Shree Siddhapeeth Shri Wari Hanuman Temple Wari-Bhairavgad, Telhara, Akola

Situated at the confluence of three rivers and on the border of two states and three districts, the Vari Hanuman Temple is one of the most renowned temples in Vidarbha. According to legend, the idol of Hanuman in this temple, located at the foothills of the Satpura mountain ranges, was consecrated by Samarth Ramdas Swami. It is said to be the largest among all the Hanuman idols he installed. Nestled in a picturesque environment on the banks of the Wan River, this deity commands deep devotion from millions of pilgrims. Along with devotees from every corner of Maharashtra, countless pilgrims from neighboring states like Madhya Pradesh also bow their heads before this Anjanisuta.

Samarth Ramdas Swami is considered an avatar of Hanuman. He popularized the worship of Rudravatar Hanuman, the deity of intellect and strength, throughout Maharashtra. The eleven Maruti temples he personally established are famous. Furthermore, historian Sadashiv Khanderao Altekar mentions in ‘Shri Samarth-Charitra’ (१९३३) that he also installed Maruti idols at Takli, Wai, Mahabaleshwar, Pratapgad, and at Dolegaon on the banks of the Urvashi River. It is a popular belief that Samarth also installed Maruti idols at Sajjangad, Sinhgad, Shivtharghal, Miraj, Tembhu, Shirgaon, Thanjavur, and the famous Badrinath in the Himalayas.

According to the book ‘Shri Samarthavatar’ by Samarth-bhakta Shankar Shrikrishna Deo, Samarth visited his birthplace, Jamb in the Ghansawangi taluka of Jalna district, in १६४०. After meeting his mother there, he went on a pilgrimage to the south and arrived at the banks of the Krishna River in १६४४. He spent the next १२ years in the Satara and Kolhapur regions. During this period, he installed eleven Maruti idols in this region. He also began the composition of the Dasbodh in १६४९. It is believed that Samarth consecrated the idol in this temple at Vari in १६४४ and performed a Vishnu Yajna at that time. The १९१० ‘Akola Gazetteer’ entry for Vari village states, ‘It is said that the Hanuman or Maruti idol, which is over ६ feet tall and has a striking face, was installed ४०० years ago by Ramdas Swami.’ According to this record, around the year १९००, a Bairagi named ‘Hanumandasbuwa’ built a large temple here and installed this idol. This Bairagi passed away in १९०६-०७. Over time, the temple underwent several renovations. The temple attained its current form during a recent renovation.

This famous pilgrimage site is located near Bhairavgad Fort in Telhara taluka. The temple stands on the border of two states, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, and three districts, Akola, Buldana, and Amravati. The Wan River flows here from Amravati district. The Wan Dam (Hanuman Sagar), built on this river which originates in Melghat, is also in the same district and is within a stone’s throw of the temple. The village of Vari, where the temple is located, is in the Akola district at the foothills of the Satpura range, while the area behind the temple falls within the Buldana district.

To reach the temple from the village arch, one must descend about १०० steps. After the steps, there is a bridge built over the water coming from the Hanuman Sagar Dam. While approaching the temple, there is a hot water spring in the rocks on the upper side of the river. Hot water flows out from a Gomukh here throughout the year. This water is used for drinking and cooking. There was once an inscription near this Gomukh, but it has become obscure due to cement construction work carried out here.

At the beginning of the temple complex, there is a small Shiva temple of Jatashankar Mahadev. The Shiva Linga here is anointed with water from the Gomukh. From here, climbing a few steps, one reaches the entrance of the Vari Hanuman Temple. There are gatekeepers (Dwarpal) on both sides of the entrance. The compact assembly hall (Sabhamandap) is designed with the sanctum sanctorum (Garbhagriha) in the center, leaving space for a circumambulation path (Pradakshina Marg). Inside the sanctum, there is a १५-foot-tall, vermilion-smeared idol of Hanuman. The standing idol wears a golden crown and holds a mace on the left side. To the left of this idol is a vermilion-smeared idol of Ganesha. In a niche to the right of the sanctum, there is an idol of Samarth Ramdas Swami. The sanctum of the main temple is topped by a three-tiered square Shikhara that tapers in size. At the apex of this Shikhara are a two-tiered Amalaka and a Kalash. The temple premises include a Ram temple, a Shiva temple, and several smaller shrines. The Samarth Dham here provides accommodation for pilgrims. There are २४ rooms available for devotees. Nearby is the Annapurna Mandap. Devotees can have Darshan in this temple daily from ५:०० AM to ७:३० PM.

Near the temple, in the riverbed below the Hanuman Sagar Dam, there is a deep pool. Known as the Mama-Bhacha pool, it is believed that a maternal uncle and his nephew should not bathe together in it. This pool has many crevices and is considered dangerous for swimming. Near this pool is the shrine of Asara Mata.

Daily worship and rituals are performed in this temple. Hundreds of devotees make vows (Navas) to Hanuman here. After their vows are fulfilled, many devotees organize a Bhandara (community feast). Additionally, garlands of coconuts are offered to the deity upon the fulfillment of vows. Hundreds of such coconut garlands offered to the deity can be seen hanging on the back side of the circumambulation path of the sanctum. The temple is more crowded on Saturdays and Sundays. Various festivals and celebrations, including Makar Sankranti, Ram Navami, and Hanuman Jayanti, are celebrated with great enthusiasm. A large fair is held here on the day after Bail Pola.

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