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BANGALORE, INDIA, August 15, 2004: From humble beginnings years ago when the location of this sacred site was in the middle of a forest to today when the site is a hub of activity for the local citizens, Lord Hanuman is a true presence in West Bangalore. It all started when a monkey made its home on a rock in the midst of a forest. The locals sensed that the location was special. However, they never knew how special until authorities attempted to clear the rock and surrounding area to make room for dwellings and roads. The article says, “When the authorities wanted to clear the rock and surrounding areas, they found that it was impossible. That’s when people realized that the place held divine qualities. They began worshipping the rock and continued to do so even after the monkey died.” In order to maintain the site a trust called the “Sri Maruti Bhakta Mandali Trust” was established. Images of Lord Hanuman and Lord Ganesha were sculpted on the rock. As prayers were answered from worshipping at the site, devotional fervor grew and financial contributions escalated. In 1975, the Chief Minister of the state dedicated the temple to the public. Today the temple celebrates festivals like Ramanavami and Hanuma Jayanti, and the trust supports musicians, holds meditation classes, gives books and clothes to needy students, and offers medical services and medicines to poor patients. In the future the temple wants to build an old age home and an orphanage. K.B. Puttaswamy, founder secretary of the trust says, “All this has been possible because of the public which has stood by us and brought the temple to this stage. We owe it to them and hope to repay their trust in a meaningful manner.” In this oasis of peace, devotees find refuge in the middle of a busy city.

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