Hanuman Jayanti Special: Exploring Pune’s Hanuman Mandirs for Spiritual Discourse and Heritage

Most of the Hanuman temples in Pune have amusing names and the deity is also part of most Shri Ram Temples and even traditional wrestling ‘talims’ or ‘akahaadas’ in the city.

23 April 2024

By Ishika Kumar

Lord Hanuman is recounted as the infant Maruti when a moment of innocence and curiosity led him to mistake the radiant sun for a mango, and he impulsively darted towards it. Yet, an unforeseen intervention with a lightning bolt took place, hurled by Lord Indra himself, striking the eager Maruti, leaving him marked by an injury. Thus, emerged the name ‘Hanuman’, signifying the bearer of the disfigured jaw.

Poised along the banks of the Mutha River, Pune, erstwhile known as Poona during the colonial era, stands beyond its spiritual havens, luring enthusiasts to delve into its rich heritage. It preserves the legacy of those bygone eras, basking in the patronage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj of the Maratha Empire and the unconquerable Baji Rao during the Peshwa reign. Most of the Hanuman temples in Pune have amusing names and the deity is also part of most Shri Ram Temples and even traditional wrestling ‘talims’ or ‘akahaadas’ in the city.

Here are some temples which should make it to your list; many are 200 to 300 years old too:

1. Shree Ashtasiddhi Hanuman Mandir: Situated within the Camp area of Pune city, Shree Ashtasiddhi Hanuman Mandir can be recognised from a few feet away. It is a sacred beacon of spiritual resonance. The temple’s name, ‘Ashtasiddhi’, is a testament to the divine attributes of Lord Hanuman, signifying his mastery over his eight supernatural powers, as praised in the verses of the Hanuman Chalisa by Goswami Tulsidas:

·        अष्ट सिद्धि नौ निधि के दाता, अस बर दीनजानकी माता II ३१ II

2. Akra Maruti Temple-The Daas Maruti: The Akra Maruti Temple and Ram Mandir are located in Shukrawar Peth. It is over 200 years old and from the late Peshwa period. 
3. Maruti Mandir, NDA-Pashan Road: A small mandir which gets the most traction from localities around the area, and is said to be very peaceful in terms of granting prayers silently.
4. Bhangya Maruti Temple: The Bhangya Maruti Temple is in Budhwar Chowk. The name is probably derived from the word ‘Bhang’ which may have been sold in the surrounding areas in historical times.
5. The Dakshin Mukhi Hanuman Mandir: There are several of these which go by the same name in Kothrud, Wagholi, Wadgaon Sheri and Laxmi Road. Hanuman Jayanti will witness bhandaras and pandals set up there. Where devotees can be a part of the pooja and prashadi.
6. Bhikardas Maruti Temple: Situated in Sadashiv Peth behind Rana Pratap Garden on Bajirao Road, it was originally within the garden owned by a prominent individual named Bhikardas. It is over 200 years old.
7. Panchmukhi Hanuman Temple: As the name suggests, it has a Hanuman idol in the Panchmukhi Avatar i.e. Lord Hanuman having five faces. It is maintained by locals and the temple trust and located in Gokhale Nagar.

When talking to certain devotees, all had certain stories to tell regarding the beloved Bajrang Bali. One remarked upon the idea behind presenting the deity with Calotropis Gigantea, which is because of Lord Ram’s blessings and a boon to the flower. The leaves and flowers of Ruee or cotton are also offered to Bajrangbali every Saturday. Hanuman also loves Chameli flowers very much, hence the chameli oil is offered during Hanuman pooja. 

Awaiting joyous festivities, this Hanuman Jayanti channels the curious and intelligent Maruti within you and an inner strength as powerful as Bajrang Bali himself.