Divine Hanuman Temple Pendgaon, Beed

Hanuman is universally known as the supreme devotee of Lord Rama. He embodies selfless devotion, valor, and strength. Maruti, who can traverse the skies, has the power to become as small as a mustard seed or as vast as a mountain. Hanuman, who aided Shri Rama in battle, discovered Sita, and saved Lakshmana’s life by bringing the Sanjeevani herb, rescues his devotees from all tribulations. It is the firm belief of devotees that those who worship Hanuman are spared from the effects of ‘Sade Sati’ (the seven-and-a-half-year cycle of Saturn). Consequently, temples dedicated to Maruti are found in every village across the country. The Maruti temple in Pendgaon, Beed taluka, is particularly famous for housing two idols. In this region, the Hanuman here is renowned as ‘Bada Hanuman’.

Villagers state that this temple dates back to the 16th century. The original stone construction of the temple was in the Hemadpanti style. However, as it deteriorated over time, the temple has been renovated. A legend associated with this temple suggests that the original idol here is very ancient. In the past, the village youth would bring Ganga water from Kashi on Chaitra Purnima for the ritual bathing (abhishek) of this idol. It is believed that hundreds of years ago, when the village youth went to Kashi to fetch the holy water, Hanuman himself, from the temple on the banks of the Ganga, came to the village to see if they were truly bringing the water for his ritual. Moved by the villagers’ immense devotion, he manifested and established himself beside the original idol. Since then, there have been two idols of Maruti in the temple.

The temple is located along the Solapur-Aurangabad National Highway. There is a welcome arch for the temple right off the main road. The arch consists of two square pillars on either side with a canopy above. To the left of the temple, adjacent to the boundary wall, is a spacious parking area. The temple is enclosed by a sturdy wall featuring a decorative railing and stainless steel mesh. The entrance gate within the wall, set between two pillars, has an elephant-back (gajaprishtha) shaped roof. The temple courtyard is paved with blocks, and an Audumbar tree stands in front of the temple.

The temple structure comprises a Sabhamandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The Sabhamandap is semi-open and features eight ornate circular pillars. Stainless steel safety railings are installed in the Sabhamandap to manage the queues for darshan. Adjacent to the Sabhamandap on the right is the Darshan Mandap. During festivals, queues are managed through the Darshan Mandap, while at other times, entry is provided through the Sabhamandap. In front of the Sabhamandap is a platform about ten feet wide and a few inches high, surrounded by stainless steel safety railings; this is the Antaral of the temple.

Beyond this lies the entrance to the Garbhagriha. The wooden door frame is carved with floral motifs, and the wooden shutters are fitted with stainless steel tubes. Above the entrance is a carved wooden toran (archway). Inside the Garbhagriha, there are marble padukas (footprints) of Hanuman on the floor, with auspicious symbols carved on all four sides. On the Vajra-peetha (throne) in the sanctum, there are two stone idols of Maruti. One is the original village idol, while the other is said to be the Maruti who arrived from Kashi. The idols are smeared with sindoor, and their faces, eyes, and noses are made of silver. Beside the idols are brass maces, and behind them is a silver prabhaval (halo). The halo is engraved with auspicious symbols like vines, flowers, the sun, swastika, and Om. A roofless semi-canopy structure surrounds the idols on three sides. A brass umbrella above the deity is attached to this canopy. A stainless steel safety railing surrounds the Vajra-peetha, along which devotees perform circumambulation (pradakshina).

There is a circumambulation path outside the Garbhagriha. On this path, there is an ancient stone idol of a local deity smeared with sindoor. Additionally, in the back right corner of the sanctum, there is a Shiva Linga and Nandi on the floor. A brass cobra shades the Shiva Linga, and a copper vessel for abhishek is suspended from the ceiling. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a three-tiered octagonal shikhara (spire). Each tier contains eight niches, all housing various deities. The first tier features elephant sculptures between the niches, while the second tier has tiger sculptures, and the third has pot (kumbh) sculptures. At the pinnacle of the shikhara are two amalakas stacked one above the other, topped by a kalash.

Chaitra Purnima, or Hanuman Jayanti, is the main annual festival celebrated here with great enthusiasm. On this day, the Ganga water brought from Kashi is used for Maruti’s abhishek. For this, the village youth depart for Kashi with water pots on Chaitra Padwa. Villagers say this tradition has been followed for hundreds of years. On Hanuman Jayanti, thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas come for darshan and to fulfill their vows. On this occasion, programs such as Maha-abhishek, bhajans, kirtans, discourses, night vigils, and music are organized. The temple is beautifully illuminated and decorated. Maha-prasad is distributed to devotees throughout the day. Since there is a tradition of vowing to offer Maha-prasad to this Hanuman, many devotees organize it every Saturday. Thousands of devotees visit for darshan every Saturday. Festivals such as Chaitra Padwa, Ram Navami, Dussehra, and Diwali are also celebrated at the temple.

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