Pavitra Maruti Temple Pimpalner, Deulgaon Raja, Buldana

An ancient Maruti temple is situated at Pimpalner, near Deulgaon Raja, a place famous as the ‘Balaji Nagari’ of Maharashtra. Legend has it that Samarth Ramdas Swami received a divine vision of a Hanuman idol buried beneath a Peepal tree here, and he subsequently consecrated this very idol. Situated on the banks of the Amana River since the seventeenth century, devotees consider this idol a living deity. Consequently, many devotees from Vidarbha as well as Marathwada visit here for darshan. Every Saturday, hundreds of devotees gather here. It is the deep-seated faith of the devotees that if one visits this temple with devotion and regularity for 11 Tuesdays or Saturdays, their wishes are fulfilled.

There was a very important and far-reaching social objective behind Samarth Ramdas Swami establishing Hanuman temples across Maharashtra. The seventeenth century was a period plagued by foreign invasions and social decline. As a result, the common people had lost their self-confidence. In such a situation, to lead society out of mental and physical slavery, Samarth decided to bring about a confluence of strength (Shakti) and devotion (Bhakti). Hanuman is considered the symbol of immense strength, intellect, wisdom, and boundless devotion to Shri Ram. Samarth was convinced that society would not change through dry preaching alone; for that, it was necessary to cultivate a love for martial arts and physical fitness among the youth. That is why he built Maruti temples in every village. These temples truly became gymnasiums and centers of public awakening.

Through these temples, he organized the youth and convinced them of the importance of physical exercise. He instilled in the minds of the people the thought that without a strong body and a firm mind, it is impossible to protect Swarajya (self-rule) and Swadharma (one’s own faith). The eleven Maruti temples established by Samarth were a key part of this mission. This work created a new energy in society, and a strong and disciplined young generation became available for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s mission of establishing Swarajya. In the true sense, Samarth had erected these power centers for the resurgence of the nation.

It is said that Samarth Ramdas Swami used to travel constantly. He stayed in this village for a few days. One day, he had a vision of a Hanuman idol beneath a Peepal tree here. The next morning, when he went there and looked, he found this idol. He then consecrated the idol right there and continued on his journey. After some time, Saint Ranganath Maharaj from Navha in Jalna district performed the first renovation of this temple. Over time, the temple has been renovated many times. In 1985, the Board of Trustees for this temple was established. After the subsequent renovation, the temple attained its current form.

This temple holds as much importance as the Bhadra Maruti temple in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Many devotees who are unable to go to the Bhadra Maruti temple for darshan come here. The village of Pimpalner is just 5 km away from Deulgaon Raja. It is said that the village, nestled on the banks of the Amana River, once had many Peepal trees, which is why it was named Pimpalner. The temple has a large courtyard and is fortified on all four sides. The premises contain many trees such as Peepal, Umbar, and Chafa. This temple is situated right in front of a Peepal tree. The structure of the temple consists of a large Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), a Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum), and a Pradakshina Marg (circumambulation path). The Sabha Mandap and the Garbhagriha are adorned with glass inlay work throughout. There is a stainless steel railing in front of the Garbhagriha. In the center of the Garbhagriha is a large, pleasant, vermilion-smeared idol of Hanuman. The idol has silver eyes and a crown on its head. There is a brass mace near the idol. On the wall behind the idol is an image of Shri Ram. Behind the Hanuman temple, there is a small shrine for the Goddess. A few years ago, an epidemic called ‘Manmodi’ broke out in the village. Many people died during this outbreak. After the villagers prayed to the Goddess, the epidemic was eradicated from the village. It is said that the villagers then consecrated the Goddess here. There is a beautiful Shikhara (spire) over the Garbhagriha of the Maruti temple. There is also a Dattatreya temple in the vicinity. The samadhis of some priests who served in this temple are also located here.

Because of the fame of this Pavan-suta (Hanuman) as one who grants wishes, there is always a stream of devotees here. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, hundreds of devotees come for darshan. Many devotees tie coconuts of vows in the temple. Hanuman Jayanti is the main festival here. On this occasion, an Akhand Harinam Saptah is organized. During this week, Mahaprasad is provided to the devotees every morning and evening. On the final day, after the birth celebration, the Saptah concludes with a Kalya Kirtan. The temple’s Board of Trustees organizes a Mahabhandara (grand feast) 48 times throughout the year. Various religious programs are organized during the month of Shravan and Adhik Maas. On the day of Ashwin Shuddha Dashami, the Balaji Yatra of Deulgaon Raja takes place. At that time, Balaji comes to the riverbank for Simollanghan (crossing the border). Many devotees visit here for darshan on that day as well. There is also a large crowd of devotees here on Diwali Padwa.

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