Shree Mota Maruti Temple Dharmaraj Hanuman Chowk, Humanat, T. Humanat, parbhani

The city of Manwath in the Parbhani district has been known as a famous trading hub in the entire Marathwada region since historical times. In the social, cultural, and religious life of this city, the Mota Maruti Mandir, situated at the old gateway of Manwath, holds a unique position. This temple is the primary Gram-Daivat (presiding deity of the village) of Manwath city. The Maruti here is considered the protector of the city and the remover of obstacles. The day for most of the citizens in the village begins with the darshan and remembrance of the name of Maruti in this temple. Built by combining the old stone structure with modern architecture, this temple has become a major center of faith for thousands of devotees in Manwath city and Parbhani district.

The history of this Mota Maruti Mandir in Manwath is ancient. It is said that this site is about 700 to 800 years old. Regarding the establishment of the temple and the arrival of Maruti in Manwath, the legend goes that in ancient times, a devotee named Zhare lived in Manwath village. He was a staunch devotee of Marutiraya. He used to walk every day to the Maruti temple in Pimpalgaon, located some distance from Manwath, to perform worship and service to the Lord. In his old age, due to physical fatigue, it became impossible for Zhare to go to Pimpalgaon every day. Yet, he did not let his service be interrupted. Pleased by his devotion, Maruti gave him a direct darshan and agreed to accompany him to Manwath. At that time, the Lord set a condition that during the journey, the devotee must keep walking forward and under no circumstances look back. The condition was that if the devotee looked back, the Lord would be established at that very spot. Zhare kept walking forward, keeping the Lord behind him. When he reached the border of Manwath village, near the old gateway, he looked back out of curiosity. As per the condition, Maruti stopped permanently at the gateway at that very moment and was established there. This is why this temple is called ‘Veshitla Mota Maruti’ (The Great Maruti of the Gateway). According to local tradition, there was a secret underground passage from the well of the original house of the Zhare family, who established the temple, directly to the sanctum sanctorum of this Maruti temple. This historic temple has been renovated three times so far. After the renovation carried out a few years ago, the temple attained its current modern form.

This temple is built on a high jagati, meaning a strong platform. There are five steps at the front to enter the main part of the temple. Stainless steel railings have been installed on both sides of these steps for safety. At the lintel of the main entrance of the temple, there is a small vermilion-smeared idol of Ganesha, and near the steps is a Kirtimukh. There are lamp niches on both sides of the entrance. Through this entrance, one enters the small assembly hall (sabhamandap) of the temple. In this assembly hall, in front of the sanctum sanctorum, there is a large stone-carved tortoise idol, known as Kurma-shilpa, on the floor. Beyond the assembly hall is the structure of the sanctum sanctorum. In the sanctum, there is a large altar on a Vajrapitha (diamond throne). The idols are installed on this altar. On the left side of this Vajrapitha is the first vermilion-smeared idol of Maruti. This Maruti holds a mace in his hand. In the center, Mother Gajalakshmi is seated on a lotus. On both sides, two elephants are performing a ritual bath (abhishek) on Mother Lakshmi with their trunks. Behind this idol, coconut trees are carved. On the right is the second vermilion-smeared idol of Maruti. Generally, one sees only one idol of Maruti in Hanuman temples. Here, however, the idol of Mother Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, is established between two idols of Maruti. The exact historical reason behind this structure of Gajalakshmi and the twin Marutis is not clear. This place is considered to be one that bestows prosperity. Behind these three idols, there is an arch decorated with glass mosaic work.

The multicolored and multi-storied shikhara (spire), built along the lines of the Nagara architectural style, is the attraction of this temple. This shikhara is decorated with various colors. On each level of the shikhara, there are idols of various gods, goddesses, and saints. On both corners of the lower level of the shikhara, two elephant sculptures, known as Gajathar, are carved. These elephants appear in a welcoming posture, holding garlands in their trunks. There is a golden kalash on the shikhara of the temple.

This Mota Maruti Mandir in Manwath is bustling with religious programs throughout the year. Since the Maruti here is famous as a deity who fulfills vows, hundreds of devotees come here for darshan every day. The Hanuman Jayanti festival held on Chaitra Purnima is the largest and main annual celebration in this temple. On this day, a grand manifestation festival of Marutiraya is celebrated. On the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, a grand palanquin procession of Marutiraya is taken out in Manwath city. Devotees participate in this celebration in traditional attire. Because of this, the entire city takes on the appearance of a fair. Many families from the surrounding areas and Parbhani district make vows here. Once the vows are fulfilled, the tradition of offering vermilion, oil, and black gram (urad) to the Lord on Hanuman Jayanti or every Saturday and Tuesday is still followed today. Generally, devotees can have darshan here from early morning until late at night.

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