Some trips are planned for months. This one was planned in less than 24 hours.
A day before the journey, Harshad and I decided to attempt something that many devotees prefer to spread over two days тАФ completing the legendary 11 Maruti Darshan established by Shri. Samarth Ramdas Swami in a single day.
With a Scorpio-N ready for the road, a rough route on Google Maps, and faith as our fuel, we started from Pune at 6:15 AM and set out on a spiritual road trip across Satara, Sangli, and Kolhapur districts.
Trip Highlights
- From: Pune
- Date: 29 May 2026
- Vehicle: Scorpio-N
- Travelers: Myself and Harshad
- Total Distance: 575.6 km
- Total Duration: 15 hr 41 min
- Departure: 6:15 AM
- Return: 9:57 PM
- Average Speed: 55 km/h
- Total Temples Covered: 11
Our 11 Maruti GPS Route
The Perfect Start: Breakfast at Kailash Bhel
Every memorable road trip begins with a good breakfast, and ours was no different.
After crossing the Khed Shivapur toll naka early in the morning, we made our first halt at the famous Kailash Bhel Food Court (Google Map Pin). Before embarking on a 575 km spiritual journey, we wanted something simple, familiar, and satisfying.
The choice was obvious тАФ the classic Maharashtrian road-trip combination of Pohe and Tea.
As we enjoyed our breakfast and finalized the route for the day, the excitement of the journey started to sink in. Less than 24 hours earlier, this trip was just an idea. Now we were on the road, heading towards the sacred 11 Maruti temples established by Samarth Ramdas Swami.
Looking back, that simple breakfast marked the true beginning of our pilgrimage.
1. рдордард╛рддреАрд▓ рдкреНрд░рддрд╛рдк рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдЙрдВрдмреНрд░рдЬ. Mathatil Pratap Maruti, Umbraj
- Darshan Time: 9:22 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/HN4Q6PPi8VbVDJVe8
The first temple of our journey welcomed us with a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of excitement for the day ahead. Standing before the powerful Maruti idol, we offered prayers seeking strength and a safe journey.
Established by Samarth Ramdas Swami in 1649, Mathatil Pratap Maruti is believed to have been consecrated under the divine guidance of Prabhu Shri Ram. The temple holds special significance, as Samarth is said to have performed 13 days of continuous prayers and spiritual practices during its рд╕реНрдерд╛рдкрдирд╛ (establishment).
The impressive 6.25-foot-tall idol is crafted from a traditional mixture of lime (chuna), sand, and natural fiber (taag), showcasing the construction techniques of the era. The idol’s striking silver eyes add to its powerful presence, while the east-facing temple symbolizes the welcoming of the first rays of the rising sun. Even today, devotees visit Pratap Maruti seeking strength, courage, and unwavering devotion in their lives.
2. рдкреНрд░рддрд╛рдк рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдорд╛рдЬрдЧрд╛рд╡. Pratap Maruti, Majgaon
- Darshan Time: 09:50 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JdAcryYpTTn8vZi37
Located in a quiet village setting, Majgaon Maruti offers a simple yet deeply spiritual experience. The temple seems to be recently renovated.
3. рд╡реАрд░ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдЪрд╛рдлрд│. Veer Maruti, Chaphal
- Darshan Time: 10:03 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gb9EKG4i86A1cjXr9
Veer Maruti symbolizes courage, valor, and unwavering devotion. The idol’s powerful presence immediately captures attention and inspires determination.
Chaphal occupies a special place in the life of Samarth Ramdas Swami. The villagers donated land on the banks of the Maand River for the construction of a temple dedicated to Lord Rama. The site was originally used as a cremation ground, but Samarth, along with his disciples, transformed it into a sacred space and built a magnificent Shri Ram Temple. Chaphal later became one of the most important centers of the Samarth tradition, where Samarth spent a significant part of his life and spiritual work.
After the temple was completed, Samarth was searching for a suitable idol of Lord Rama for consecration. According to tradition, Lord Rama appeared to him in a divine vision and instructed him to retrieve the idol from the Krishna River at Angapur Doh. Samarth recovered the idol from the river and installed it in the temple. Around the same time, Lord Hanuman is also believed to have guided Samarth to the locations of his idols, which were subsequently recovered and consecrated at Chaphal.
Located about 100 meters behind the Shri Ram Temple, Veer Maruti symbolizes strength, courage, and protection. Also known as Pratap Maruti, the idol is believed to serve as the spiritual guardian of Chaphal. Its powerful posture reflects Hanuman’s role as a fearless protector and devoted servant of Lord Rama.
4. рджрд╛рд╕ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдЪрд╛рдлрд│. Das Maruti, Chaphal
- Darshan Time: 10:14 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/S5baH74zwfk6KVZaA
Located close to Veer Maruti, Das Maruti represents humility and service. Together, these two temples beautifully showcase the balance between strength and surrender.
