Hanuman Temple

Hanuman Temple (the historic town shrine dedicated to Lord Veer Maruti, revered for centuries by Maratha naval warriors and coastal pilgrims for physical strength and courage) in the bustling town core of Alibaug in Maharashtra, stands as Alibaug's supreme community spiritual landmark and obstacle removing sanctuary.

Situated 1 km from the Arabian Sea coastline and Kolaba Fort, this revered temple traces its roots to the Samarth Ramdas Swami movement during Shivaji Maharaj's era, when Maruti shrines were consecrated across Maharashtra to build strength and devotion.

It's the home of the sacred vermilion anointed stone idol of Veer Hanuman holding the Sanjeevani mountain and mace, weekly Saturday devotional gatherings where hundreds of devotees chant the Hanuman Chalisa, grand Hanuman Jayanti processions with brass bands, and an intensely peaceful, deeply spiritual town temple ambiance filled with ringing temple bells, the fragrance of fresh tulsi leaves, and sweet boondi prasad.

It represents a rich Maharashtra Maratha naval era temple heritage apex, Ramdas tradition, and civic cultural life where central chowk shrines, Alibaug beach promenades, Kolaba sea fort ramparts, and Brahma Kund stepwells unite in Hanuman Temple.

Located in Maruti Chowk in central Alibaug, it sits 500 meters from Alibaug Bus Stand, 30 km from Pen Railway Station, 19 km from Mandwa Ferry Jetty, and 100 km from Mumbai via NH 66, easily reached on foot from any part of town or by auto rickshaw.

The Veer Maruti Idol & Maratha Naval Garrison History

Historical records recount that Admiral Kanhoji Angre and his naval commanders offered prayers at this shrine before launching war fleets into the Arabian Sea against Portuguese and British naval forces.

The sanctum houses a powerful black stone idol coated in traditional orange red sindoor (vermilion), depicting Lord Hanuman facing east in a triumphant posture with his right arm raised holding the medicinal mountain.

Truth is, joining the local residents during the evening aarti while drums and cymbals beat in unison provides a heartwarming taste of authentic Konkan town life.

Alibaug Beach, Kolaba Fort & Brahma Kund

Alibaug Beach & Kolaba Fort: Located a 10 minute walk from the temple, visitors can walk or take a horse cart across the low tide seabed to explore Kolaba Fort.

Brahma Kund Stepwell: Situated 2 km away, travelers can inspect the 17th century stone stepwell built during the reign of the Angres.

Hanuman Temple & Alibaug Town Walking Plan

The Historic Town & Coastal Heritage Trail: Morning darshan at Hanuman Temple to participate in the morning aarti and receive sweet boondi prasad (7:30 AM to 8:30 AM) -> breakfast of hot batata wada and filter coffee at a heritage cafe in the main bazaar (8:45 AM to 9:30 AM) -> walk through the local spice market to shop for famous Alibaug white onions and dried fish (9:45 AM to 11:00 AM) -> visit the 17th century Brahma Kund stone stepwell (11:15 AM to 12:30 PM) -> authentic Konkani fish thali lunch with solkadhi at a traditional family eatery (12:45 PM to 2:00 PM) -> walk to Alibaug Beach to take a horse cart across the wet sands to explore Kolaba Fort (3:30 PM to 5:30 PM) -> sunset stroll and roasted sweet corn at Varsoli Beach (6:00 PM to 7:30 PM).

Visiting Code & Conduct: Remove footwear at the temple entrance steps; modest attire is encouraged; Tuesdays and Saturdays experience higher devotee visits during morning (8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) and evening (7:00 PM to 8:30 PM) aarti sessions.

After offering prayers at Hanuman Temple, visit Alibaug Beach, explore Kolaba Fort, or tour Brahma Kund.