Prasanna Shree Makradhwaja Temple Chinchavan, Wadwani, seed

The Ramayana is considered an authoritative scripture for Hindus. Many characters in the life of Shri Rama leave a lasting impression. While Rama’s brothers Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna play significant roles, the role of Shri Rama’s devoted servant, Hanuman, is equally invaluable. Although the eternal celibate (Bal Brahmachari) Hanuman is known to be immortal, it is believed that a son named Makardhwaj was born from his sweat into the womb of a crocodile. A unique temple dedicated to Makardhwaj in Maharashtra is located in the village of Chinchwan in Beed district. Devotees believe that Makardhwaj is the protector of this region and fulfills the heartfelt wishes of everyone who comes for his darshan.

Shri Rama’s supreme devotee, Hanuman, is considered a Bal Brahmachari, yet the Puranas state that Makardhwaj is his son. The story of his birth goes that after burning Lanka, Hanuman was bathing in the ocean to soothe the heat in his body. At that moment, a drop of his sweat fell into the mouth of a giant crocodile. From that sweat, a child was born from the womb of the crocodile, and he was Makardhwaj. Ahiravana, the king of the netherworld (Patala), appointed Makardhwaj as the gatekeeper of his kingdom. During the Ramayana war, when Ahiravana deceitfully kidnapped Shri Rama and Lakshmana and took them to the netherworld, Hanuman reached there to rescue them. 0;-‘[]There, at the entrance of the netherworld, Hanuman encountered the gatekeeper, who was his own son, Makardhwaj. A fierce battle ensued between the two, and during this conflict, Hanuman realized that Makardhwaj was a part of his own self. Hanuman defeated Makardhwaj in battle, subsequently killed Ahiravana, and liberated Shri Rama. Following Shri Rama’s command, Hanuman performed the coronation of Makardhwaj and made him the king of the netherworld. Devotees believe that the present-day village of Chinchwan was the capital of that netherworld, and the Makardhwaj temple has existed here ever since.

The temple is located along the main road in Chinchwan village, about 5 kilometers from Wadwani. Villagers state that this temple dates back to the Ramayana era. Scholars believe it to be seven to eight hundred years old. The spacious temple courtyard features many trees and seating areas for devotees. The temple structure consists of a Sabha Mandap (assembly hall), Antaral (vestibule), and Garbhagriha (sanctum sanctorum). The temple has been renovated in recent times. The semi-open Sabha Mandap has four rows of five circular pillars each. The ceiling of the Sabha Mandap features beautiful circular carvings. The Antaral is slightly elevated compared to the Sabha Mandap, accessible by five steps. There are railings on both sides of the steps, adorned with elephant sculptures. Beyond the entrance, the Antaral is enclosed by railings on all four sides. These railings feature four ornate square pillars on each side. The pillars are decorated with various composite carvings. At the top of the pillars are capitals adorned with lotus sculptures. These pillars are connected by arched gateways, and the ceiling features circular carvings. Brass bells are hung from the ceiling. The semi-open Antaral has been enclosed from the outside with iron grilles.

The Garbhagriha, located in the center of the Antaral, is slightly elevated. There is one step leading to the entrance of the Garbhagriha. The wooden door frame of the sanctum is delicately carved with floral and leaf patterns on all three sides. The lintel features a Ganesha sculpture, and the architrave is decorated with floral motifs. Above the entrance is a Gajatoran (elephant arch). Above the arch are conch and discus motifs, along with auspicious symbols in the Southern style. The ornate door panels feature a peacock arch and floral carvings. In the spacious Garbhagriha, an ancient, carved, two-armed black stone idol of Lord Makardhwaj is seated on a Vajrapitha against the back wall. Makardhwaj is depicted in a heroic posture, sitting on one knee and holding a mace. The idol is adorned with a loincloth (langot). He also wears anklets, armlets, bracelets, various necklaces, earrings, and a crown. The back slab behind the idol features intricate composite carvings. There is a circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) around the exterior of the Garbhagriha. The temple roof has a safety railing on all four sides, which contains niches housing idols of various deities. The roof of the Garbhagriha features a five-tiered square tower in the Dravidian style, with each tier featuring ‘Kuta’ and ‘Shala’ structures. The niches on all four sides of each tier of the tower house various deities. The top of the tower features sub-shrines on all four sides, with a central finial (stupika) topped by a golden pinnacle (kalash). Adjacent to this temple in the courtyard is an ancient temple of Mankawati Devi.

The Makardhwaj Janmotsav (birth anniversary) is celebrated with great enthusiasm on Paush Purnima. Thousands of devotees visit for darshan and to fulfill their vows. On the occasion of the birth anniversary, a palanquin procession of the deity is organized. The deity is seated in the palanquin and taken around the village amidst the sound of drums and the throwing of gulal. Thousands of devotees participate in the palanquin procession with great devotion. Festivals such as Chaitra Padwa, Ram Navami, Hanuman Jayanti, Dussehra, Diwali, and Kojagiri Purnima are also celebrated at the temple. During all these festivals, programs like bhajans, kirtans, and Mahaprasad are organized. The Makardhwaj temple remains bustling with devotees throughout the year.

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