Maa Anjani Temple, situated in Mehandipur, Dausa District of Rajasthan, is one of the most revered temples dedicated to Mata Anjani (Anjana Devi) — the divine mother of Lord Hanuman, the great devotee of Lord Rama. The temple holds immense religious, spiritual, and historical significance, especially among devotees visiting Shri Mehandipur Balaji Temple, which lies close to it.

Here’s a detailed history of Maa Anjani Temple:

1. Who is Maa Anjani?

Maa Anjani, also known as Anjana Devi, is described in the Hindu scriptures as a celestial nymph who was born on Earth due to a curse. Through deep penance and devotion to Lord Shiva, she was blessed with a divine son — Hanuman Ji, an incarnation of Lord Shiva himself. Therefore, Maa Anjani is worshipped as the Mother of Strength, Courage, and Purity.

2. Historical Background of the Temple

• Location: Near the famous Shri Mehandipur Balaji Temple, in Mehandipur village, Tehsil Sikrai, District Dausa, Rajasthan.
• Established: The temple’s origins are ancient, believed to date back several centuries, though its present structure was renovated and expanded during the 18th–19th century as the Balaji Temple complex grew.
• Built By: It is said that local saints and devotees of Balaji contributed to its construction, inspired by divine visions and dreams of Maa Anjani herself.
• Associated Legends: Many devotees and priests believe that Maa Anjani appeared in a devotee’s dream, instructing the establishment of a shrine near her son Hanuman’s abode to bless devotees with motherly grace.

3. Religious and Spiritual Significance

• Maa Anjani Temple is regarded as the spiritual counterpart to the Balaji Temple — symbolizing motherly protection alongside her son’s divine strength.
• Devotees visit Maa Anjani’s shrine after seeking blessings from Shri Balaji to complete their pilgrimage.
• The temple is especially believed to relieve devotees from pain, fear, and negativity, as Maa’s blessings protect from evil energies.
• Many women devotees visit the temple to pray for their children’s well-being, fertility, and mental peace.

4. Architecture and Structure

• The temple is built in traditional Rajasthani style, using red sandstone and marble.
• The main sanctum houses an idol of Maa Anjani seated in a motherly posture, often depicted holding baby Hanuman in her lap.
• The walls of the temple are adorned with ancient paintings and carvings representing episodes from the Ramayana and Hanuman’s childhood.
• The shikhara (spire) of the temple rises gracefully, visible from a distance, symbolizing maternal divinity.

5. Temple Rituals and Festivals

• Daily Rituals: Regular aarti, bhog, and kirtan are performed, especially during morning and evening hours.
• Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrated with grandeur, as it marks the birth of Hanuman Ji, making it the most important festival here.
• Navratri: Special prayers and offerings are conducted during Chaitra and Sharad Navratri, attracting thousands of devotees.
• Mata Anjani Mela: An annual fair is organized around the temple premises where devotees offer coconuts, sweets, and red chunari to the goddess.

6. Connection with Shri Mehandipur Balaji Temple

• The Maa Anjani Temple forms part of the spiritual triangle along with Shri Balaji and Pretraj Sarkar Temple in Mehandipur.
• It is believed that worshipping at Maa Anjani Temple after Balaji Darshan ensures complete spiritual cleansing and protection.
• Many rituals for warding off evil spirits or mental afflictions are performed under the guidance of priests from both temples.

7. Pilgrim Facilities and Accessibility

• Facilities: Drinking water, resting sheds, small canteens, and prasad shops are available.
• Best Time to Visit: Between October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
• Busiest Days: Tuesdays and Saturdays, being auspicious for Hanuman devotees.
• Accessibility: Easily reachable from Dausa (about 40 km) and Jaipur (around 110 km). Regular buses and local taxis connect Mehandipur to major cities in Rajasthan.

8. Spiritual Beliefs and Miracles

• Devotees claim that Maa Anjani listens to sincere prayers instantly.
• Many miraculous stories are associated with blessings for motherhood, health recovery, and removal of evil influences.
• It is believed that no evil force can harm those who visit both Maa Anjani and Shri Balaji with pure devotion.

9. Preservation and Modern Renovations

• In recent years, the temple has undergone renovation and beautification by local trusts and devotees.
• Marble flooring, new lighting, and boundary enhancements have been done while preserving the ancient sanctity of the shrine.
• Priests and caretakers ensure that traditional rituals and customs remain intact, maintaining the authentic heritage of Mehandipur’s sacred complex.

Conclusion

The Maa Anjani Temple of Mehandipur stands as a divine symbol of motherhood, devotion, and protection. Deeply intertwined with the legacy of Shri Hanuman Ji, the temple embodies the eternal bond between mother and son, representing strength and compassion in perfect balance.
For devotees visiting Mehandipur, offering prayers at Maa Anjani’s shrine after Balaji Darshan completes their spiritual journey — filling their hearts with peace, faith, and divine blessings.
Through centuries, the temple continues to inspire millions with its timeless message: “A mother’s blessing is the strongest armor against all worldly suffering.”