Karmanghat Hanuman Temple

Located in the Karmanghat area of Hyderabad, this temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman holds significant local importance and its origins are traditionally traced back to the Kakatiya dynasty. According to popular local legend, the temple was founded around 1143 CE (though some accounts suggest later, during King Prataparudra II's reign in the late 13th/early 14th century). The story narrates that a Kakatiya king, while hunting in the area, rested under a tree and heard the chanting of Lord Rama's name. Discovering a swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Hanuman in a seated posture engaged in meditation, the king established a temple at the spot. The name 'Karmanghat' is sometimes interpreted as evolving from 'Kar-Man-Ghat', meaning a place that strengthens the heart and mind. While epigraphic evidence confirming this specific royal founding might be lacking, the attribution places the temple's origins within the historical context of Kakatiya rule over Telangana, a period known for significant temple building and patronage of various Hindu traditions, including folk deities alongside major Shaiva and Vaishnava centers. The temple remarkably survived through the subsequent periods of Deccan Sultanate (Bahmani, Qutb Shahi) and later Asaf Jahi (Nizam) rule in Hyderabad, retaining its significance for the local Hindu populace. Over the centuries, it has likely undergone renovations and expansions funded by devotees and local patrons, reflecting continuous worship. The presiding deity, Dhyana Anjaneya Swamy, is particularly revered. The temple attracts vast numbers of devotees, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays, making it one of the oldest and most popular Hanuman temples in Hyderabad. Its history, primarily preserved through oral tradition and legend, highlights the endurance of local faith centers through political and social transformations over nearly nine centuries.