Hanumat Niketan Temple, Civil Lines
Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh · temple
- Days OpenOpen daily
- Entry Fee₹0
Set behind a leafy stretch of Prayagraj's elegant Civil Lines quarter, Hanumat Niketan is a sprawling, garden-wrapped temple complex spread across roughly 3.5 acres that has become one of the city's most-loved contemporary spiritual campuses. By tradition the ashram was founded in 1958 by the ascetic Saint Ramlochan Brahmachari, and the principal Hanuman idol is reported to have been installed in 1973, after which the complex grew steadily into the multi-purpose devotional and cultural centre seen today. Unlike the ancient riverside shrines of the Sangam, Hanumat Niketan feels calm, ordered and green — a place as suited to quiet reflection as to darshan.
Where to Eat Nearby
- ✦Pure-veg thali and South Indian restaurants along MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Marg), Civil Lines
- ✦Sweet houses and namkeen shops of Civil Lines for chaat, samosa and mithai
- ✦Netram Moolchand & Sons — celebrated all-vegetarian kachori-sabzi and sweet institution in Loknath, old city
- ✦All-vegetarian kachori-sabzi and chaat stalls of Katra and Loknath
About
Set behind a leafy stretch of Prayagraj's elegant Civil Lines quarter, Hanumat Niketan is a sprawling, garden-wrapped temple complex spread across roughly 3.5 acres that has become one of the city's most-loved contemporary spiritual campuses.
- By tradition the ashram was founded in 1958 by the ascetic Saint Ramlochan Brahmachari, and the principal Hanuman idol is reported to have been installed in 1973, after which the complex grew steadily into the multi-purpose devotional and cultural centre seen today.
- Unlike the ancient riverside shrines of the Sangam, Hanumat Niketan feels calm, ordered and green — a place as suited to quiet reflection as to darshan.
- The complex's signature feature is its ornate main gateway, on which is carved a striking depiction of the Bhagavad Gita scene: Lord Krishna counselling the warrior Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, chariot and horses rendered in relief.
- Beyond the gate, the campus unfolds into a series of purpose-built spaces that give the ashram its encyclopedic character — a Ved Bhawan devoted to scriptural study, a public library, a yogalaya for yoga and meditation practice, landscaped gardens, and a small museum-style display of traditional weaponry and heritage objects.
- The presiding deity is Hanuman, and the atmosphere throughout is devotional yet welcoming, with families, students and pilgrims drifting between the shrine, the reading rooms and the shaded lawns.
- For visitors, Hanumat Niketan works well as a peaceful, unhurried counterpoint to the intensity of the Sangam and the Magh Mela grounds.
- Mornings and early evenings, when aartis are performed, are the most atmospheric; modest dress and quiet conduct are appreciated, as at any active temple.
- Being in Civil Lines places you in Prayagraj's most comfortable dining district, and it is emphatically vegetarian-friendly.
- Pure-veg thali houses, South Indian restaurants and sweet-and-namkeen shops line MG Marg (Mahatma Gandhi Marg) and the surrounding lanes, serving everything from crisp dosas to katori thalis and fresh mithai.
- A short ride into the old city brings you to the celebrated all-vegetarian kachori-sabzi and sweet institution Netram Moolchand & Sons in Loknath, and to the famous chaat and kachori stalls of Katra and Loknath — all strictly vegetarian.
- For a refreshing drink, ask for plain, bhang-free thandai at the classic sweet houses.
Timings & Entry Fee
Verified: August 2026
Location & How to Reach
How to Reach: Located in Civil Lines, central Prayagraj, about 1 km from Prayagraj Junction railway station and easily reached by auto-rickshaw, e-rickshaw or taxi. Civil Lines is the city's main bus and commercial hub, so the temple is well connected from all parts of the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded Hanumat Niketan in Prayagraj?
The ashram was, by tradition, founded in 1958 by the ascetic Saint Ramlochan Brahmachari. The principal Hanuman idol is reported to have been installed in 1973. Over the following decades the site grew into the multi-purpose temple, study and cultural complex seen today.
What is special about Hanumat Niketan's main gate?
Its signature feature is an ornately carved main gateway depicting the Bhagavad Gita scene of Lord Krishna counselling Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. The chariot, horses and figures are rendered in relief, making the entrance itself a landmark. It is a popular spot for photographs before entering the shrine.
What can you see inside the Hanumat Niketan complex?
Beyond the Hanuman shrine, the roughly 3.5-acre campus includes a Ved Bhawan for scriptural study, a public library, a yogalaya for yoga and meditation, landscaped gardens, and a display of traditional weaponry and heritage objects. It functions as much as a cultural and learning centre as a place of worship.
Where can I eat vegetarian food near Hanumat Niketan?
Civil Lines is Prayagraj's best dining district and is very vegetarian-friendly. You will find pure-veg thali houses, South Indian restaurants and sweet-and-namkeen shops along MG Marg and the surrounding lanes. A short ride into the old city reaches the famous all-vegetarian kachori-sabzi and chaat stalls of Loknath and Katra.
Is there an entry fee to visit Hanumat Niketan?
No, entry to the temple complex is free, as at most Hindu temples. Visitors are welcome to explore the shrine, gardens and cultural halls. Modest dress and quiet conduct are appreciated, especially during aarti times.