Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple, Jaipur

Why Is It Called Khole Ke Hanuman Ji?

The word “Khole” is associated with the geographical setting of the temple. In Rajasthan, a narrow valley or passage between hills is commonly called a “khol.”

The image of Lord Hanuman was discovered in a secluded opening between the rocky hills of Lakshman Dungri. Because the deity appeared within this natural valley, the shrine became popularly known as Khole Ke Hanuman Ji.

The surrounding hills, narrow valley and natural rock formations continue to form an important part of the temple’s identity.

History of Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

The Lakshman Dungri hills have long been associated with saints and spiritual practitioners. Temple tradition states that approximately 300 years ago, a Hanuman devotee named Baba Nirmal Das, also known as Baba Narwar Das, arrived in this region.

Attracted by the peaceful surroundings, Baba Nirmal Das began living and meditating here. He is believed to have worshipped an image of Lord Hanuman appearing on a rock in the form of carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. After his departure, the isolated site gradually became covered by vegetation and was largely forgotten.

The modern history of the temple began on 9 August 1961. On this day, Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey visited the Lakshman Dungri hills with some companions. A local shepherd informed them about an image of Lord Hanuman hidden among the bushes.

After clearing the vegetation and accumulated dust, they discovered the rock image covered with sindoor. The day also coincided with the birth anniversary of Goswami Tulsidas, the author of the Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa.

Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey offered water, Tulsi and chola to the deity. Deeply influenced by this experience, he dedicated himself to the service of Lord Hanuman. He and his companions constructed a temporary shelter and began improving the pathway leading to the shrine.

With support from devotees and donors, permanent construction gradually began. The small spiritual retreat eventually developed into the grand temple complex seen today.

Who Established the Temple and When?

The original spiritual tradition is connected with Baba Nirmal Das, who is believed to have worshipped Lord Hanuman in these hills approximately 300 years ago.

The modern temple was established and developed by Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey after he rediscovered the sacred rock image on 9 August 1961.

Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey continued serving the temple and supporting its development throughout his life. He passed away on 5 January 2010. His marble samadhi is situated near the temple’s main entrance.

Religious Significance

Lord Hanuman represents strength, courage, loyalty, wisdom and complete devotion to Lord Rama. Devotees believe that sincere worship of Hanuman Ji provides protection from fear, negative influences and difficult circumstances.

The image at Khole Ke Hanuman Ji depicts the deity carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. This form recalls the Ramayana episode in which Lord Hanuman brought the life-saving herb to save Lakshman.

Devotees visit the temple to pray for:

• Physical and mental strength
• Courage during difficult situations
• Protection from negative influences
• Relief from fear and anxiety
• Success in important work
• Good health and recovery from illness
• Family peace and prosperity
• Fulfilment of wishes
• Blessings for marriage and children
• Freedom from obstacles

Many devotees return to organise a Sawamani after their prayers or wishes have been fulfilled.

Architecture of Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

The temple is built within a valley surrounded by the Aravalli Hills. Its large multi-storey structure combines traditional temple architecture with features inspired by historic forts and palaces.

Multi-Storey Temple Complex

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple has an impressive three-storey structure. Different levels contain shrines and prayer spaces dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Rama, Lord Ganesha and other Hindu deities.

Main Hanuman Shrine

The principal shrine contains the sacred rock image of Lord Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevani mountain. The deity is decorated with sindoor, flowers, ornaments and ceremonial cloth.

Shri Ram Darbar

A beautiful Ram Darbar is located within the complex. It includes Lord Rama, Goddess Sita, Lakshman and Lord Hanuman. The presence of Ram Darbar highlights Hanuman Ji’s complete devotion to Lord Rama.

Lord Ganesha Shrine

A shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha is also located inside the temple. Devotees worship Ganesha before beginning important work and pray for the removal of obstacles.

Spacious Courtyard

The temple has a large open courtyard where devotees gather during festivals, religious programmes and community meals. The courtyard also provides views of the surrounding hills.

Founder’s Samadhi

The marble samadhi of Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey stands near the main entrance. Devotees pay respect to him for rediscovering the deity and dedicating his life to the temple’s development.

Kitchens and Dining Halls

Large kitchens and dining halls have been constructed to support the Sawamani and Bhandara traditions. These facilities allow meals to be prepared and served to large groups of devotees.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple Timings

The temple generally remains open throughout the day without a regular afternoon closure.

Tuesdays, Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti and Annakoot attract exceptionally large crowds. The temple administration may modify the darshan schedule during festivals and special religious programmes.

Best Time for Darshan

For peaceful darshan, visit between 5:30 AM and 8:00 AM on a weekday. The atmosphere is calm during the early morning, and visitors can explore the complex comfortably.

For attending the morning aarti, devotees should reach before 9:00 AM. Those interested in the evening aarti should enter the temple before 8:00 PM, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

October to March is the most comfortable period to visit because Jaipur’s weather remains pleasant. During summer, early morning or evening visits are preferable.

Daily Puja and Aarti

Daily worship begins with the cleaning and decoration of the sacred image. Lord Hanuman is offered sindoor, flowers, garlands, sacred cloth, sweets and bhog.

The regular rituals include:

• Morning prayers
• Chola and sindoor offering
• Recitation of Hanuman Chalisa
• Ram naam chanting
• Presentation of bhog
• Morning aarti
• Sundarkand recitation
• Evening prayers and aarti

The sound of temple bells, devotional songs and collective chanting creates a powerful spiritual atmosphere during aarti.

Special worship can also be arranged by contacting the authorised temple office.

Sawamani Tradition

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple is particularly famous for its Sawamani tradition. Devotees organise a Sawamani after the fulfilment of a wish or as an expression of gratitude to Lord Hanuman.

