A 125-year-old Hanuman Mandir built in traditional Nepali style was recently rediscovered in an acacia forest during a demolition drive in the Balapar area of Bet Dwarka, Gujarat. The Mandir, known locally as ‘Dada Ka Mandir,’ had remained hidden and abandoned for decades. On the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav, it was reopened to the public after the reinstallation of the murti, which depicts Bhagwan Hanuman in his childhood form.
जय बजरंगबली!! https://t.co/Z4oZ3TkTLM pic.twitter.com/tybTdFAfr8
— Harsh Sanghavi (@sanghaviharsh) April 13, 2025
According to locals, the Mandir saw a decline in visitors around 40 to 50 years ago due to increasing anti-social activities in the area. To preserve the sanctity of the shrine, the murti of Bhagwan Hanuman was relocated to a safer place at the time.
Following its discovery, the Devbhoomi Dwarka district police took the initiative to renovate the Mandir and reinstated the original murti of Bhagwan Hanuman in accordance with traditional rituals on Hanuman Janmotsav, celebrated on April 12. The Mandir has now been officially named ‘Baal Hanuman Mandir’ in honour of the deity’s childhood form.
Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, shared details about the Mandir on his X handle. He wrote, “During a recent large-scale illegal demolition drive in the Balapar area of Devbhoomi Bet Dwarka, a small, long-forgotten Hanuman Mandir was uncovered, hidden amidst the grasslands. Conversations with local elders revealed that demographic shifts and illegal encroachments had led to the Mandir’s neglect and eventual abandonment. Fortunately, the Gujarat Police stepped in to preserve and restore this sacred site. On the auspicious occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav, the Mandir was reopened to the public, reviving a cherished piece of local heritage and spirituality.”
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