Standing directly in front of the Shri Ram Temple, Das Maruti represents humility, devotion, and complete surrender to the divine. The approximately two-meter-tall idol depicts Hanuman with both hands folded in a Namaskar posture before Lord Rama. Together, Das Maruti and Veer Maruti beautifully illustrate the two complementary aspects of Hanuman’s characterтАФunmatched strength and absolute devotion.
5. рдЦрдбреАрдЪрд╛ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рд╢рд┐рдВрдЧрдгрд╡рд╛рдбреА. Khadicha Maruti, Shinganwadi
- Darshan Time: 10:41 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cvf5hjDfLtC5xBQK8
Nestled amidst natural surroundings, this temple offers a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection. The peaceful setting makes it one of the most memorable stops of the pilgrimage.
6. Maharudra Maruti, Masur: An Unexpected Discovery
- Visit Time: 11:19 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/riiiFrAzZxuuwVDf8
Masur turned out to be one of the most interesting parts of our journeyтАФnot because everything went according to plan, but because it didn’t.
Following our route, we reached what we believed to be the Maharudra Maruti temple and offered our prayers at a Hanuman temple in Masur. At the time, we were confident that we had covered the Maruti associated with the 11 Maruti circuit and continued our journey without a second thought.
It was only later, after returning home and revisiting our photos, route history, and temple locations, that I discovered something unexpected. We had actually visited Hanuman Mandir, Masur (Google Map Pin), which is located close to the historic Maharudra Maruti temple established by Samarth Ramdas Swami, but is not the same temple.
While some might consider this a mistake, I see it as part of the charm of road travel. Pilgrimages are not always about perfectly following a checklist; sometimes they are about the experiences, discoveries, and lessons encountered along the way.
The realization has given us a good reason to return to Masur in the future and complete the darshan at the original Maharudra Maruti temple. In a way, the journey is still unfinishedтАФand perhaps that is exactly how some pilgrimages are meant to be.
7. рдкреНрд░рддрд╛рдк рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рд╢рд╣рд╛рдкреВрд░. Pratap Maruti, Shahapur.
- Darshan Time: 11:43 AM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xLtmagvEN6TE62y68
This temple marks another important milestone in the 11 Maruti circuit. The atmosphere here reflects devotion, discipline, and the teachings of Samarth Ramdas.
Lunch Break at Hotel Shivraj Dhaba, Karad
After completing the seventh Maruti Darshan, it was time to recharge.
We stopped at the famous Hotel Shivraj Dhaba in Karad (Google Map Pin). After a busy morning on the road, the food tasted even better. We had famous Akkha Masoor with Chapati. Topped it up with curd and settled it down with the Kulfi!
The break provided much-needed rest before continuing toward the Kolhapur side of the route.
8. рдкреНрд░рддрд╛рдк рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдордирдкрд╛рдбрд│реЗ. Pratap Maruti, Manpadale
- Darshan Time: 2:34 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mBWHonZCJfWvdK4u5
After lunch, we resumed the journey and reached Manpadale. The temple’s calm surroundings offered a refreshing spiritual pause during the afternoon.
9. рдЧреЛрдВрдбрд╕ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдкрд╛рд░рдЧрд╛рд╡. Gondas Maruti, Pargaon
- Darshan Time: 3:13 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nAtd8mMf6hXUZ9RE8
This temple stands as another important link in the chain of Maruti temples established by Samarth Ramdas Swami. Despite the growing fatigue from travel, our enthusiasm remained high.
A Refreshing Stop at Warna Nagar
After completing darshan at Pargaon Maruti, we continued our journey towards 32 Shirala Maruti. As the afternoon sun grew stronger and temperatures climbed, we crossed into the Kolhapur region and passed one of Maharashtra’s most recognizable dairy landmarks тАФ the Warna Dudh Utpadak Prakriya Sangh Ltd.
For anyone who has travelled through this part of Maharashtra, Warna is more than just a dairy brand; it is a symbol of the cooperative movement that transformed rural Western Maharashtra.
Unable to resist the temptation, we made an impromptu stop and picked up chilled bottles of Warna flavoured milk. After hours of driving and darshan, the cold drink was the perfect remedy for the afternoon heat.
Refreshed and energized, we got back into the Scorpio-N and continued our journey towards the final stretch of the 11 Maruti Darshan circuit.
10. рд╡реАрд░ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА, рдмрддреНрддреАрд╕ рд╢рд┐рд░рд╛рд│рд╛. Veer Maruti, Battis Shirala
- Darshan Time: 4:12 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dkZhuF5p78YQ2vbF8
One of the most well-known temples in the circuit, Battis Shirala Maruti has a grand presence and attracts devotees from across the region. Reaching here felt like entering the final stretch of the pilgrimage. There is Veergal (Hero-stone) as well in the temple surroundings.
