Lucknow’s Hanuman temples get cool revamp ahead of Bada Mangal

LUCKNOW: Bada Mangal devotees this summer can hope to pray in extra comfort. Hanuman temples across the city are making provisions for jute mats, coolers and ACs to beat the heat, among a host of other arrangements.
The Hanuman temple in Aliganj, which is more than a century old, is the nucleus of festivities that will begin from May 21. The shrine is arranging seven ACs and 10 coolers for the convenience of its devotees.A team of 200 volunteers, along with NCC cadets and policemen, officers will ensure safety and security.

“This year, there are four auspicious Tuesdays — on May 21, May 28, June 4 and June 11. We have made all arrangements to manage the crowd. There will be closed-circuit television cameras at five places, and separate entry and exit points for men and women. Vehicle parking passes will be available for visitors. Also, the road leading to the temple will have a canopy and water fans to buffer the sun,” said Amit Pandey, a temple committee member.
At Hanuman Setu temple, situated in the heart of the city near Lucknow University, around 200 volunteers and 20 guards will be deployed during the festive days. The temple will be decked with lotus and marigold flowers. “Devotees will be able to offer prayers from the Ganesh Dwar. Water tanks will be made available by Jal Nigam. It is difficult for many to walk barefoot on the floor. Hence, jute mats will be spread,” said the high priest.
At the temple in Talkatora, an idol of Hanuman will be adorned with heavy gold and silver jewellery.
The festival is believed to be 400 years old and is mainly celebrated in Lucknow and a few other places in Uttar Pradesh. Dedicated to Ram’s devotee Hanuman, Bada Mangal is observed on all Tuesdays of the Jyestha month, according to the Hindu calendar followed in north India. From the preceding midnight, temple gates across the city stay open for devotees and remain so till late on Bada Mangal night.