Camp Hanuman Temple, known to be one of the biggest temples dedicated to Lord Hanuman in India, is located at Ahmedabad Cantonment area in Shahibaug in Ahmedabad in the Indian state of Gujarat. Almost 100 years ago the temple was established by Pandit Gajanan Prasad. Pandit Dwarka Prasad earlier served as the Chief Mahant of this temple. The family members of the Pandit act as the managing trustee of the temple. The temple`s historical records state that is was visited by former Prime Ministers of India such as Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Indira Gandhi.
History of Camp Hanuman Temple
During the rule of the British Raj, Camp Hanumanji Temple was referred to as Jalalpur Village Hanumanji Temple. During that period the British army cantonment was established in Ahmedabad city Gayakvad Haveli. The English set up an army quarter close to the Hanuman temple. For the expansion of the base it was proposed to shift the temple from its current location but the proposal was strongly resented by the temple authorities and the devotees. Without paying heed to their words, the English demolished four inns and miniature temples built in the vicinity of the temple. However, millions of black and yellow wasps enclosed the temple wall when the English approached to demolish the Hanumanji Temple. The British sent their labourers but were severely attacked by the wasps. Perceiving the situation the English executive finally had to reluctantly alter his decision.
This miraculous historical event has been described in detail in a book `Shri Camp Hanumanji` penned down by Vandanaben Shukal in 1983.
Festivals in Camp Hanuman Temple
Camp Hanuman Temple celebrates and organises several festivals, fairs and processions attracting thousands of pilgrims, both national and international, from different destinations.
Shri Hanuman Jayanti
Camp Hanuman Temple celebrates Shri Hanuman Jayanti i.e. birthday of Lord Hanuman with great pomp and show. On this auspicious day, the Lord is bestowed with special offerings and prayers presented by hordes of devotees visiting the temple. A flag having religious connotations known as dhaja rohan` is hoisted at the camp temple by replacing old flag which holds especial meaning and under currents. Devotees offer sweets, especially Ladu and Foolvadi that are later distributed as prasad.
After hoisting of the flag, special dinners treat `Bhandara` is arranged by the temple authority. On this special occasion Lord Hanuman is specifically decked gorgeously with new garments. A baby idol of Hanuman, adorned delightfully, is set in a cradle and installed near the central idol of the Lord.
Kali Chaudas
Kali Chaudas is celebrated by the temple on the fourteenth day of Krushna Paksha fortnight of Aso month. On this day a special prayer accompanied by soft music is organised at Shri Camp Temple at midnight. A black thread deemed to be a gift from the god is distributed among the devotees on this day.
Dev Diwali
Dev Diwali, an auspicious festival of the temple, is celebrated by resplendently dressing and decorating the temple and its presiding deity. On this special day devotees flocking the temple offer the deity 56 types of special eatables. Later it is distributed among devotees as prasad from the God.
Makar Sankranti
Makar Sankranti, celebrated to commemorate the onset of the harvest season, is celebrated on a grand scale by the temple authorities. The celebration is arranged by `Punjabi` society. On this day a special lunch is organised for the devotees. In the morning special eatables such as some spicy products like gota and sweets like jalebi and tea are served for snacks. Later lunch is also offered to devotees.
