hanuman effigy painted in spotless white, with touches of green which make for his attire, is a brilliant work of craftsmanship. It is also the only attraction in the small town of Nandura, which is easily accessible from Mumbai.
Photo Credit
http://wikimapia.org/13020901/Nandura-105-feet-Hanuman-Statue
5. Hanumat Dham, Shahjahanpur
Shahjahanpur’s renowned Hanumat Dham reaches a total height of 125-feet, which includes a 104-feet tall sculpture of Hanuman, and an island that goes up to an elevation of 21-feet. The statue is a symbol of pride for this small town located midway between Delhi and Lucknow.
Photo Credit
http://megaconstrucciones.net/?construccion=estatua-hanuman-shahjahanpur
6. Hanuman of the Ram Tirath Temple, Amritsar
Ram Tirath, once the home of Valmiki, a famous sage and writer of the Ramayana, is flocked by pilgrims, since it is believed that Lord Rama and his wife Sita’s sons Luv and Kush were born here. The temple at Ram Tirath houses a gigantic idol of Lord Hanuman which is 80-feet tall, and is worshipped by his ardent devotees.
Photo Credit
http://megaconstrucciones.net/?construccion=hanuman-del-templo-ram-tirath
7. Hanuman Vatika, Rourkela, Orissa
Rourkela, a popular holy site, is home to the Hanuman Vatika which came into existence in 1994. This garden contains the magnificent statue of Hanuman, which boasts of a height of 75-feet. What entices the devotees, who regularly visit the temple, is the calm look on the idol’s face. It looks like the Lord is showering his blessings on his worshippers and granting them their wishes.
Photo Credit
http://wikimapia.org/13570992/HANUMAN-VATIKA-COMPLEX
8. Statue at Anjaneya Hanuman Swamy Temple, Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh
Standing proud with Lanka in one hand, and his mace on his shoulder, Lord Anjaneya’s 59-feet tall statue is located at Puttaparthi’s Vidya Giri Hill. Puttaparthi is visited all the year round by pilgrims, not just because of spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba, but also because of the picturesque Hanuman idol.
Image Source
http://www.walkthroughindia.com/walkthroughs/top-ten-large-statues-of-india-below-80-feet/
9. Hanuman Veera Hanuman Kondagattu
Dedicated to Sri Anjaneya Swamy, this temple is believed to be almost 500 years old. Devotees have immense faith in the effigy of Hanuman, which measures a towering 56-feet, believing him to be important for the welfare of children with mental retardation, and childless women. One of the prevalent customs that are religiously followed is drizzling oil on the holy lamp held inside the temple, since it is believed that this practice washes away the troubles of followers.
Image Source
https://te.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E0%B0%A6%E0%B0%B8%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%A4%E0%B1%8D%E0%B0%B0%E0%B0%82:Hanuman-temple-Kondagattu-5.jpg
10. Shri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple, Dindigul, Tamil Nadu
People of Tamil Nadu strongly believe that the 51-feet high statue of Bhaktha Anjaneyar in Dindigul’s Senankottai Village is capable of wonders. Emanating a distinct aura of power and divinity, this magnificent creation that stands on what looks like a tomb, has gained fame all over the state and is flocked each day by hundreds of believers.
Photo Credit
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Bhaktha_Anjaneyar
11. Hanuman Statue, Agara, Bangalore
The colossal Hanuman Statue at Bangalore’s Agara locality stands on a plinth in the shape of a lotus. Though built on the side of a road that sees heavy traffic each day, the huge figure is obviously unmistakable. It looks stunningly beatific during the day because of the sunlight that falls on this east-facing sculpture. It is visited on a regular basis not just by followers of Hanuman, but also by commuters who take time out to stop by and take the Lord’s blessings.
Photo Credit
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ramakrishnan/2663079247
