Pasodya Maruti Temple is located in the old Peth area of Pune city-Maharashtra. The temple is believed to belong to the Peshwa era, making it several centuries old. During this period, many Hanuman (Maruti) temples were built across Pune as symbols of protection, strength, and devotion.
The presiding deity is Lord Hanuman, also called Maruti in Maharashtra. He is worshipped here as the giver of courage, strength, and protection. Devotees offer oil, sindhoor, betel leaves, garlands, and coconuts. Many chant Hanuman Chalisa and seek blessings for mental strength and relief from difficulties — especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Pasodya Maruti Temple follows a simple traditional Maharashtrian temple style. It is not very large, but the sanctum has a strong, peaceful, and spiritual aura. The surroundings still retain the charm of old Pune, making the temple feel timeless and serene in the middle of a busy locality.
The name “Pasodya Maruti” comes from the Marathi word “Pasodya / Pahelwan,” meaning wrestlers or bodybuilders.
In olden days, the area around the temple had akhadas — traditional wrestling schools. Wrestling was considered not just a sport but a disciplined lifestyle involving purity, self-control, devotion, and physical strength. Since Hanuman is the perfect symbol of strength, courage, faith, and discipline, wrestlers developed a special bond with him.
They would visit this temple every day before and after their practice, praying for protection from injury, courage to face challenges, and success in competitions. Because the wrestling community gathered here regularly, Hanuman of this shrine became lovingly known as Pasodya Maruti — Hanuman of the wrestlers.
According to local belief, Pasodya Maruti Temple has always been a centre of strength — both physical and spiritual. During the Peshwa period, Pune was growing in culture, administration, and tradition. Hanuman was worshipped as the protector of the city and guardian of dharma.
The locality around the temple had akhadas where young men trained in traditional wrestling. Their lifestyle was strict — waking up early, eating simple food, training hard, and keeping the mind pure. For them, Hanuman was not just a god — He was their ideal role model.
Before entering the akhada, wrestlers bowed before Hanuman at this temple, praying for courage, discipline, and safety. After practice, they returned to thank him. Over time, the temple became known as a place where strength met devotion.
Even today, elders say that Hanuman here stands as a silent guardian of the area, watching over families, traders, workers, students, and devotees. People believe that praying here helps overcome fear, weakness, obstacles, and negative influences. Many devotees share that they feel inner peace and confidence simply by standing before the deity.
The temple becomes especially vibrant during Hanuman Jayanti, Ram Navami, Navaratri & Diwali, Tuesdays & Saturdays.
Devotees light lamps, perform special pooja, chant Hanuman Chalisa, and offer oil and sindoor with great devotion.
