Sri Maruti temple is located on top of Altinho Hill overlooking the Fontainhas district in Mala, Panaji, Goa. Maruti Temple, which is one of the most beautiful temples in Goa, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the Monkey God. The main idol is placed inside the main temple. However, another Hanuman idol is placed in the basement and devotees offer oil here. The Maruti Temple is also beautifully illuminated at night, and since it is very well lit, the temple is visible from afar.
It is said that the idol in the main temple can be seen even from the main street, through an opening in the basement wall of the temple. In this temple, you can see the beautiful Deepastambha or octagonal lamp tower. The temple is located at a distance of 4 km from the Panjim city center and can be reached by car or bus.
Anjaneya Swamy is a Hindu god who was an ardent devotee of Sri Rama, the protagonist of the famous Hindu mythology “The Ramayana”. Hanuman is considered an embodiment of the divine. The temple also has great historical importance. When the Portuguese ruled, most Hindu temples were destroyed in an effort to promote Christianity. Thus, the Hindu community began to offer prayers in secret. An image of Lord Hanuman was placed inside a fireworks store and worshiped by devotees. After the end of the Portuguese regime, the image was replaced by a silver idol of the monkey god. The present temple stands on the same site as the pre-existing store. The temple doors are adorned with intricate designs carved by skilled craftsmen.
The Maruti temple also celebrates the annual Mala Jatra festival with great enthusiasm. The festival is celebrated for 10 days in the month of February every year. Large numbers of devotees gather to seek blessings during these ten days. Saturdays are special at the temple as an auspicious puja takes place and it is also the most visited day of the week. The best month to visit the temple is from February to April. It takes about two hours to visit the temple and worship.
Panaji Sri Maruti Temple Timings: 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Panaji Sri Maruti Temple History:
The Maruti temple Goa was built by the leaders during the Portuguese times, leaders of the Gomantak Saraswettekar Samaj, in 1934 23rd of January that time the temple was considerably small, in the year 1980 the temple was built even bigger than the original it was renovated.
Panjim Hanuman Temple Address:
Maruthi Temple,
Nanu Tarkar Pednekar Road,
Altinho,
Panjim,
Goa – 403 001.