Divine Motha Maruti Ram Temple Viral Vihar, Nandurbar, uka. Nandurbar

To his devotees, Maruti is a close friend, companion, protector, solver of troubles, savior, and even a parent. Because of this, temples of Maruti are famous by his various names. Based on the posture of the idol, he is known as Zopya Maruti (sleeping Maruti) or Ubha Maruti (standing Maruti). Similarly, if the idol is small or large, he is known as Barka Maruti (small Maruti) or Mota Maruti (big Maruti). In the city of Nandurbar, there is one such grand temple of Mota Maruti with a stone idol. Devotees have deep faith that this Jagrut (awakened) Maruti fulfills their vows. 

Previously, there was an idol of Maruti made of Panchagavya on a platform at this location. This area was the boundary of Nandurbar city. Located in a dense forest outside the city gates, this place was desolate. Legend has it that King Nand established this Maruti to protect the city of Nandurbar. Over time, the ancient idol eroded and broke, so in the year 1858, the villagers built this new temple and installed a stone idol. Later, in 1970, a new idol of Maruti, about 11 feet tall, was installed here. Since then, this temple came to be known as Mota Maruti. After the recent renovation, the temple has attained its current form. 

There is a parking area in front of the entrance of the two-story temple. A sturdy boundary wall surrounds the temple premises. On both sides of the entrance in this wall, there are elephant sculptures. The entrance has two ornate square pillars, and on the balcony above, there are three Meghdambaris (canopies). In the left canopy, there is an idol of Ganpati, on the right is Lakshmi, and in the center are the idols of Shri Ram, Lakshman, Sita, and Hanuman. These ornate South Indian-style canopies are topped with Kalashas. The ornate arched gateway is decorated with leaf and flower carvings. Entering through this gateway, one climbs 11 steps to enter the temple hall. From here, one enters the assembly hall (Sabhamandap) of the Shri Ram temple. The enclosed assembly hall has windows for light and ventilation. The assembly hall contains idols of Vitthal-Rakhumai, Radha-Krishna, Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. Next to this temple is the Mota Maruti temple. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, there is an 11-foot-tall, vermilion-smeared, mace-bearing stone idol of Maruti on a Vajrapitha (diamond pedestal). There is a silver crown on the deity’s head and a silver mace nearby. On the back slab behind the idol, there are ornate pillars on both sides and an arched canopy above. 

On the roof of the temple, there is a square-shaped Shikhar (spire) of the Urushringi type in the Dravidian style. The main Shikhar has sub-shikhars on all four sides, and at the top, there is a dome with a stupi, topped with a Kalasha and a flag. Many temples are located in the courtyard, housing idols of various deities. These include temples of Ganpati, Ichheshwar Mahadev, Mahalakshmi, Durga Mata, Radha Krishna, and Mahant Dagduji Maharaj. All these temples have tapering circular shikhars. In the basement of the Mota Maruti temple, there is a hall and a wedding venue for cultural programs. 

Annual festivals such as Chaitra Padwa, Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Sharadiya Navratri Utsav, and Mahashivratri are organized at the temple. During all annual festivals, programs like Bhajans, Kirtans, and Pravachans are organized in the temple. At these times, thousands of devotees from the surrounding areas come for the Darshan of the deity and to fulfill their vows. The temple is crowded with devotees every Saturday and on Shani Amavasya.

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