Located in Harni village, near Vadodara Airport and on the way to Motnath Mahadev Temple, the Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir is one of Baroda’s oldest Hanuman temples. It is the only temple till date where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in Human form on commandment of Lord Rama.
Long ago, this area was a peaceful forest filled with banyan trees, perfect for meditation and spiritual practices. Many ascetics and sages came here seeking inner peace and divine visions. However, their tranquility was disturbed by a cruel king named Hiranya, who oppressed these holy men.
The sages continued their devotion, hoping for divine help. Their prayers were answered when God Shri Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman, and Shri Hanuman visited the area. The sages seized this opportunity to ask Shri Ram for relief from the king’s tyranny.
In response, Lord Ram instructed Hanuman to defeat the demon Hiranya. Hanuman fought valiantly, but the battle seemed endless. Lord Ram advised Hanuman to increase his efforts and, at the right moment, take on his cosmic form, the Virat Roop. On the seventh day of the battle, Hanuman transformed into his Vishwa Roop and overpowered Hiranya, pinning him to the ground. With Hanuman’s foot pressing down, the demon’s power began to crumble.
Lord Ram then directed Hanuman to stay in this position to ensure the demon’s complete defeat. It was foretold that Hanuman would later shed his monkey form and take on a human form after leaving his cosmic guise. To show his acceptance of this divine command, Hanuman placed his right hand over his head. It is believed that Hanuman has remained in this sacred spot ever since.
The Skandpurana also mentions that Lord Rama and Lord Krishna visited this place, which is why it is sometimes called Devbhumi, meaning “Land of the Gods”. Both deities declared that worshipping Shri Hanumanji with oil and sindoor (vermilion) would fulfill one’s desires, making the temple a pivotal site for devotees seeking blessings.
The temple’s importance is further underscored by its mention in the Skandpuran. Here, it is believed that Trishanku performed his Anushthan and Yagya with Maharshi Vishwamitra, marking it as a sacred teerth (pilgrimage site). During Shravan, the temple becomes a focal point of devotion, with traditions stating that worshipping Shri Harni Hanumanji Maharaj during this month can help alleviate negative planetary effects and personal hardships.
During the period of Mahmud Ghazni’s invasions (1000-1027 AD), many Hindu temples faced the threat of destruction or conversion. To protect the Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir, its caretakers adapted the temple’s architecture to resemble contemporary structures. This clever modification helped the temple blend into its surroundings and avoided attracting attention, preserving it during a time of great uncertainty.
Today, the Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir stands as a symbol of enduring faith and divine protection, showcasing the dedication of those who have preserved its sanctity through the ages. The tradition of congregating for worship at Harni has evolved into vibrant fairs (mela), attracting thousands of devotees. The establishment of bus services from Mandvi Gate to Harni highlights the significance of these gatherings. This ongoing tradition is stewarded by the 9th generation Mahants, Mahant Shri Harshadgiri Harmangiri Goswami and Mahant Shri Mahendragiri Harmangiri Goswami, preserving the temple’s rich heritage through the ages.
This Post is written in collaboration with Mahant Shri Kedargiri Goswami.
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