Shree Kashtabhanjan Dev Hanumanji at Sarangpur — spelled Salangpur almost as often — is one of the most visited temples in Gujarat. Kashtabhanjan means the one who breaks sorrows, and that is exactly why people come: to ask for relief from an illness, a debt, a problem at home, or simply to give thanks when one has passed.
The temple belongs to the Swaminarayan Sampraday under the Vadtal Gadi, and it is unusual within it: the main deity here is Hanuman rather than Swaminarayan or Krishna. The murti was installed by Sadguru Gopalanand Swami in Vikram Samvat 1905, around 1848–49.
From Rajkot it is a comfortable day out. Most families leave after breakfast, have darshan and the free prasad meal, and are home by evening.
The temple and the King of Salangpur
The old temple is still the heart of the visit: darshan of the Kashtabhanjan Dev murti in the main shrine, the image devotees across Gujarat know by sight.
Since April 2023 the skyline has a new landmark. The King of Salangpur, a 54-foot statue of Hanuman, was unveiled on Hanuman Jayanti, 6 April 2023, and is visible well before you reach the gate. It photographs best in the late afternoon.
The temple serves visitors a free prasad meal. Leave footwear in the car or at the stand before the gate.
When to plan around the crowds
Saturday is Hanuman’s day, and Sarangpur is at its busiest then; Tuesdays are busy too. Weekdays other than those are calmest, and an early arrival beats the coaches from Ahmedabad.
Hanuman Jayanti, on Chaitra Purnima in March or April, draws very large crowds. It is a remarkable day to be there, but expect slow traffic for the last stretch and give yourself time.
Darshan runs from early morning into the evening with a break around midday; the exact times change on festival days, so check the temple’s current timings before you set off.
Also in Sarangpur
Sarangpur is also home to a large BAPS Swaminarayan Mandir, a separate temple a short walk or drive away with carved stone domes and gardens. Many visitors see both in the same trip.
Gadhada, another historic Swaminarayan centre in Botad district, is close enough to add to the day if you start early.
Getting there from Rajkot
The drive is about 140–160 km depending on the road taken, and usually takes around three hours. A sedan is comfortable for four; for a family of five or six, an Ertiga is the sensible choice for a full day on the road.
Tell us your start time and we will plan the drive so you reach before the midday break, with time for the meal and the King of Salangpur afterwards.
When to go
- October to MarchBest timeThe most comfortable months for the drive and the open courtyards. Weekdays are easiest.
- Hanuman Jayanti (March or April)HotThe temple’s biggest day. Extraordinary, very crowded; start early and expect a slow last few kilometres.
- Saturdays and holidaysBusyBusy all year. Arrive early in the morning if you want a shorter queue.
- April to JuneHotHot by midday. Go early, keep the visit to the morning and carry water.
Getting there · Plan this trip
Sarangpur by car, with a driver
One-way or round trip from Rajkot, in a clean air-conditioned car. Tell us your date and we will send the fare.
