Pavitra Hanuman Temple Pickett Road, Kalbadevi, Mumbaic

The Sankatmochan (reliever of troubles) Hanuman, whose darshan is sought by countless people—ranging from political leaders, ministers, government officials, and police officers to the accused, as well as film actors, entrepreneurs, traders, and common citizens—to find relief from their hardships, is situated on Picket Road in Kalbadevi. This temple, which is about a century and a half old, is well-known as the ‘Picket Road Hanuman’. The idol of Hanuman in this temple faces south and is considered to be Swayambhu (self-manifested) and Jagrut (spiritually awakened). Because of this, there is such a huge rush of devotees for darshan every Tuesday and Saturday that special traffic police arrangements have to be made.

It is said that the English word ‘Picket’ refers to a small military outpost. Since such an outpost existed here in the past, the road came to be known as Picket Road. In the records of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, this road is registered under the name of R. S. Sapre, who started the first typing business in Mumbai. The history of this temple suggests that, in the past, this Hanuman temple was located on a rock in the middle of the sea. Devotees used to travel there by boat for darshan. In the 1880s, the British government reclaimed the sea in this area to expand Mumbai. At that time, the idol of Hanuman was consecrated at its current location. Gradually, the fame of this Hanuman spread far and wide, and a large influx of devotees began towards the temple.

Located in one of the busiest parts of Mumbai, this temple stands on Picket Road, opposite the Lokmanya Tilak Police Station. This privately owned temple is situated on the ground floor of a five-story building known as ‘Hanuman Building’. Consequently, it does not have a shikhara (spire) like traditional temples. One enters the temple through a simple entrance after climbing three steps. Its structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall) and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). In this marble-floored assembly hall, there is an open-fronted sanctum. Inside, there is a large silver shrine on a high pedestal covered with intricately carved silver sheets. The Swayambhu idol of Hanuman is situated within it. This stone-like idol is adorned with sindoor (vermilion). Behind the idol is a silver prabhaval (halo). To the left of this sanctum, on a high pedestal, sits a marble idol of Trimukhi Dattatreya in a silver shrine.

In the sub-sanctum to the right of the assembly hall, a black stone idol of Shani is seated on a marble pedestal. This idol is adorned with garments, ornaments, and flower garlands. In front of the idol’s shrine, a brass idol of Shani is placed in a marble basin. Oil and black gram (urad) are offered to this idol, for which special arrangements have been made. Along with this, there are also idols of Radha-Krishna and Shri Ram-Sita. All four idols, adorned with garments and ornaments, are consecrated in a marble shrine.

The devotees of this Hanuman include both common people and VVIPs. These devotees include Ramnath Goenka, the founder-editor of ‘The Indian Express’; Justice Pramod Kode of the TADA court, who presided over the Mumbai serial bomb blast case; renowned lawyer Ujjwal Nikam; famous playback singer Anuradha Paudwal; Bhajan Samrat Anup Jalota; and political leader Praful Patel, among others. Additionally, many IAS and IPS officers, as well as lawyers, frequently visit for darshan. It is said that Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand of Dwarka Peeth has also visited this temple.

Hanuman can be visited at this temple from Monday to Friday between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM, every Saturday from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and every Sunday from 6:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The Mangal Aarti takes place every morning at 7:00 AM. The Madhyanna Bhog Aarti is held at 12:00 PM, and the Sayankal Shayan Aarti is performed at 8:00 PM. Devotees believe that the Hanuman here is a Sankatmochan, which is why there is a constant stream of devotees. There is a long queue for darshan on Tuesdays and Saturdays. On these days, as well as on every Purnima (full moon), the idol of Hanuman is specially decorated using sindoor, silver foil, and special perfumes. Hanuman Jayanti is a special festival here. On this day, the Hanuman Prakatotsav ceremony is organized, followed by a procession of the Hanuman Palkhi (palanquin). Countless devotees in traditional attire participate in this procession. Additionally, special prayers are organized at the temple on the day of Naraka Chaturdashi. It is said that this temple was established by Mohandas Mahant. Currently, his seventh generation is managing the temple.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery