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Bedi Hanuman, or Chained Hanuman |
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In Puri, Orissa not far from the famous Jagannath Temple is a small temple, quite unknown and architecturally insignificant, which has an interesting tale behind it. This tale illustrates how man's limitless imagination has woven together characters from different epics. The locals call it the temple of Bedi Hanuman, or Chained Hanuman. The temple is also known as Daria Mahabir because it is on the seashore (daria means sea and Mahabir is another name of Hanuman). Bedi means 'rope'. Though the present Jagannath Temple was built in the 7th century AD, there are references to a temple at Puri in the ancient scriptures. The legend goes like this. When the Jagannath Temple was first built, Varuna, the God of the Sea, wanted to pay his respects. So he came right up to the temple. The waves began to lash against the temple walls and the structure was endangered. Hence Lord Vishnu had the temple shifted a bit inland. He also had a small shrine built on the shore and ensconced Hanuman in it. It was Hanuman's duty to prevent Varuna from entering the temple of Jagganath. Whenever Varuna tried to move towards the Jagannath Temple, Hanuman threatened him with his mace and Varuna hastily withdrew. Puri is in one of the poorest regions of India. All Hanuman got to eat was lentils and rice. Hanuman was a gourmet and was used to being served all kinds of delicacies. He especially began to crave for various sweetmeats his devotees offered him in Ayodhya, the capital city of Rama's kingdom. Hanuman, of course, has a permanent place in the city of his Lord. So one day he abandoned his post and left for Ayodhya. Varuna was waiting for an opportunity like this and he lost no time in reaching the gate of the Jagannath temple. Lord Vishnu had to intervene again. The Jagannath temple was shifted inwards one more time. Hanuman was called and soundly admonished. He promised not to fail this time. But the craving for good food was too much to bear. Hanuman was compelled to desert his duty again. The Jagannath Temple was relocated again. But Vishnu was not taking any chance now. This time he bound Hanuman in chains so that he could not run away. To this day he stands chained to a stake on the shore preventing Varuna from encroaching on the land that lies between the sea and the Jagannath temple. And he has done his job well, because the sea has stayed where it was and the Jagannath Temple is safe. |
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Bedi Hanuman Temple Tirumala Tirupathi Another such temple exists at Tirupathi with a different tale |
Sri Bedi Anjaneyaswami temple is located on Sannidhi Street, opposite the main temple at Tirupathi. (In the Vaishnavite tradition, it is customary to have either Garuda or Anjaneya opposite the main temple.)
The idol of Sri Anjaneya is shown with its hands folded and tied. An interesting tale is associated with this temple. Hanuman used to come out of his temple at odd times and used to beat the devotees going to the main temple with his mace. To stop this, hands of the idol is tied and hence known as Bedi Hanuman.
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Hanuman of Karwaar |
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The above image is at Karwaar near Dharwad, Karnataka, India. This was consecrated by Shri Vyaasa Raaya.
Couples without a child pray at the temple and offer to 'drop the child' at the temple if they are blessed with one. After getting a child the couples drop it onto a stretched cloth held by hand.
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Yantrodhara Hanuman |
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Sri Yantrodhara Hanuman idol at Hampi |
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Inspired by a dream Sri Vyaasaraya drew the image of Hanuman on a stone several times. Each time the picture took the form of a monkey and leapt away. Sri Vyaasaraya slept that day seeking Sri Hanuman to solve the problem. He was directed in the dream to encircle the picture with a yantra (consecrated geometrical shapes). Next day, Sri Vyaasaraya drew the picture as directed and installed at Hampi. This is called the Sri Yantrodhara Hanuman |
