Girjabandh Hanuman Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Girjabandh Hanuman Temple, Ratanpur, Chattisgarh

Girjabandh Hanuman Temple is a Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Ratanpur Town in Bilaspur District in Chattisgarh State, India. It is a unique temple in the world as Lord Hanuman is worshipped here in female form. The temple was built by Kalachuri King Prithvideva II in 1170 CE. The temple is situated to the east of Ram Tekri.

Legends

As per legend,  it is said that the temple was built by a local king called Prithvi Devju. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Hanuman and used to worship Lord Hanuman every day without fail. Once, he was afflicted with leprosy and felt sad. He prayed to Lord Hanuman for remedy. Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream and instructed him to build a temple. As per the instruction, he started building the temple.

When the construction was about to be completed, Lord Hanuman appeared in his dream again and informed him to bring an idol from the nearby Mahamaya Kund and install it inside the temple. As per Lord’s wish, he went in search of idol in the Mahamaya Kund and found Hanuman idol in female form. As instructed, he installed the idol in the temple and got cured of leprosy.

The Temple

The temple consists of Sanctum and Mandapa. The temple houses Lord Hanuman in female form. Lord Hanuman can be seen carrying Lord Rama and Lakshmana on his shoulders and crushing Ahirvana under his feet. The shikara over the sanctum is made of red stone. Shrines of Ram Janaki and Lord Shiva can be seen in the temple premises.

Connectivity

The Temple is located at about 2.5 Kms from Ratanpur Bus Stand. Ratanpur is located at about 25 Kms from Bilaspur, 30 Kms from Bilaspur Junction Railway Station, 38 Kms from Bilaspur Airport, 65 Kms from Pali, 142 Kms from Raipur and 159 Kms from Raipur Airport. Ratanpur is situated on NH 130 connects Bilaspur to Ambikapur. Frequent Buses are available from Bilaspur.

Location