Historic Kaatya Maaruti (Lambe Hanumaan) Panchavatee, Naasik, Naasik

Hanuman is revered as the symbol of strength, devotion, and surrender. Across the country, there are temples dedicated to Hanuman in various forms. The Hanuman temple in Panchavati, Nashik, is unique in its own way. The Katya Maruti temple is famous for its eleven-and-a-half-foot tall and seven-foot wide idol of Hanuman. Many devotees visit here to behold the towering idol and seek blessings from the Maruti, who is renowned as the one who listens to the prayers of his devotees.

The legend of the temple states that while the Pandavas were in exile, they discovered this idol of Hanuman under a Babul (acacia) tree. Because it was found amidst the thorns (katya) of the Babul tree, it came to be known as ‘Katya Maruti’. Since the idol is eleven-and-a-half feet tall and seven-and-a-half feet wide, it is also called ‘Lambe Hanuman’. The Pandavas found a suitable place and consecrated this idol, after which they served it for some time.

The Katya Maruti temple is modest in size. A circular dome, which serves as the temple spire, is visible from the road leading to Panchavati. Although the entrance to the temple is small, it features attractive carvings. Upon entering, one must climb a few steps and walk a short distance. In front lies a spacious assembly hall (sabhamandap). Directly ahead of the assembly hall stands the large idol of Hanuman. Due to the size of the idol, the inner sanctum (gabhara) has limited space—only enough for the priest to stand and perform worship. Adjacent to Hanuman’s sanctum is another sanctum housing the idols of Rama and Sita. It is said that this temple was built during the Peshwa era, but the exact year of its construction is not known.

The idol in the temple is distinctive. It is carved from stone and coated with vermilion (shendur). The silver crown, silver mace (gada), and silver garlands make the idol appear even more radiant. During festivals, the sanctum is decorated with beautiful flowers. The sanctum has a small door, and a separate frame has been constructed outside it, beyond which devotees are not permitted to enter. During festivals, the idol is adorned in garments of various colors.

Festivals are celebrated at the Katya Maruti temple on Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami. On these days, crowds begin to gather for darshan from five in the morning. On Hanuman Jayanti, the cradle ceremony (palna) for the birth of Hanuman is held at midnight. The following day, rituals such as Abhishek, Puja, and the application of vermilion are performed. In the afternoon, Bhajans and Kirtans are held, and Mahaprasad is distributed to the devotees. Mahaprasad is also distributed on the day of Ram Navami. On this day, devotees visit this temple for Hanuman’s darshan after visiting the nearby Ram temple.

Aarti is performed in the temple at 10:00 AM. Thereafter, Naivedya is offered to the idol of Maruti in the afternoon. Another Aarti is performed at 7:00 PM. Darshan is available in the temple from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

Sacred History & Spiritual Significance

This sacred temple stands as a testament to deep spiritual devotion, ancient architectural grandeur, and rich local cultural traditions.

Temple Sanctum & Architecture

The sanctum sanctorum houses the divine idol consecrated according to ancient Vedic traditions, surrounded by serene courtyards and traditional temple architecture.

Sacred Darshan Gallery