Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji

Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji is a revered deity in Hinduism, particularly known for his association with alleviating problems and removing obstacles from the lives of his devotees. The name “Kashtabhanjan” literally means “the remover of difficulties” or “the destroyer of sorrows,” which highlights the belief that praying to Hanumanji in this form helps to overcome life’s struggles, both spiritual and material.

This form of Hanumanji is specifically worshipped for relief from various kinds of suffering, whether they be physical, mental, emotional, or financial. Devotees often approach him with a sincere heart, asking for his blessings to overcome their personal challenges, troubles, and hardships.

Temples Dedicated to Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji

There are several temples dedicated to Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji in India. Some of the most famous ones are:

1. Shree Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Sarangpur (Gujarat)

• Location: Sarangpur, Gujarat.
• This is one of the most prominent and widely known temples dedicated to Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji.
• Significance: The temple is known for its powerful and divine presence of Hanumanji, where many devotees come to seek relief from personal troubles and obstacles. The idol of Hanumanji in this temple is particularly revered for its divine ability to remove various forms of difficulties from the lives of the devotees.
• Temple History: The temple is said to have been established several centuries ago, and it is one of the most visited Hanuman temples in the state of Gujarat.

2. Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple, Ahmedabad (Gujarat)

• Location: Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Significance: This temple is another important shrine dedicated to Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji in the region. It is located in a prime area of Ahmedabad and attracts numerous devotees seeking blessings for the removal of their personal hardships.
• Temple Features: The temple is beautifully constructed with traditional Hindu architecture and holds an annual fair during special occasions like Hanuman Jayanti, attracting devotees from all over.

3. Shree Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

• Location: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh.
• Significance: Although this temple is less well-known than the others, it is still an important location for those seeking the blessings of Hanumanji for the removal of their troubles. Varanasi, being one of the holiest cities in India, has many temples dedicated to different forms of Hindu gods and goddesses, and the Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.

4. Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Jaipur (Rajasthan)

• Location: Jaipur, Rajasthan.
• Significance: This is another temple dedicated to Hanumanji in his Kashtabhanjan form, where devotees go to pray for the removal of all difficulties and obstacles. The temple is well-maintained, and it draws a lot of attention during festive times, especially Hanuman Jayanti.

5. Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Mandir, Mumbai (Maharashtra)

• Location: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
• Significance: This temple is among the notable places where people can offer their prayers to Hanumanji for relief from various issues in life. Hanumanji’s idol is believed to be quite powerful here, and numerous devotees come from different parts of the city and country to seek his blessings.

Worship and Rituals

• Hanuman Jayanti: This is the most important festival dedicated to Hanumanji, and the temples dedicated to Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji experience massive footfall on this day, with devotees chanting prayers, offering sweets (especially ladoos), and lighting lamps.
• Chaupai (Chaupai Sahib): Devotees commonly chant the Hanuman Chalisa, a 40-verse prayer to invoke the blessings of Hanumanji. In addition, reciting the “Kashtabhanjan Stotra” and the “Sankat Mochan Hanuman Ashtakshara Mantra” is said to be very effective for overcoming hardships.
• Offerings: Traditionally, devotees offer laddoos, fruits, and red cloths to Hanumanji as a token of their reverence and gratitude.

Importance in Spirituality

The worship of Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji is believed to bring peace of mind, success in endeavors, and the removal of obstacles in one’s life. People visit his temples for relief from physical illness, mental stress, financial struggles, and to seek his blessings for strength and courage in times of adversity.

In these temples, the atmosphere is often charged with a deep sense of devotion, and the chants and prayers create a spiritually uplifting environment for anyone seeking solace. The faith of devotees in the power of Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji remains strong, with many reporting transformative experiences through their prayers.

The worship of Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji is deeply rooted in the belief that Lord Hanuman, the mighty devotee of Lord Ram, has the divine power to remove all types of obstacles and alleviate suffering. The term “Kashtabhanjan” translates to “the destroyer of troubles or difficulties,” highlighting the role of Hanumanji as a compassionate protector who removes sorrow and hardship from the lives of his devotees.

The Legend Behind the Kashtabhanjan Form of Hanumanji

Hanumanji, known for his immense strength, wisdom, and devotion, has many forms and aspects in Hindu mythology. While his role as a heroic figure in the Ramayana is widely celebrated, his form as the “Kashtabhanjan” or the “remover of difficulties” emerged as a powerful symbol of divine intervention in overcoming life’s troubles.

The origin of this form of Hanumanji is closely linked to a popular legend in which he is worshipped specifically for the purpose of removing obstacles and bringing relief to devotees facing suffering.

