Pandupol Hanuman Temple

14.12.2024

Pandupol Hanuman Temple

Why in the news?                        

The Supreme Court recently emphasized the need to balance the protection of Sariska Tiger Reserve's wildlife with the religious sentiments of devotees visiting the Pandupol Hanuman temple.

About Pandupol Hanuman Temple:

• It is a revered 5000-year-old shrine located within the lush expanse of the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar, Rajasthan.
• The history of the Pandupol Hanuman Temple is deeply intertwined with Hindu mythology.
• It is believed that during the period of the Mahabharata, the Pandavas, along with their wife Draupadi, spent a significant amount of time in exile.
• It is believed that they visited this area, then known as Viratnagar, during their exile years.
• It is believed that it is the place where Bhima had an encounter with Lord Hanuman.
• The temple's name, "Pandupol," is derived from the word "Pandava," signifying its connection to this legendary narrative.
• The term "Hanuman" in the temple's name is in honor of Lord Hanuman.
• The temple's primary attraction is the reclining statue of Lord Hanuman, which was established here by the Pandavas.

Key Facts about Sariska Tiger Reserve:

• It is located in Rajasthan.
• It is well nestled in the Aravali Hills, covering an area of 800 sq km.
• It was once a hunting ground of the Maharaja of Alwar before being proclaimed a natural reserve in 1955 and a national park in 1979.
• It is the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers.
• It is also famous for old temples, palaces, and lakes such as Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort, Ajabgarh, Pratapgarh,Siliserh Lake and Jaisamand Lake.
• Vegetation: Its vegetation corresponds to Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests And Northern Tropical Thorn Forest.
• Flora: It is covered with dhok trees.Other species found here include salar, kadaya, gol, ber, banyan, gugal, bamboo, kair, adusta, etc.
• Fauna: A variety of other wild animals, like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar etc are found in the reserve apart from the tiger.

                                                                 Source: The Times of India

The Pandupol Hanuman Temple, recently seen in the news, lies within which one of the following Tiger Reserves?

A.Pench Tiger Reserve

B.Sariska Tiger Reserve

C.Indravati Tiger Reserve

D.Periyar Tiger Reserve

Answer B