Sacred Jagrutra Maharudra Maruti Temple Devaran, Murtijapur, Akola

Hanuman, one of the Saptachiranjivis (the seven immortals), is considered the embodiment of strength and devotion. Worshipped by many under various names such as Maruti, Bajrang, Balbhim, Ramdoot, Kesarinandan, Anjaneya, Vayuputra, Pavansut, Vajrang, Sankatmochan, Mahavir, Maharudra, and Hanumant, Hanuman is a beloved deity to countless devotees. Hanuman is originally a non-Aryan deity, which is why his worship has been observed in villages since ancient times. One such famous temple of Hanuman is located in Devaran, in the Murtijapur taluka. It is said that the Hanuman idol in this temple was consecrated in the seventeenth century.

In the seventeenth century, Samarth Ramdas Swami popularized the worship of Hanuman, the Rudra-avatar who is the deity of intellect and strength, throughout Maharashtra. The 11 Maruti temples he personally established are well-known. According to the text ‘Shri Samarthavatar’ by the devoted follower Shankar Shrikrishna Dev, Samarth visited his birthplace, Jamb in the Ghansawangi taluka of Jalna district, in 1640. After meeting his mother there, he went on a pilgrimage to the south and reached the banks of the Krishna River in 1644. He spent many subsequent years in the Satara and Kolhapur regions. On January 22, 1682, he merged into the form of Rama. During this period, he resided in the areas along the Krishna River. However, his connection with Hanuman worship was so profound that it is said he established many Hanuman temples across Maharashtra.

The village of Devaran, where this temple is located, was formerly known as ‘Devaranya’. Legend has it that Ramdas Swami resided here for some time. In the past, his gurukul and gymnasium were located here. Similarly, the Hanuman idol here was established by Samarth Ramdas Swami. This idol of Hanuman was not made of stone, but of cow dung. The temple is famous as the ‘Jagrut Maharudra Maruti Sansthan’. This ancient temple is situated at the entrance of the village. After a renovation carried out a few years ago, the temple acquired its current appearance.
The main entrance to the temple is located in the surrounding wall. This entrance has one main door and two smaller ones. From here, one enters the paved courtyard of the temple. The structure of the temple consists of a large assembly hall (sabhamandap) and two sanctum sanctorum (garbhagrihas). The entrance to the temple is simple, and above it is an image of the Maruti residing in the sanctum. In the enclosed assembly hall, the sanctum of Maruti is on the right, and the sanctum of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita is on the left. These sanctums are elevated above the assembly hall. One enters the Maruti sanctum by climbing six steps from the assembly hall. In the center of the sanctum is a large idol of Maruti. This cow-dung idol is coated with vermilion (sindoor). The idol, adorned with a silver crown, features eyes, a nose, and lips. There is a circumambulation path (pradakshina marg) outside this sanctum.

Opposite the sanctum, on a high pedestal in the assembly hall, is the sanctum of Shri Ram, Lakshman, and Sita. This sanctum houses their distinctive marble idols. These idols are adorned with various ornaments and garments every day. Near the Maruti sanctum, on a similarly high pedestal, is the temple of Shiva. The design of this temple is similar to that of the Maruti sanctum. Outside the entrance of this temple, there is an idol of Nandi on a platform, and a Shiva Linga on the floor inside the sanctum. In a niche in the wall behind the Linga is an idol of Mother Parvati.

Devotees believe that the Jagrut Maruti here never sends anyone back empty-handed. Therefore, devotees from various parts of the taluka come here for darshan. The number of devotees is higher on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Various festivals and celebrations, including Mahashivratri and Ram Navami, are celebrated here with great enthusiasm. Hanuman Jayanti is the main festival here. On the occasion of this festival, the temple is decorated with attractive lighting. From the day before Hanuman Jayanti, continuous recitations of the Ramayana and Sundarakanda are held here. On the day of Hanuman Jayanti, after the birth celebration in the morning, Mahaprasad is distributed. More than ten thousand devotees partake in this Mahaprasad.

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