The Story of Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji’s Emergence

One of the key stories behind the emergence of the Kashtabhanjan form is based on the belief that Hanumanji’s divine powers are unlimited and can be invoked not just for protection in battle or strength, but for alleviating personal hardships.

1. The Tale of Lord Rama’s Blessing:
   • In some versions of the Ramayana and Puranic texts, it is said that after Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, Hanumanji’s immense devotion was recognized by the deity as not just a protector in times of war, but as a spiritual figure capable of helping individuals in more personal, daily struggles.
   • As a result, Lord Rama, in his divine grace, granted Hanumanji the ability to remove all types of problems for his devotees. This was a divine boon that positioned Hanumanji as the protector of all, not only on the battlefield but also in everyday life, where personal challenges arise in various forms.
2. The Birth of the Kashtabhanjan Form:
   • It is believed that in one specific legend, Hanumanji took the form of Kashtabhanjan during a time when people were suffering due to various life troubles — illnesses, poverty, emotional and psychological struggles, and even spiritual hardships.
   • Devotees, upon seeking Hanumanji’s blessings, invoked his power through the Kashtabhanjan Stotra (a prayer to Hanuman to remove obstacles) and recited his name with the hope that he would come to their aid, just as he helped Lord Ram during times of crisis.
   • The legend further claims that Hanumanji, in his Kashtabhanjan form, emerged specifically to ease the burdens of humanity, offering both protection and a path to overcome all kinds of difficulties. This form was created to reassure people that no matter how insurmountable their challenges appeared, Hanumanji would be there to help them rise above.
3. The Significance of Hanuman’s Strength and Devotion:
   • Hanuman’s strength, unwavering devotion to Lord Ram, and his divine nature are central to the power associated with the Kashtabhanjan form. His “Sankat Mochan” title, meaning “the remover of all troubles,” signifies that Hanumanji was not only a mighty warrior but also a loving, compassionate figure willing to help anyone in need.
   • Devotees believe that through the worship of Hanuman in this specific form, they invoke his divine qualities of strength, fearlessness, and wisdom to combat personal and worldly struggles.

The Practice of Worshiping Hanuman as Kashtabhanjan

1. The Stotra and Chanting:
   • The Kashtabhanjan Stotra is a sacred prayer that is believed to have been composed to invoke the blessings of Hanuman in his Kashtabhanjan form. This prayer is recited to alleviate suffering and remove obstacles in life. It is a powerful chant that is said to dispel negativity and bring peace to the mind and soul.
   • The Hanuman Chalisa, another prayer dedicated to Hanumanji, also mentions the protective and obstacle-removing powers of Hanuman, further reinforcing his role as the deity who clears all difficulties from the path of his devotees.
2. Fasting and Offerings:
   • Devotees often fast on Tuesdays and Saturdays, days specifically associated with Lord Hanuman, and visit his temples to seek his blessings. During this time, they offer various items such as ladoos (sweet balls), fruits, and red cloth, which are believed to please Hanumanji.
   • A common tradition in temples dedicated to Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji is the lighting of ghee lamps and chanting the Hanuman Chalisa and Kashtabhanjan Stotra.
3. Relieving Suffering and Overcoming Obstacles:
   • The worship of Hanumanji in his Kashtabhanjan form is not limited to removing physical obstacles alone but extends to mental and emotional struggles as well. People often pray for health, prosperity, protection from evil, and success in personal and professional matters.
   • It is said that regular worship, coupled with deep devotion, helps in overcoming negative energies, fear, anxiety, and various personal difficulties.

The Symbolism of Kashtabhanjan Hanumanji

Hanumanji in his Kashtabhanjan form symbolizes:

• Strength and Resilience: Despite facing obstacles, Hanumanji’s unwavering devotion to Lord Ram is a lesson in perseverance. The Kashtabhanjan form exemplifies his ability to face and overcome any challenge, no matter how difficult it seems.
• Compassion and Divine Intervention: Hanumanji’s role as the compassionate remover of difficulties reflects his divine nature — he is always ready to aid those in need, offering both spiritual and material support.
• Protection and Courage: Those who seek Hanumanji’s blessings are believed to be imbued with courage, strength, and the protection of divine forces to face and conquer challenges.

The worship of Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji is deeply ingrained in the tradition of seeking divine intervention for the removal of personal hardships. His unique ability to alleviate suffering in every form, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual, makes him one of the most accessible and beloved deities for people going through tough times. The legend and the rituals surrounding this form of Hanumanji continue to inspire faith and devotion, with devotees trusting him to help them overcome life’s obstacles.