Bhadra Maruti

The Bhadra Maruti Temple, located in Khuldabad near Aurangabad, is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Hanuman. This is one of the only three temples in India where the idol of the presiding deity, Lord Hanuman, is seen in the Bhav Samadhi or the sleeping posture, the other two being at Allahabad and Madhya Pradesh. Situated just 4 kms from the renowned Ellora Caves, Bhadra Maruti is thronged by devotees, especially on Saturdays during the months of "Sharavan" according to the Marathi calendar.

The legend of Bhadra Maruti is associated with King Bhadrasen, the erstwhile ruler of Khuldabad, which was known as Bhadravati in ancient times. The king was a pious devotee of Lord Ram and sang melodious songs in his praise listening to which Lord Hanuman descended near him one day. Spellbound by such sweet tunes, Hanumanji lied down in a sleeping posture (the Bhav Samadhi) and was requested by the king to stay there forever, blessing the ardent devotee of Lord Ram.