Prachin Hanuman Mandir in Delhi is located on Baba Kharak
Singh Marg, New Delhi near Connaught Place, Jantar Mandir. The temple is
believed to have existed during the period of Pandavas when Delhi was known as
Indraprastha. The murti worshipped in the temple is swayambhuhu – not human
made but which appeared on its own.
The murti of Hanuman worshipped in the temple is unique –
the face of Hanuman is that of a Balak or young child. Thus he is popularly
known as Bala Hanuman.
The murti faces south and therefore only one eye is seen.
Mace is in his left hand. Right hand rests on chest. The murti is adorned with
flowers and a chentura.
The main entrance door of the temple is embossed with
artwork depicting scenes from the Ramayana. Ramacharitamanas of Tulsidas is
painted on the roof of the main mandap in the temple complex.
Sundarkand is engraved in marble slabs in the main mandap.
Sundarkand is engraved in marble slabs in the main mandap.
Another unique aspect of the Prachin Hanuman Mandir in Delhi
is that there is a crescent moon in the Vimana instead of Om or Swastika or
Surya. This is seen as a clever ploy used by people then to stop Muslim
invaders from destroying the temple.