Traditionally, a Sawamani offering involves preparing a large quantity of food and presenting it to the deity before serving it as prasad. Dal, baati, churma and other traditional Rajasthani dishes are commonly included.

The temple complex has dedicated kitchens and dining areas for these programmes. Families, groups and organisations can arrange a Sawamani through the temple’s authorised administrative office.

Devotees should obtain information about booking, menu, available dates and charges directly from the official booking counter. Independent agents should be avoided.

Annakoot Festival and Lakhi Fair

Annakoot is the most famous celebration held at Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple. A massive quantity of food is prepared and offered to Lord Hanuman before being distributed among devotees.

The annual Annakoot celebration attracts a very large gathering and is often described as a Lakhi Mela because attendance can reach into the lakhs.

Traditional dishes, sweets and other food items are prepared in the temple kitchens. After the ceremonial offering, devotees receive the food as prasad.

The festival represents gratitude, community service, equality and the belief that food offered to God becomes a source of divine blessing.

Major Festivals Celebrated

Hanuman Jayanti

Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated with special chola decoration, prayers, Sundarkand recitation, bhajans and large gatherings of devotees.

Annakoot

Annakoot is marked by a grand food offering, Bhandara and Lakhi Mela. It is one of the temple’s biggest annual events.

Ram Navami

Special worship is offered to Lord Rama. Ramcharitmanas recitation, bhajans and prayers are organised within the complex.

Diwali

The temple is decorated with lamps and lights during Diwali. Devotees pray for protection, prosperity and happiness.

Holi

Devotional programmes and traditional celebrations are organised during Holi.

Tuesdays and Saturdays

Every Tuesday and Saturday is treated as a special devotional occasion. More devotees offer chola, sindoor, oil, flowers and sweets on these days.

Offerings and Prasad

Devotees commonly offer:

• Sindoor
• Jasmine oil
• Red or saffron chola
• Flowers and garlands
• Coconut
• Bananas and fruits
• Boondi or besan laddus
• Roti and jaggery
• Ram naam flags
• Donations through authorised counters

Prasad should be offered at designated locations. Visitors should not leave plastic packets or food waste within the temple complex or surrounding hills.

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Ropeway

A ropeway operates near the temple and provides access towards the hilltop Vaishno Mata Temple area. It also offers elevated views of the temple complex, Jaipur city and the surrounding Aravalli landscape.

Ropeway timings and ticket prices may be revised during holidays, maintenance periods and special events. Visitors should check the current display at the ticket counter before planning the ride.

Entry Fee and Visit Duration

There is no general entry fee for visiting Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple.

Parking, ropeway rides and special services may have separate charges.

How to Reach Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple

The temple is situated near Ramgarh Mor in the Lakshman Dungri area, approximately 2 kilometres inside from the Jaipur–Delhi road.

By Air

Jaipur International Airport is approximately 16–18 kilometres from the temple. Taxis and app-based cabs are available from the airport.

By Train

Jaipur Junction is approximately 10–12 kilometres away. Visitors can take an auto-rickshaw, taxi or app-based cab from the railway station.

By Bus

Sindhi Camp Bus Stand is approximately 8–10 kilometres from the temple. Local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws are available towards Ramgarh Mor.

By Road

The temple is easily accessible by private car, taxi, auto-rickshaw and local transport. A grand entrance gate is situated near the main road, from where the internal road leads to the temple.

Parking facilities are available near the complex, but spaces can fill quickly on Tuesdays, Saturdays and festival days.

Nearby Places to Visit

Galtaji Temple

Galtaji is an ancient pilgrimage complex famous for its sacred kunds, natural spring, historic temples and hill setting.

Surya Temple

Situated on a hill near Galtaji, the Surya Temple is dedicated to the Sun God and offers impressive views of Jaipur.

Sisodia Rani Garden

This historic garden contains fountains, terraces, painted pavilions and landscaped surroundings.

Vidyadhar Garden

Vidyadhar Garden combines Rajput and Mughal landscaping traditions and is known for its peaceful environment.

Garh Ganesh Temple

Garh Ganesh Temple is an important shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesha in his child form. It stands on the hills near Nahargarh.

Jal Mahal

Jal Mahal is a famous palace situated in the middle of Man Sagar Lake and can be viewed from the roadside promenade.

Visitor Guidelines

• Wear modest and comfortable clothing.
• Remove footwear before entering the prayer areas.
• Reach early on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
• Keep the temple complex and surrounding hills clean.
• Do not use independent agents for Sawamani bookings.
• Use authorised counters for donations and services.
• Follow photography restrictions near the sanctum.
• Maintain silence during aarti and puja.
• Supervise children in crowded areas.
• Senior citizens should use ramps, lifts or available assistance where provided.
• Do not carry prohibited items inside the temple.
• Confirm ropeway operations before purchasing tickets.
• Allow extra travelling time during Annakoot and Hanuman Jayanti.
• Follow instructions issued by temple security and management.

Conclusion

Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple is one of Jaipur’s most significant centres of Hanuman worship. Its sacred rock image, association with Baba Nirmal Das, rediscovery by Pandit Radhe Lal Choubey in 1961 and location among the Aravalli Hills give the temple a distinctive spiritual identity.

The grand multi-storey complex, Ram Darbar, daily aartis, Sawamani tradition, community kitchens and Annakoot celebrations demonstrate the temple’s strong culture of devotion and service. Whether visiting to seek Lord Hanuman’s blessings, organise a Sawamani, attend an aarti or enjoy the peaceful hill setting, devotees can experience faith, strength and spiritual comfort at Khole Ke Hanuman Ji Temple.