Sacred Zopalela Maruti / 63 Futi Ubga Maruti Ajaypur / Chichpalli, Mulrod, Chandrapur

There are 2 famous places of Maruti in the Mul Road area on the route from Chandrapur city towards Gadchiroli. Among them, the Reclining Maruti at Ajaypur-Pimpalzora is considered a living and self-manifested (Swayambhu) site. There is a self-manifested idol of Maruti in a reclining posture, approximately 10 feet long and 5 feet wide. Located amidst dense foliage and under the jurisdiction of the Forest Department, this place is a special site of faith for devotees and a beautiful tourist destination for visitors. A short distance from this temple, at Chichpalli, stands a magnificent and unique 63-foot tall idol of Maruti.

It is said that Shri Kumre Maharaj was a devotee of Maruti. One day, Maruti appeared to him in a dream and revealed that He was present in the forest at Pimpalzora. Through the power of his spiritual attainments, Shri Kumre Maharaj discovered the idol of Maruti in that dense forest. The uniqueness of this idol is that it is in a reclining posture. The Maharaj cleaned the area, built a small temple around the idol, and constructed a hut for himself nearby to perform penance and meditation. However, due to the dense forest, wild animals frequented the area. To stay safe, Kumre Maharaj built a platform (Machan) on a tree in front of the temple and would spend his nights there.

This Maruti soon became famous as a self-manifested deity who grants the wishes of devotees. Consequently, the number of devotees visiting here began to increase day by day. Around the year 2005, the villagers came together and built a large temple for Maruti at this site. Although the temple is named ‘Sankatmochan Hanuman Mandir’, it became more famous among devotees as the ‘Reclining Maruti Temple’.

This temple is located at Pimpalzora, near Ajaypur. There is a parking lot and a Forest Department checkpoint on the main road, from where one must pay a fee to enter the temple premises. There are 20 to 25 shops selling worship materials near this checkpoint. The temple premises are paved, making this area, nestled in dense foliage, appear clean, pleasant, and peaceful. In front of the main temple is a Sabha Mandap, and beyond that, in the sanctum sanctorum, is the magnificent vermilion-smeared idol of the reclining Maruti. A unique replica of the bridge (Setu) that Shri Rama’s Vanara army built across the ocean to reach Lanka has been created in front of this temple. It is a major attraction for devotees and tourists. The platform (Machan) built by Shri Kumre Maharaj on a tall tree near this replica can still be seen today. There is a river near this temple, and some devotees take a bath there before coming for the Darshan of Maruti. There is a crowd of devotees here every Saturday for worship, and many tourists also visit on holidays.

To ensure the safety of devotees and tourists from wild animals, the temple premises have been fenced with wire. Many gardens have been developed in this area, which include swings, benches for sitting, and various types of toys for children. Additionally, there are life-like sculptures of various wild animals here. These sculptures are placed among various trees and grass. Their size and the craftsmanship make these animal replicas look alive. The ghat built on the riverbank makes it convenient for devotees and tourists to bathe.

Since this area is part of dense forests, wild animals roam here. Therefore, no one is allowed to stay here after sunset. Thousands of tourists visit this site on holidays. Furthermore, devotees and tourists also organize picnics here. However, for this, one must pay the Forest Department fee and obtain formal permission.

The Maharudra Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple is located in the village of Chichpalli on Mul Road, a short distance from Ajaypur. Although there is a Maruti temple here, the main attraction is the magnificent 63-foot tall (approximately the height of a six-story building) idol of Maruti. Numerology, astrology, and spirituality were considered while creating this idol. According to a legend, Ravana’s brothers, Khara and Dushana, lived in this area. Shri Rama had killed both of them along with their army. It is said that Maruti resides here; hence, there are many Maruti temples in this area.

A saint established the Maharudra Kashtabhanjan Hanuman Temple as a form of Rudra. By chanting the 16 mantras of Rudra, a 16-letter name was given to this Maruti. The idol of Hanuman is installed at a height of 14 feet, representing the 14 worlds (Brahmanda). Since the universe was created by Lord Brahma using lotus petals, Hanuman is installed on these petals. As a new ritual, the blessing hand is 36 inches (3+6=9) and the height is 63 feet (3+6=9), so the number 9 appears here as well. There are 9 Ram-Nama Yantras installed in this area. There is a throne behind and a canopy (Chhatra) above. The canopy represents the sovereignty of the 10 Digpalas, so it measures 10 feet. Due to the 12 zodiac signs and 27 constellations, 39 bells have been attached to this canopy, and the zodiac signs and constellations have been consecrated in each of these bells. An 11-foot flag has been hoisted as the 11th avatar of Rudra. The idol used for worship near the feet of this large idol is made of 51 kilograms of Ashtadhatu. There is a meditation hall beneath the feet of this Maruti, where devotees write the name of Rama.

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