The Camp Hanuman Mandir has had its lease renewed by the Army’s Western Command in Pune for an additional 30 years. This ends discussions of relocating the 250 years old temple to the Riverfront, much to the relief of devotees.
The Camp Hanuman temple, nestled in the Shahibaug area of the city, holds a special place in the hearts of devotees. The site draws worshippers not only from Ahmedabad but also from other cities, especially on Saturdays, warranting special security measures by the Army.
Jayesh Patel, Senior Executive Engineer of the Ahmedabad Cantonment Board, detailed the lease agreement, noting, “The original land of Shri Camp Hanuman Mandir in Shahibaug Cantonment Board is freehold, with some surrounding land on lease. This lease entails a 90-year rent, of which the first term of 30 years has just been completed. We sent a request for the renewal of the second 30-year term to the Principal Director, Western Command, Pune, which has been approved recently.”
Patel confirmed the annual rent of the 2,296 square metre space has been fixed at Rs 49.62.
Originally, there were plans to move the temple to the Sabarmati Riverfront, leading to a considerable debate. Trustees sought advice from religious leaders to navigate the situation, resulting in the decision to secure an additional 30-year lease to prevent any potential disputes and maintain the temple’s current location. Patel added, “The recent lease approval has definitively resolved these disputes.”
Speaking of better facilities, Patel said, “In response to the heavy influx of devotees on Saturdays, we are collaborating with the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation to construct a footbridge, expected to be complete in one and a half months, to facilitate easier access for devotees. Lifts will be installed on both sides for the convenience of senior citizens, children, and those with disabilities, thanks to space provided by the Cantonment Board.”
Sumersingh Rajput, a former member of the Cantonment Board, expressed relief and happiness at the lease renewal, emphasising the temple’s deep-rooted significance to millions of devotees.
Sarit Choksi, Honorary Secretary of the Sri Camp Hanuman Mandir Trust, said, “The approval of the lease for another 30 years by the Western Command, Pune, is a source of great happiness for us. The discussion regarding the temple’s relocation to the Riverfront is a thing of the past, with no current disputes.”
Choksi also recalled previous considerations for the temple’s relocation aimed at improving devotee convenience through additional facilities like parking.
However, guided by the insights of respected monks and religious leaders like Morari Bapu and Rameshbhai Ojha, it was concluded that sacred sites such as the Hanumanji and Mahadev Mandir should remain in their historical locations. The recent lease renewal has evidently bolstered the spirits of the temple’s devotees, ensuring the site’s continuity for the foreseeable future.
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