Bhadra Maruti Temple is located in Khuldabad close to Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Bhadra Maruti Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is just 4 Km away from the well-known attraction of Ellora Caves. An interesting fact about the temple is that the statue of Lord Hanuman is in a reclining position. It is among the three temples where Lord Hanuman can be seen in a resting position. The other two temples that have the statue of Lord Hanuman in sleeping position; one temple is in Allahabad in Uttar Pradesh, another temple is in Jam Sawali, Madhya Pradesh.

Bhadra Maruti Temple is well-known in the area and attracts several devotees in large numbers during the celebrations of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti. On every Saturday, during the Marathi month of Shravan, several ardent devotees come walking to the temple from Aurangabad. The temple is located about 22 KM from Aurangabad. About 2 Km further from Bhadra Maruti temple is the tomb of Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor. The Devgiri Fort is also located en-route to the temple. There are several historic and natural attractions that can be covered during the visit to Bhadra Maruti temple.

The entire complex of the temple is constructed from marble and the statue of Lord Hanuman is located in the centre of the temple. The temple is best visited during the festival of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti when the temple is decorated beautifully and special prayers and aartis are conducted. The temple is usually very crowded on Saturdays, as this is the day dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Long queues of devotees can be seen till outside the temple. On other days the temple is less crowded and devotees do not have to wait for long to get a glimpse of the Lord and offer their prayers.

The temple can easily be reached from Aurangabad by bus, taxi or car. Regular bus service is available from Aurangabad to Khuldabad. The temple can also be reached from Mumbai and other important cities of Maharashtra.

History of Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad

There are several stories attached to the temple. One legend states that during the era of Ramayana when Lord Hanuman set to get Sanjeevani booti for Lakshmana, this is the place where he rested for some time and graced it with his presence. This is the reason why the idol in the temple is in a reclining position.

Another legend states that Bhadra Maruti Temple has been since the Tratayug. In the early times the area of Khuldabad was popular by the name Bhadravati. Bhadrasena, the king who ruled the area of Bhadravati was a follower of Lord Rama. He used to sing hymns in praise of Lord Rama. Hearing his praise and hymns, Lord Hanuman came down to the place and hearing the hymns unknowingly took a resting position known as the Bhava Samadhi. After finishing his hymn the king saw Lord Hanuman and pleaded him to stay in the place and bless him and other devotees of Lord Rama.

After the area came under the rule of Aurangzeb it was named Khuldabad. The temple was completely destroyed during that time. Again in 1966, the statue of Bhadra Hanuma was found by Shri Narayangiri Maharaj and with support from locals the temple was rebuilt. Later in 1991, the temple was expanded and built lavishly by the Shri Bhadra Maruti Sansthan.

Architecture and Surroundings of Bhadra Maruti Temple, Khuldabad

The temple is built in traditional style. The interior of the temple is made of marble and the ceiling is designed beautifully with floral motifs and hymns are written all over the interiors of the temple. The figurine of Lord Hanuman is covered with an orange cloth and decorated with a garland made of banyan leaves. One of the must buy items around the temple is the Kandi Pedas, a famous sweet. These pedas are freshly prepared every day and are quite delicious.

Outside the temple there are several stalls selling sweets, lowers, incense sticks and several puja items. Devotees can buy offerings from these stalls and hand it over to the priest who conducts pujas. The temple committee has made arrangements for devotees to stay. There is a well-maintained guest house where devotees can stay overnight to attend the early morning prayers and rituals.