Hanuman Garhi

Perched atop a 10-meter hillock at the very heart of Ayodhya, Hanuman Garhi is the city's spiritual guardian. Legend holds that Lord Hanuman himself lived on this hill to protect Ram Janmabhoomi. The 76-step climb is itself an act of devotion — each step brings you closer to the vermillion-smeared idol of Hanumanji. From the top, a breathtaking 360° view of Ayodhya spreads before you, with the spires of dozens of temples visible at sunrise. The temple has been here since the time of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan and remains one of the most beloved temples in all of Uttar Pradesh.

History

Hanuman Garhi dates back nearly 300 years. According to tradition, the saint Abhayramdas had a divine vision of Hanuman on this hillock, establishing it as sacred. The temple was formalized during the reign of Nawab Saadat Ali Khan. In 1853, a pivotal event occurred when Maulvi Amir Ali attempted to claim this site — one of India's earliest documented communal land disputes. The matter was settled at Nawab Wajid Ali Shah's court in favor of the Hindu community. The current structure was substantially built with donations and labor from soldiers of the Kumaon Regiment.

🙏 Religious Significance

It is believed that Hanuman ji himself resides on this hillock and personally guards the Ram Janmabhoomi below — hence 'Hanuman's Fort'. The 76-step climb is a spiritual discipline — chanting Ram Naam on each step is said to equal years of devotion. Offering sindoor (vermillion) here removes all obstacles, enemies, and illness from one's life. Tuesday and Saturday are especially blessed — queues extend for hours. In Ayodhya tradition, visiting Ram Mandir without first taking Hanuman ji's blessings here is considered spiritually incomplete.