Shri Gilahraj Ji Maharaj Temple is located in Achaltal, a town in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. The temple is famous for its unique depiction of Lord Hanuman disguised as a squirrel, making it the only temple in the world with this representation. The temple is situated on the banks of Achal Tal, providing a peaceful environment for devotees.
The main deity is Shri Gilahraj Ji Maharaj, worshipped in the form of a squirrel. The idol shows Lord Hanumana with an eye visible to devotees, holding a laddu in one hand, and suppressing the nine planets (Navagraha) under his feet. Due to this aspect, the deity is called Grah-Har-Raj, meaning the conqueror of planets and remover of planetary afflictions.
The temple has a simple and serene architectural style, focusing primarily on the unique idol. The sanctum housing Hanumana is open and easily accessible, allowing devotees to observe the squirrel form of Hanumana clearly. The temple premises provide a calm environment for meditation and prayer.
The legend of Shri Gilahraj Ji Maharaj dates back to the era of Rama Setu, when Lord Rama’s army was building a bridge to Lanka. Hanumana was tirelessly carrying huge stones across the sea. Observing his unmatched speed, Lord Rama advised him to take a rest so the rest of the army could participate.
Hanumana, devoted and obedient, left the site but, true to his tireless nature, disguised himself as a squirrel to continue serving Lord Rama without being noticed. In this form, he wallowed in sand, carried small bits, and dived into water repeatedly, assisting in the bridge construction.
Lord Rama later recognized the squirrel as Hanumana, lifted him in his palms, and caressed him. The three lines present on the back of the squirrel symbolize the love and blessings of Lord Rama.
The idol was first discovered by Shri Mahendra Nath Yogi Ji Maharaj, a revered saint who had visions of Hanumana in his dreams. The deity was also historically worshipped by Dau Ji Maharaj, the brother of Lord Krishna. Today, the temple at Achaltal remains the only site in the world where Hanumana is depicted as a squirrel.
Shri Gilahraj Ji Maharaj is worshipped both for devotion to Lord Rama and as the remover of planetary afflictions (graha-dosha). Devotees offer laddu and chola as sacred offerings, believing this can bring relief from Navagraha effects. The temple emphasizes humble service and devotion, inspired by Hanumana’s act of helping as a squirrel.
The temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti as its main festival with special rituals and offerings. Tuesdays and Saturdays are considered highly auspicious, drawing large numbers of devotees for darshan and prayers. Regular Navagraha poojas are performed for relief from planetary afflictions, and devotees also offer laddu and chola on other significant Hindu occasions to seek blessings.
