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Shree Camp Hanumanji Mandir, Ahmedabad

 


Camp Hanumanji

 

Heritage refers to the tangible and intangible property that we inherit from previous generations. It can be understood as something that can be passed on from generation to generation and which has cultural and historical value. It may be physical like buildings or intangible like language. One of the most important things about heritage is that it can and must be preserved for the benefit of future generations. 

Heritage is susceptible to destruction. As seen in the case of the Bamiyan Budha of Afghanistan, heritage is influenced by natural and man-made calamities. Hence, preserving them in their original forms is not enough. Digital Cultural Heritage strives to preserve heritage in digital forms. This conservation is done by way of texts, images, audio, graphics, apps, software and other similar methods. Soundscapes and images can record and preserve the ambience of a heritage site. Auditory heritage is at the risk of being forgotten and hence, by making soundscapes, we can preserve the memories of the wonders of the world.

Given here is the recording of a part of the evening aarti of the Shree Camp Hanumanji Temple of Ahmedabad. This is a unique temple due to its location. It is situated within the Cantonment area of Ahmedabad. It is said to be more than 200 years old.

Shringar of the idol


Hanuman 'Dada' and temple priests (Website, Camp Hanumanji)


The Camp Hanuman Temple, as the name suggests, is a shrine of Lord Hanuman, the devotee of Lord Rama. This temple was initially built by a Gujarati couple and ever since it has attracted thousands of devotees over the years. It stood the test of time and has also survived relocation attempts by British rule. It was called Jalalpur ke Hanumanji before the cantonment was built. It was only after the cantonment was developed that Jalalpur ke Hanumanji began to be known as Camp Hanuman Mandir. 

Different Shringars of the idol

Creative Shringars

Shringar done each day

A visit to the Camp Hanuman temple is an experience in itself. One can see life within the cantonment and feel the discipline and order in the air. Something very endearing here is how Lord Hanuman is referred to as 'Dada' by the devotees. People greet each other by saying 'Jay Siyaram!' Since the temple is in a cantonment area, it is under the rules and regulations of the army. The temple authorities co-operate with these instructions as they understand how they are for the benefit of the nation. The temple has arranged 4-5 battery-operated vehicles for taking the devotees to the temple from the main gate for free.

Shringar from the past

Shringar from the past

The temple conducts aarti at regular intervals. The morning aarti takes place at 6:30 A.M and the evening aarti is at 6:30 P.M. Bhog (offerings) is made at 7 A.M, 12 P.M and 4 P.M. On the 14th of each month of the Hindu calendar, the gold or silver Chola of the idol is changed. On the Poornima (full-moon day) of each month, the flag of the temple is changed. Speaking about the idol, the left leg of Hanuman is seen suppressing Shani Dev. Across His chest is the sparkling mudrika, signifying the ring given by Lord Ram to Hanuman to take to Sita. Also across His chest are the words 'Shree Ram', signifying his devotion for Ram.  Each year, on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, a huge Bhandara- fair is held. It is attended by five to seven thousand devotees. This number is expected to increase this year to at least one lakh as covid restrictions have been eased after 2 years. 


Shringar

Shringar

Shringar

The Camp Hanuman Temple is one of the most important Hanuman Temples in India. Its aura of devotion has attracted thousands of devotees for almost 200 years.  Thus, the temple is, undoubtedly, a prized artefact of our heritage. 

Shringar
Shringar
Ashoka Stambh outside the Camp Hanumanji Temple

Source: The history of the temple given here is as narrated by the trustee of Shree Camp Hanumanji Mandir, Ahmedabad

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