Divine Bhadra Maruti Temple Khulatabad, Khulatabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The Bhadra Maruti Temple in Khultabad, a place of great religious and historical significance in Maharashtra, is one of the state’s renowned pilgrimage sites. Located near the Ellora Caves, the idol of Maruti in this temple is in a reclining posture. Across the entire nation, there are only three places where reclining idols of Maruti are found: Prayagraj, Khultabad, and Javasavali in Madhya Pradesh. The Bhadra Maruti of Khultabad is famous as a deity who fulfills vows. Lakhs of devotees visit for Darshan during Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, and the month of Shravan.

The legend of the temple states that Khultabad’s original name was Bhadravati. It was also known as Ratnapur. Here lived a devotee king of Shri Rama named Bhadrasen, who constantly sang hymns in praise of Shri Rama. One day, as Maruti was flying through the sky, the hymns sung by Bhadrasen reached His ears. Listening to them, He descended here. As He listened to these hymns, He became mesmerized and assumed a Yogamudra. This is also known as ‘Bhavasamadhi’. When Bhadrasen opened his eyes, he beheld Maruti in a state of Bhavasamadhi. Bhadrasen requested Maruti to reside here permanently and bless His devotees, which Maruti graciously accepted. Since then, Maruti has permanently resided here in a Bhadra, meaning peaceful, posture to bless His devotees.

The Bhadra Maruti Temple is located four kilometers from the world-famous Ellora Caves. Although this temple is ancient, precise information regarding its construction date is not available. The temple premises host hundreds of shops selling flowers, Prasad, and other puja items. Upon entering through the temple’s main gate, a newly constructed, spacious Sabhamandap (assembly hall) building is visible on the left. Considering the increasing number of devotees, this grand Sabhamandap, eighty-five feet wide and two hundred and eleven feet long, has been built.

The Bhadra Maruti Temple has two white spires adorned with attractive carvings. The niches on the spires contain idols of various deities. The temple comprises a spacious Sabhamandap and a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum) in the center. This form was acquired after renovations carried out a few years ago. The ceiling of the spacious Sabhamandap and its arches feature distinctive carvings. The walls of the Sabhamandap are inscribed with the Hanuman Chalisa and Hanuman Stotra. Additionally, there are images of some saints on the walls. Railings have been installed around the Garbhagriha in the center of the Sabhamandap for the Darshan queue. Here, men must queue for Darshan, while women are granted direct entry. However, for entry into the Garbhagriha, men must wear a ‘Sovale’ (traditional dhoti). Maruti’s Padukas (footprints) are placed on the railing near the Garbhagriha for Darshan. Women can have Darshan from here. Inside the Garbhagriha is a vermillion-smeared idol of Maruti in a reclining posture. This idol wears a silver crown, and a silver mace is placed beside it.

Hanuman Jayanti is a major festival here. A large fair is held on this day. Thousands of devotees queue for Darshan from the eve of Hanuman Jayanti. Hundreds of devotees from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the surrounding areas walk to the temple for Darshan. For them, arrangements for tea and snacks are made at various points along the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar-Khultabad road. For the Hanuman Janmotsav celebration, the idol of Bhadra Maruti and the Garbhagriha are beautifully decorated. On this day, Kirtan (devotional singing) begins before sunrise. After Maruti’s birth at sunrise, the Kirtan concludes, and Prasad is distributed to the assembled devotees. The temple’s trust board arranges snacks and meals for devotees. Health facilities are also provided to visiting devotees. Hundreds of devotees also visit for Darshan on Ram Navami.

For the Ashadhi Wari, a Dindi (pilgrim procession) of Bhadra Maruti departs from this temple for Pandharpur. Before the Dindi commences, an Aarti of Maruti is performed. Thousands of Warkaris and devotees from the surrounding area participate in this Dindi celebration. Amidst the resounding rhythm of Taal and Mrudunga and the chants of ‘Dnyanoba-Tukaram’, the Palkhi (palanquin) departs from here towards Pandharpur. This Dindi reaches Pandharpur after a seventeen-day walking journey. Maruti is considered a form of Mahadev. Therefore, thousands of devotees visit for Darshan during the month of Shravan. In this month, the idol of Bhadra Maruti is adorned with attractive Shringar (decoration) every day. On Saturdays and Mondays during Shravan, there is a large crowd of devotees here.

Behind the temple is a shrine to Shani Dev. The exquisite idol of Shani Dev, seated on a black marble platform, is mounted on a crow. Women are prohibited from approaching this idol. Behind the idol is a Shivlinga. A short distance from here is a Kund (pond) called Bhadrakund. The Bhadra Maruti Sansthan undertakes many social initiatives in the area. Medical services are provided to needy patients. The Sansthan has also made a digital Hanuman Granth available to devotees using modern technology. There is a Bhakta Niwas (devotee accommodation) and a Prasadalaya here, where meals are served for a nominal fee from eleven AM to two PM and from six PM to nine 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