Sri Bhadra Maruti Temple Khuldabad,Maharashtra
Sri Bhadra Maruti Temple -Khuldabad
Sri Bhadra Maruti Temple is located at Khuldabad, near Aurangabad in Maharashtra.The temple houses an idol of Lord Hanuman who is seen in reclining posture. It is one of the three temples where Lord Hanuman is represented in a sleeping posture. The other temples are located at Jam Sawali- Madhya Pradesh and at Allahabad- Uttar Pradesh.
The temple premise is made of marble and the ceiling is beautifully adorned with floral motifs. Hymns are written on the inner part of the temple walls. The idol of Lord Hanuman is adorned with an orange attire and a garland made of Banyan leaves.
Temple Legend
A legend states that during the Ramayana era, when Lord Hanuman was in search of Sanjeevani remedy for Lakshmana, this was the place where he rested. Hence, the idol in this temple is seen in a sleeping position.
As per another legend, Bhadra Maruti temple has been in existence since Treta yug. In ancient times, Khuldabad was known as Bhadravati which was ruled by King Bhadrasen. He was an ardent devotee of Lord Rama. He would often recite some bhajans praising Lord Ram. Once Lord Hanuman accidentally heard these devotional songs in praise of Lord Ram. He was so mesmerized that he went into ‘Bhava-samadhi’, a yogic posture. After reciting the bhajans, King Bhadrasen was astonished to find Hanuman in Bhav Samadhi. The king requested Lord Hanuman to make his place his abode forever and bless the devotees.
Later, this region was invaded by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb and it was renamed as Khuldabad. During the Mughal rule, the temple was totally destroyed. The idol of Bhadra Hanuma was recovered in 1966 by Shri Narayangiri Maharaj. The temple was reconstructed with the help of natives. Later, it was expanded and renovated by the Shri Bhadra Maruti Sansthan in 1991.
The festivals of Ram Navami and Hanuman Jayanti are celebrated with great devotion. On these occasions, the temple is decorated beautifully and special prayers and puja are conducted.
