Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir

One of the oldest Hanuman temple in Baroda is Shree Bhid Bhanjan Maruti Mandir located at Harni village, Vodadara belongs to Vadodara district in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is situated north-east of Vadodara on the banks of River Vishwamitri (whose name is derived from the great saint Bramharshi Vishwamitra) and is nearer to Vadodara Airport, Harni Tank on Harni Road and Motnath Mahadev Temple.

This place once was a forest full of banyan trees and most suitable for meditation and tapas. Many ascetic people and rishis have spent quiet time at this place to gain peace and have dharshan of Brahma. But unfortunately the place was under the control of a wicked king by name Hiranya. As a practice the king used to harass the rishis and saints who had taken to penance and meditation in this region. But the rishis were hopeful of a solution to this and continued their practice of penance. Once God Shri Ram, Goddess Sita, Lakshman along with Shri Hanuman was on a visit to this place and the rishis took the opportunity to brief Shri Ram about the harassment met out to them by Hiranya. They also requested for a solution to this problem so that they continue to meditate in this peaceful place.

Lord Ram ordered Hanuman to destroy the demon Hiranya. Veer Hanuman fought with vigor the demon king, but there was no sight of the end. When the battle was not coming to end God Shri Ram asked Hanuman to continue the fight with more vigor and take the Virat Roop at the appropriate time. The battle continued, on the fourteenth day Hanuman assumed Vishwa Roop and flung the demon king to the ground, pinned him down to the ground with His right foot. With Lord Hanuman’s right foot on him, the wicked powers of Hiranya started melting down.

Bhagwan Ram had ordained Hanuman to remain in that position, for it was the only way to subdue the demon & break his power. Lord Ram then prophesied that Hanuman will forego his ‘vanara’ features and will assume the ‘nara’ [human] form after leaving his Virat Roop.  As a symbol of acceptance of the command Hanuman is seen placed His right hand over His head. It is believed that Hanuman has been here ever since.