The Shri Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple in Sarangpur is not just a temple; it is one of the most revered and powerful spiritual destinations in Gujarat and across India. Located in the village of Sarangpur in Botad district, this ancient temple is part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday (Vadtal Gadi) and draws millions of devotees annually. The presiding deity is Lord Hanuman in his unique form as Kashtabhanjan Dev the “Crusher of Sorrows.” Devotees firmly believe that a sincere prayer and even a mere glance (darshan) of the formidable idol can alleviate suffering, remove obstacles, and drive away negative energies.
The temple’s history is steeped in divinity; it is said that the idol was installed by Gopalanand Swami, who touched it with a rod, bringing it to life. The temple complex is also home to the magnificent ‘King of Sarangpur’, a 54-foot tall, 30-tonne panchaloha metal statue of Hanumanji, which stands as a majestic beacon of faith visible from kilometers away. For the devout, a visit to Sarangpur is a journey seeking the divine grace of Hanuman Dada for protection, strength, and the removal of all worldly and spiritual troubles.
Temple Overview at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Shri Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji Temple, Sarangpur (Salangpur) |
| Managed By | Swaminarayan Sampraday (Vadtal Gadi) |
| Location | Sarangpur Village, Botad District, Gujarat, India – 382450 |
| Main Deity | Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanuman (The Remover of Sorrows) |
| Key Attraction | 54-feet tall ‘King of Sarangpur’ metal statue |
| Official Website | https://www.salangpurhanumanji.org/ |
| Contact Number | 98258 35304, 05, 06 |
Daily Darshan Timings and Ritual Schedule
The temple follows a strict schedule of rituals (aartis) which are profound spiritual experiences. Note that darshan is closed during specific ritual times. The table below provides a clear daily schedule.
Available Sevas, Offerings, and Donations
While the temple is famed for its powerful general darshan, devotees can also participate in various sevas and offerings. The management provides free meals (Bhojanalaya) to all visitors. Monetary donations for Annadan (food charity), temple development, and other charitable works are accepted. The official website and temple counters are the only authentic channels for these services.
How to Reach Sarangpur Hanuman Temple
Sarangpur is well-connected by road. Here are the common access points:
- By Air: The nearest airports are Bhavnagar Airport (BHU) (~82 km) and Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport (AMD) (~160 km). From there, taxis or buses can be taken to Botad/Sarangpur.
- By Train: The most convenient railway station is Botad Junction (BTD), located about 12-15 km from the temple. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from the station to the temple.
- By Road: Sarangpur has excellent road connectivity. Regular state transport (GSRTC) and private buses ply from major cities like Ahmedabad, Bhavnagar, and Botad to Sarangpur. The temple has ample parking space for private vehicles.
Booking Darshan and Accommodation (Yatri Niwas)
A crucial point for all devotees is that the temple does not sell tickets for general darshan; it is free and open to all.
For accommodation, the temple trust manages several guest houses (Yatri Niwas). Important Alert: The temple has issued a clear fraud alert stating that no advance or online booking for rooms (Utara) is managed by any external agents. Authentic room allotment is done on a first-come, first-served basis only after devotees arrive at the temple, subject to availability. While some third-party websites discuss online booking, pilgrims should be extremely cautious and rely only on the official temple counter for accommodation inquiries to avoid scams.
Major Nearby Attractions
Your spiritual journey can extend beyond Sarangpur. The region is rich with other significant pilgrimage sites:
- Gadhada Swaminarayan Temple: Located about 50 km away, it is a major holy town in the Swaminarayan faith.
- Palitana Jain Temples: Situated approximately 75 km away, this is the world-famous hilltop city of over 800 Jain temples, a breathtaking site.
- Nishkalank Mahadev Temple: Near Bhavnagar (~85 km), this is a unique temple of Lord Shiva located in the sea, accessible only during low tide.
- Statue of Unity: While farther (~300 km), the world’s tallest statue, dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, is a major national landmark.
Important Instructions for Visitors
To ensure a smooth and respectful visit, please adhere to these guidelines:
- Dress Code: Modest, traditional Indian clothing is recommended. Avoid shorts, sleeveless tops, and revealing attire.
- Footwear: Remove footwear before entering the temple premises. Use the paid or free cloakrooms available.
- Prohibited Items: Mobile phones, cameras, electronic gadgets, and leather items (like belts, wallets) are strictly prohibited inside the main temple sanctum. Use the cloakrooms.
- Conduct: Maintain decorum, speak softly, and follow the instructions of temple volunteers and security personnel.
- Special Saturday Rituals: Saturdays are extremely busy for special rituals. If you are not participating, plan your visit for a weekday for a quieter experience.
- Beware of Touts: Do not engage with individuals outside the temple offering “quick darshan,” “special pujas,” or “advance room booking.” Rely only on official counters.
Accommodation Options (Yatri Niwas)
The temple provides basic, clean, and affordable accommodation for pilgrims. As stated, rooms are allotted on arrival based on availability.
Note: Check-in/out times are usually around 10:00 AM and 9:00 AM respectively. Always carry valid government photo ID for all occupants for check-in.
Dos and Don’ts at the Temple
| Dos | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| ✅ Do dress modestly and conservatively. | ❌ Don’t carry phones or cameras into the sanctum. |
| ✅ Do deposit your belongings in the cloakroom. | ❌ Don’t offer money directly to the idol; use the official donation boxes. |
| ✅ Do maintain silence and patience in queues. | ❌ Don’t disrespect or argue with temple staff or volunteers. |
| ✅ Do partake in the free temple meal (Bhojanalaya). | ❌ Don’t engage with unauthorized guides or agents. |
| ✅ Do follow the specific instructions for the Saturday ritual if you are participating. | ❌ Don’t bring any non-vegetarian food, alcohol, or tobacco onto the premises. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best time of year to visit Sarangpur?
A: The ideal time is from October to March when the weather in Gujarat is cool and pleasant.
Q2: Are there any special days for darshan?
A: Saturdays and Tuesdays are considered highly auspicious for Hanumanji, so they are the busiest. Hanuman Jayanti and Full Moon (Purnima) days also see major celebrations.
Q3: Is there a fee for darshan or temple entry?
A: No. General darshan is completely free for all devotees.
Q4: What is the significance of the figure under Hanuman’s foot in the idol?
A: It is a unique iconographic detail believed to represent Shani Dev (Saturn) in a subdued form, symbolizing Hanumanji’s power to mitigate planetary troubles and life’s hardships.
Q5: How much time should I allocate for a visit?
A: For general darshan on a normal weekday, allocate 2-3 hours including queue time. On crowded Saturdays, it may take longer.