Manokamna Siddh Hanuman Mandir is located in Moti Bazaar, in the old city area of Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir.This temple is believed to be over 250 years old. It has stood as a place of worship and devotion for many generations of devotees. Even after centuries, the temple still holds great importance among the people of Jammu and nearby regions.
The main deity of the temple is Lord Hanuman, also lovingly known as Bajrangbali. What makes this temple special is that Hanuman is worshipped here in his Bal Roop, or child form. Devotees believe that Lord Hanuman himself chose to stay here in this form to bless all those who visit with a pure heart.
The temple is built in traditional North Indian style, with a simple yet strong structure. The sanctum (garbhagriha) is small but powerful in spiritual energy. Over the years, the temple has been maintained and restored carefully. The idol of Lord Hanuman is placed in a beautifully decorated shrine, and the walls are adorned with pictures and symbols related to the Ramayana.
This sacred place has been a center of faith for over two and a half centuries. According to local accounts, the idol of Hanuman here is Swayambhu, which means it appeared on its own. Over time, many devotees have experienced miracles after praying at this temple, especially during difficult times. That is how the temple got the name Manokamna Siddh Hanuman Mandir – “The temple where wishes are fulfilled.”
According to legend, centuries ago, a devotee discovered a small idol of Lord Hanuman in this area. Human hands did not carve the idol – it was a Swayambhu (self-manifested) form, found emerging from the earth. The devotee experienced a divine vision, where Hanuman appeared in child form (Bal Roop) and told him that he had come here to bless devotees and fulfill their wishes (manokamna).
One of the most astonishing and sacred features of this temple is that the appearance of the Hanuman idol changes naturally over time. Sometimes, the idol appears calm and gentle, like a divine child. Other times, the face takes on a more powerful and warrior-like form, as if ready to destroy evil.
What is most important is that these changes are not caused by anyone. There is no paint or sculpting involved. Even the priests say that they simply worship the idol and have witnessed its form changing on its own over the years.
Many devotees believe that Lord Hanuman reveals different moods based on the needs of the devotee or the energy of the time. It is as if Hanuman is personally watching over his devotees, showing his love, strength, and divine presence.
The Manokamna Siddh Hanuman Mandir celebrates Hanuman Jayanti with great devotion, marked by special pujas, bhajans, and large gatherings of devotees. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially significant, as these days are considered highly auspicious for Hanuman worship; the temple sees a heavy rush of devotees offering oil, sindoor (vermilion), and sweets. On major occasions, the temple also organizes langars (community meals) and devotional singing, creating a vibrant spiritual atmosphere.
