Divine Virat Hanuman Temple Ausa Marg, Latur, uka. Latur

The unique feature of the Virat Hanuman Temple in Latur is that it does not have a traditional shikhara (spire). Instead of a shikhara, there is a 25-foot-tall statue of Hanuman on the roof. Just as there is an idol of Hanuman carved in black stone, carrying a mace on his shoulder in the main temple below, a similar standing idol of Maruti carrying a mace is placed on the roof. On certain special occasions, an artificial waterfall is activated from the temple roof. The water curtain created in front of the lower temple during these times becomes a major attraction.

Hanuman, worshipped by various names such as Hanumant, Bajrangbali, Anjaneya, Pawanputra, Mahabali, Mahavir, and Maruti, is originally a folk deity. He is considered the ideal of strength, devotion, and wisdom. According to religious belief, Hanuman is one of the Saptachiranjivis (the seven immortals). According to mythology, Hanuman is an incarnation of Rudra. According to the Skanda Purana, he is an avatar of Shiva. In the Ramayana and Mahabharata, Hanuman is depicted as being endowed with supernatural qualities such as mastery of scriptures, statesmanship, bravery, intelligence, celibacy, devotion to Rama, and eloquence. The text ‘Anjaneya Samhita’ (Hanumat Samhita) is attributed to him. He is also considered a pioneer of musicology. Hanuman is worshipped in various forms such as Veera, Dasa, Chapetadata, Veena-Pustakadhari, and Panchmukhi. Samarth Ramdas Swami has described him in the ‘Hanuman Stotra’ in forms like ‘Bhimarupi’ and ‘Mahabali’.

The Hanuman in this Latur temple is worshipped in his Virat (colossal) form. The history of this temple dates back to the post-1982 period, after the creation of Latur district, when the city began to expand. During this time, some devotees expressed a desire for a temple with a grand statue of Hanuman to be built to give the Ausa Road area a distinct identity. This concept was supported by entrepreneur Pradeep Rathi. The temple was constructed through his ‘Ashtavinayak Pratishthan’, which also built the famous Ashtavinayak Temple in Latur city. The planning and foundation laying for this temple began in the late 1980s, and the construction and consecration of the idol were completed in 1992. This Virat Maruti Temple, which adds to the spiritual glory of Latur, is not only a place of faith for devotees but has also become a major attraction for tourists.

The temple is situated in the Parivar Housing Society area on Ausa Road. Upon entering the enclosed premises of the temple, one sees a grand statue of Hanuman on the right. On the left, there is a beautiful Shiva temple. The temple houses a Shivling and a Nandi idol. Directly in front of this Shiva temple is the two-tiered temple showcasing this Virat form of Hanuman. The temple’s architecture is modern and imaginative.

A statue of Hanuman, approximately 25 feet tall, is seated on the roof of the temple. The mace held in the statue’s right hand is balanced on the shoulder, while the left hand rests on the waist. This statue was created using cement-concrete and fiber. There is a provision of spacious stairs to reach the roof. From there, one can stand at the feet of Hanuman and behold his Virat form. The artificial waterfall falling from in front of the statue and the small pond below strengthen the connection between Hanuman and water. According to the faith of the devotees, this 25-foot statue was installed on the roof in memory of the Virat form Hanuman assumed when he crossed the ocean to go to Lanka, and the waterfall below is considered a symbol of the ocean he crossed.

The main sanctum sanctorum of the temple is on the lower floor. The traditional idol of Hanuman is enshrined here. This idol was carved from a single piece of black stone brought from Dharashiv district. However, due to the application of vermilion (shendur), its color has turned orange. There is a metal crown on Hanuman’s head. Near the idol, there are some smaller metal idols of Hanuman.

Various religious programs are held in this temple throughout the year. Hanuman Jayanti is the biggest festival here. Special lighting, abhishek, and bhajans are organized on this day. The festival of Ram Navami is also celebrated with great enthusiasm. There is a large crowd of devotees here during the month of Shravan. Every Saturday, a large number of devotees from Latur city come here for darshan. On Chaitra Purnima, special decorations are made in the temple on the occasion of Hanuman Janmotsav. Special abhishek, puja, and homa-havan are organized from early morning on this day.

Another temple with a similar grand Hanuman statue on the roof is located in the Keshav Balaji Temple premises on the Latur-Ausa road. The statue there is in a seated position. That Hanuman is known as ‘Salasar Hanuman’.

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