Monsoon Mysticism: Bade Hanuman Ji in Prayagraj Bathed in Ganga for the Fourth Time in 40 Days
BK Singh
Prayagraj: The soft glow of evening lamps danced on the rippling waters of the Ganga at Prayagraj’s sacred Sangam, where the mighty rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati converge.
On Monday evening, the revered reclining idol of Bade Hanuman Ji was ceremonially bathed in the holy river for the fourth time in just 40 days, marking yet another chapter in a centuries-old tradition that continues to mesmerize devotees.
This striking ritual has become a familiar sight every monsoon, as rising waters gently submerge the idol lying gracefully on the riverbank.
Once the swelling Ganga recedes, temple priests carefully lift the idol and perform an elaborate purification ceremony.
This year, however, the rains have been particularly relentless, leading to multiple bathings in quick succession — first on July 15, then July 18, July 29, and now again on August 26.
A Temple’s Rhythm in Step with Nature
The Bade Hanuman Ji Mandir, one of Prayagraj’s most iconic spiritual landmarks, mirrors the natural rhythm of the monsoon. After each immersion, temple doors are closed for days, allowing priests to prepare for the meticulous rites.
The first closure lasted three days, the second came swiftly thereafter, and following the third immersion, devotees waited patiently for 13 days before having darshan again.
Monday’s ceremony marked a fourth closure and reopening within the span of barely six weeks, underscoring the temple’s intimate connection with the elements.
Sacred Sounds Fill the Evening Air
As dusk fell, priests waded into the river to carry out the ritual bathing. Devotees stood on the ghats, hands folded, watching as water from the Ganga was poured over the idol draped in vibrant red cloth and adorned with fresh marigold garlands.
Back inside the sanctum, the air filled with the resonant chants of the Rudra Sukta, Hanuman Chalisa, and Sundarkand. The ancient verses reverberated through the temple, blending with the rhythmic ringing of bells.
In a final gesture of devotion, offerings of Kauha Paath were made, and cries of “Jai Shri Ram!” and “Bajrangbali Ki Jai!” echoed, their sound carrying across the sacred waters. By 7:00 PM, the idol was ceremoniously reinstalled, marking the end of yet another historic evening at the Sangam.
A Centuries-Old Tradition
Generations of devotees have witnessed this extraordinary ritual, a vivid reminder of the bond between spirituality and nature. The reclining idol of Bade Hanuman Ji is one of Prayagraj’s most treasured sights, drawing pilgrims from every corner of India.
For many, the monsoon bathings symbolize renewal — a sacred cleansing not only of the idol but also of faith itself.
As river levels continue their seasonal dance, anticipation lingers in the temple corridors: will the Ganga rise once more, calling for another ritual bath?
For the faithful, every such ceremony is not merely tradition but an intimate meeting of divinity and the eternal flow of the river.
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