Prachin Hanuman Mandir: Political pilgrimage during Delhi elections

The temple rose to political prominence during the 2020 Assembly elections, when Kejriwal made it a tactical campaign stop.
The Prachin Hanuman Mandir has always been a go-to place for the believing.
The Prachin Hanuman Mandir has always been a go-to place for the believing. (Photo | Express)
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NEW DELHI: The Prachin Hanuman Mandir has always been a go-to place for the believing. The centuries-old temple at Connaught Place draws steady flows of people, especially ahead of auspicious occasions. Of late, puncturing the serenity is the flurry of politicians of all shades and colours seeking the Lord’s blessings.

The nomination phase of Delhi elections has seen a flurry of visits from political adversaries ranging from Arvind Kejriwal to Parvesh Verma, Atishi and Saurabh Bharadwaj, to name a few. It’s hard to ignore how rivals — AAP and BJP — are keen to appropriate the temple’s sacred significance, in an attempt to strike a chord with voters.

The temple rose to political prominence during the 2020 Assembly elections when Kejriwal turned it into a tactical stop for campaigning.

In 2020, as part of AAP’s move towards embracing “soft Hindutva”, Kejriwal made frequent visits to the temple, positioning himself as a devout ‘Hanuman bhakt’. His move was aimed at countering BJP’s accusations that the AAP was “anti-Hindu”, particularly following the anti-CAA protests. The positioning paid off, as the pious connection resonated with voters, allowing him to push back against the BJP’s shrill attacks.

Over time, the temple became a refuge for AAP leaders facing scrutiny, with many turning to it during challenging times — whether dealing with legal issues or preparing for political battles. After all, Lord Hanuman is revered as the ‘Sankatmochan’.

Kejriwal’s visits, often timed around election season, became regular media events. When he couldn’t make it, his wife Sunita stepped in, offering prayers on his behalf. Atishi, following her elevation as CM, kept the “tradition” alive.

The temple has long been a destination for politicians across party lines. Stalwarts like former President Shankar Dayal Sharma, Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee quietly visited the temple. The difference is now politicians visit the temple with media in tow.

“Though political figures have always visited this temple, the media attention and special arrangements for VVIPs today are undeniable,” a priest says. He, however, is quick to add that all devotees, regardless of their status, are treated equally. “If requested by authorities, we prioritise the politicians’ puja. Otherwise, we treat all devotees the same,” he adds.

Another priest quips: “When AAP first started in 2013, its office was right next to this temple. But it took him (Kejriwal) seven years to make the short walk here.”

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