11. рдмрд╣реЗ рдмреЛрд░рдЧрд╛рд╡рдЪрд╛ рдорд╛рд░реБрддреА. Bahe Borgaon Maruti
- Darshan Time: 5:14 PM
- Google Map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/nkmCFn7D8wiUF8CbA
The final temple of the day.ЁЯЪйЁЯЩП
There is a kilometer long bridge stretch built on Krishna River that takes you to the temple area which is located on an island. You have to walk this stretch. Vehicles to be parked on other end of the bridge. The Krisha River is very scenic and cool breeze adds it to the solitude!
Bahe Borgaon Maruti is one of the most fascinating temples in the 11 Maruti circuit. Located on the banks of the Krishna River, the temple stands near an island known as Ramling Bet, where an ancient Ram temple and a Shivling are believed to exist.
According to local tradition, while returning from Lanka after defeating Ravana, Lord Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita halted at Bahe. As Lord Rama was engaged in worship, the Krishna River suddenly began to flow with great force due to excitement. To ensure that the worship remained undisturbed, Lord Hanuman stood behind Rama and is believed to have held back the river’s flow, dividing it into two streams after requesting River Krishna for the same. These streams later reunited downstream, creating the island that can still be seen today.
Centuries later, when Samarth Ramdas Swami visited Bahe, villagers narrated this legend to him. Convinced that such a sacred place must be associated with Hanuman, Samarth searched a nearby river pool (doh) and is believed to have recovered a Maruti idol from its depths. However, tradition says that Hanuman appeared before Samarth and indicated that the idol should not remain exposed during the current time. The idol is said to have disappeared back into the waters, after which Samarth had a new idol crafted in the same form and installed it behind the Ram temple.
The Bahe Maruti thus symbolizes Hanuman’s role as the protector of Lord Rama and stands as a reminder of unwavering devotion, strength, and service. Its unique connection to the Krishna River and the Ramayana makes it one of the most distinctive and spiritually significant stops in the entire 11 Maruti Darshan circuit.
Did You Know?
The name Bahe is believed to be associated with the Krishna River flowing on both sides of the island, recalling the legend of Hanuman dividing the river into two streams during Lord Rama’s worship.
As we stood before the idol and offered our prayers, there was a sense of gratitude and accomplishment. What began as a spontaneous idea just a day earlier had turned into a memorable spiritual journey.
Completing all 11 Maruti Darshans in a single day felt deeply satisfying.
The 8,888 KM Milestone
Road trips often create memories beyond the destination.
As we were returning home after completing all 11 Maruti Darshans, our Scorpio-N’s odometer rolled over to 8,888 km. It felt like a fitting milestone on a day that had already become special in so many ways.
For automobile enthusiasts, moments like these become part of the story. For us, it was an unexpected souvenir from a journey that combined devotion, friendship, and adventure.
A Perfect End: Malai Tea at Khed Shivapur
No road trip in Maharashtra feels complete without a memorable tea stop.
On our way back to Pune, we stopped near the Khed Shivapur toll naka and enjoyed the famous Prasad Malai Tea. After a full day of driving, darshan, and countless memories, the rich and creamy tea was exactly what we needed.
Sometimes it’s these simple momentsтАФa hot cup of tea, conversations about the day, and the satisfaction of a completed journeyтАФthat become the most cherished memories.
Final Thoughts
This pilgrimage was much more than a road trip.
It was a day filled with devotion, friendship, discipline, and discovery. Traveling across Western Maharashtra, visiting temples established by Samarth Ramdas Swami, meeting fellow devotees, and experiencing the rich spiritual heritage of the region made every kilometer worthwhile.
What makes this journey special is not just that 11 Maruti temples were completed in one day, but that it happened through a spontaneous decision, good company, and a shared sense of purpose.
If you are considering the 11 Maruti Darshan, I highly recommend it. Whether completed over one day or two, it is a journey that stays with you long after the road ends.
||рд╢реНрд░реА рд░рд╛рдо рдЬрдп рд░рд╛рдо рдЬрдп рдЬрдп рд░рд╛рдо||
||рдЬрдп рдЬрдп рд░рдШреБрд╡реАрд░ рд╕рдорд░реНрде||
Post-trip note: After reviewing the route and temple locations, we discovered that the temple visited in Masur was Hanuman Mandir near Maharudra Maruti and not the original Maharudra Maruti temple itself. This gives us a perfect reason to revisit Masur and complete the darshan in the future. ЁЯЪйЁЯЩП
This blog post was reworded with the help of ChatGPT for clarity and structure. The experiences, thoughts, and emotions shared here are entirely my own.
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