Khane Maruti Temple a 250-year-old temple, is located in the Poolgate area of Pune city, Maharashtra.The presiding deity of this temple is Lord Hanuman (Maruti), popularly known as Khane Maruti. The idol is covered with bright orange sindoor (vermilion), which is a traditional offering to Hanuman. Devotees believe that Hanuman here is extremely powerful and grants protection, strength, courage, and relief from difficulties. The Lord is worshipped as the guardian of the people and as a remover of all obstacles.
The temple is built in a simple but traditional Maharashtrian style. The sanctum houses the tall Hanuman idol, which is always decorated with flowers, garlands, and lamps. The temple has a mandap (hall) where devotees gather for bhajans and pujas. Despite being located in a busy city locality, the temple maintains a peaceful and spiritual environment. A small deepa stambha (lamp pillar) stands in front of the temple, symbolizing divine light.
Local history suggests that Khane Maruti Temple was built by devotees in the 18th century during the Peshwa period, a time when Pune flourished as the capital of the Maratha Empire. Hanuman devotion was strongly encouraged during this time, and many Maruti temples were established in and around Pune. Khane Maruti Temple became one of the most important shrines for the people living in Poolgate and the surrounding Camp area.
According to local belief, the place where the temple stands was once a small open shrine where Hanuman was worshipped under a tree.The idol of Hanuman was a simple stone figure smeared with sindoor (vermilion), and people believed that it was a swayambhu form (self-manifested presence) of the Lord.
Over time, devotees began to experience miracles. It is said that Hanuman of Poolgate protected the local people from illnesses, natural calamities, and attacks during turbulent times in history. In those days, Pune often witnessed battles and disturbances during the Peshwa period. Villagers believed that Khane Maruti stood as a guardian deity, ensuring safety and courage for the people in times of fear.
Local legends narrate that once, when the area was affected by a severe epidemic, people prayed sincerely at this shrine. Soon, the outbreak began to decline, and the community was saved. Since then, the deity came to be revered as the protector of Poolgate.
It is also believed that great saints like Samarth Ramdas Swami’s followers promoted Hanuman worship in Pune during the 17th–18th centuries, and Khane Maruti became one of the important temples where devotion to Maruti flourished. Devotees see Hanuman here not only as the vanquisher of evil spirits but also as the giver of health, courage, and unity.
At the Khane Maruti Temple, Poolgate, the main festival is Hanuman Jayanti, celebrated with special pujas and bhajans. Ram Navami, Gokulashtami, and Saturdays are also observed with devotion, when devotees offer sindoor, oil, and coconuts to Lord Hanuman.
