Sri Pethetil Maruti Temple Sajjangad,Maharashtra

Sri Pethetil Maruti Temple is located inside the sacred hill-fort of Sajjangad Fort in Maharashtra. Sajjangad lies about 15 km from the city of Satara and stands at an altitude of about 3350 feet in the beautiful Western Ghats. The temple is situated within the fort complex where several important shrines related to the great saint Samarth Ramdas are located. Devotees who visit Sajjangad mainly come for the samadhi of Samarth Ramdas and also take darshan of this sacred Maruti shrine.

Deity Details

The presiding deity of the temple is Lord Maruti, another name for Lord Hanuman. Hanuman is worshipped here as the symbol of strength, devotion and unwavering loyalty to Lord Rama. The idol is traditionally covered with sacred vermilion (sindoor), which is a common feature in Maruti temples across Maharashtra.

The idol of Lord Maruti stands in a graceful posture. The Lord’s right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, blessing devotees with protection, while his left hand rests on the thigh holding the stem of the sacred Sowgandika flower. The idol wears a yagnopaveetam across the chest and malas around the neck, one reaching up to the navel. The Lord is adorned with a dhoti in katcham style, kundalams in the ears and an uthriyam over the shoulder. His long tail arches gracefully above his head. With neatly braided hair and compassionate eyes looking straight ahead, the divine form radiates mercy and blessings to all devotees.

Temple Architecture

The temple follows a simple and traditional style commonly seen in shrines located inside hill forts of Maharashtra. The structure is built with strong stone masonry suitable for the rugged terrain of the fort. The temple consists of a small sanctum (garbhagriha) housing the Maruti idol and a small hall where devotees gather for prayers. Though modest in size, the spiritual atmosphere of Sajjangad gives the temple a powerful devotional presence.

History

Sajjangad Fort was originally known as Parali Fort and was captured in 1673 by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. The fort was later given to the saint Samarth Ramdas, who made it his spiritual center. After his residence here, the fort came to be known as Sajjangad, meaning “Fort of the Virtuous.”

The Sri Pethetil Maruti Temple is one of the sacred shrines within this holy fort visited by devotees during their pilgrimage to Sajjangad.
Ramdas Swami spent the last years of his life at Sajjangad, and because of his presence the fort gradually became an important spiritual center visited by devotees from many regions.

Sthalapurana

The sacred hill of Sajjangad Fort became an important spiritual centre in the 17th century when the great saint Samarth Ramdas chose this fort as his place of residence and spiritual practice. Ramdas Swami was a great devotee of Lord Rama and strongly promoted the worship of Lord Hanuman, also known as Maruti in Maharashtra.

According to the traditions of the Ramdas Sampradaya, Samarth Ramdas believed that devotion to Maruti gives both physical strength and spiritual discipline. To inspire society with the qualities of courage, devotion and service represented by Hanuman, he encouraged the installation and worship of Maruti idols in several places. During his stay at Sajjangad, a number of Maruti shrines were maintained within the fort complex, one of which is the Sri Pethetil Maruti Temple.

It is traditionally believed that devotees visiting Sajjangad first offered prayers to Lord Maruti to seek strength, protection and devotion before proceeding to the temples of Lord Rama and the sacred samadhi of Samarth Ramdas. Because of the teachings of the saint and the spiritual atmosphere of Sajjangad, the Maruti shrines here became important places for devotees to remember the ideals of Hanuman and strengthen their devotion to Lord Rama.

Festivals

The temple celebrates important festivals associated with Lord Hanuman and the Ramdas tradition. Hanuman Jayanti is the most important festival when special pujas and devotional chanting take place. Ram Navami is also celebrated with devotion because Samarth Ramdas was a great devotee of Lord Rama. Another important festival is Das Navami, which marks the samadhi day of Samarth Ramdas. During this occasion thousands of devotees visit Sajjangad and offer prayers at the Maruti shrine.

Devotees offer oil, coconuts, betel leaves and garlands while praying for courage, protection and success in life.