Hanuman on the Dashboard: The Spiritual Shield of Telangana’s Cab Drivers

Telangana, with its rich cultural heritage and intricate history, has always maintained a unique connection with spirituality. From the ancient temples of the Kakatiya dynasty to the humble shrines scattered across the rocky landscape of the Deccan, deities are not merely worshipped — they are woven into daily life, communicated with, and cherished as personal tokens. Among these, Hanuman, the powerful vanara warrior from the Ramayana, occupies a position of profound reverence. In towns like Jagtial, tales of the Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple — where it is believed that devotion over 40 days brings divine safeguarding — are shared like treasured family stories. Throughout Telangana, Hanuman is more than a mere god; he represents strength, protection, and loyalty in both legend and people's everyday lives.

This spiritual presence is especially evident in the city’s taxis and autorickshaws. As Hyderabad advances with its technology hubs and continuous development, numerous drivers turn to Hanuman for peace amid the hectic bustle. Conversations with local cab drivers reveal a trend — small Hanuman idols adorning dashboards, red threads looped around gear shifts, and devotional melodies echoing softly during early morning drives. “He’s not just a deity; he’s my guardian angel,” states Siva, a 38-year-old cab driver from Kukatpally, gesturing towards the orange idol on his dashboard. These tokens, though understated, offer both protection and a grounding force — a spiritual safety harness amidst the unpredictable city traffic.

The Stories We Carry  

Many drivers in Telangana have a connection to Hanuman that is deeply embedded in their childhoods, intertwined with stories shared by their elders and experiences from their home villages. These tales often revolve around local temples famous for their spiritual importance and miraculous events.  

One such revered place is the Kondagattu Anjaneya Swamy Temple, located roughly 35 kilometres from Karimnagar. According to legend, a cowherd unearthed an idol of Lord Hanuman here in the 18th century, leading to the temple's establishment. Devotees hold that prayers offered at this temple for 40 consecutive days can grant their wishes, especially for those desiring children. Krishna, a driver from Karimnagar, reminisces, "As a child, my mother would share the story of a man from our village who prayed to Hanuman daily and survived a devastating fire. Since then, I've never travelled without his image in my vehicle."

In Beechupally village, perched on the banks of the Krishna River, the Beechupally Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a prominent spiritual site. Over two centuries old, this temple is frequently visited by travellers seeking blessings for safe journeys. The temple grounds also feature a Shiva lingam by the river, which, during monsoons, is touched by rising waters, creating a breathtaking view.  

Another significant temple is the Karmanghat Hanuman Temple in Hyderabad. Established in the 12th century, this temple is rich in history and is said to have been built following a vision granted to a Kakatiya king by Lord Hanuman in a dream. The name "Karmanghat," meaning "strengthen your heart," reflects the deity's connection to bravery and perseverance.

Childhood rituals further strengthen this bond with Hanuman. In various Telangana villages, it is a tradition for children to join morning processions during Hanuman Jayanti, singing bhajans and carrying small Hanuman idols through the streets. These moments nurture a sense of devotion and respect from an early age. Moreover, parents often urge their children to recite the Hanuman Chalisa, believing it bestows strength and shields them from fear.

Miracles on the Journey  

Many individuals assert they’ve been rescued by the presence of their devudu (god) on the dashboard. “Once, I was travelling on the Outer Ring Road when my brakes unexpectedly failed. I can’t explain it, but the car came to a halt just in time. I had performed a puja that morning,” shares one driver, still rattled by the experience. These stories, while personal, contribute to an expanding collection of accounts regarding divine intervention.  

One taxi driver recounted a night returning from the airport during a severe thunderstorm when a large tree suddenly fell just a few meters in front of his car. “If I hadn’t inexplicably slowed down moments earlier, I’d have been crushed,” he said. At that precise moment, he was listening to a Hanuman bhajan. That small detail — the song, the deceleration, the perfect timing — led him to believe that someone was looking out for him.  

Another driver recalled an instance when a child passenger started choking on a piece of candy during a ride. With no one else around and traffic obstructing access to the hospital, he felt an "invisible hand" guiding him to instinctively perform the right action. He slapped the child’s back without thinking, and the candy dislodged. He had no prior training, just a prayer murmured under his breath.  

Some tales extend beyond mere close calls. One individual, driving in a rural area at night, claimed his vehicle stalled near a temple. Despite numerous attempts, it wouldn’t start. Frustrated, he exited the car and noticed he was mere inches from a deep ditch that lacked any barrier or signage. “If the car had rolled even slightly further, I would’ve plunged right in,” he reflected later. After lighting camphor at the temple, the engine roared to life on the first attempt.  

Mystical experiences are also not uncommon. In rural Telangana, accounts of divine possession or sudden displays of strength are often heard. One story tells of a driver transporting passengers through hilly terrain when a boulder dramatically fell, obstructing their route. The driver, who wasn’t known for any extraordinary strength, allegedly lifted a section of the shattered rock alongside others and cleared the path. This accomplishment astonished even the nearby villagers.  

In each of these instances — whether it’s averted accidents or instinctive reactions — a shared belief persists: that the god on the dashboard serves a purpose beyond decoration. He is present, observing, intervening, and at times, even guiding the journey.  

Soundtracks of Faith  

Devotional music serves as another means for drivers to connect with their spirituality while on the road. Early mornings often begin with a gentle loop of the “Hanuman Chalisa” or bhajans devoted to local deities. “It sets the right tone for my day,” asserts Murthy, who drives passengers from Miyapur to HiTech City daily. “Passengers don’t mind — some even mention it helps to soothe them.”  

Even among younger drivers, spiritual playlists enjoy popularity. One Ola driver shared how chants of “Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya” assist him in concentrating during lengthy shifts. “There’s an element to that rhythm — like a heartbeat in the background.”  

No God, No Drive?  

For many, a vehicle lacking spiritual symbols feels inadequate. “It’s akin to stepping out without shoes,” states Ajay. “You feel vulnerable. The road is unpredictable — you wouldn’t want to navigate it alone.”  

This feeling echoed throughout discussions, encapsulating the spirit of the divine presence in Telangana’s taxis. It transcends mere religion. It’s about a connection, to history, narratives, family, and a sense of security in a world that frequently appears uncontrollable.