This is the only temple where Lord Hanuman is worshipped in female form

Pic courtesy: Thinkstock image for representation purpose only.

Mumbai: We all know that Lord Hanuman is Chiranjeevi (immortal) and a Brahmachari (bachelor). He is known for his chivalrous endeavours and revered by millions of devotees across the globe. But did you know there’s a temple where Hanuman is worshipped in a female form?

Yes, you heard it right. Hanuman is worshipped in a female form in a temple in Girjabandh in Chhattisgarh’s Ratanpur District, a report in DainikBhaskar.com suggests. This is perhaps the only temple in the world where the biggest devotee of Shri Ram is worshipped as a ‘Goddess’. Interestingly, we can see this Hanuman idol carrying Shri Ram Mata Sita on ‘her’ left and right shoulders respectively.

This idol of Hanuman faces the south and is hence also known as Dakshina Murti.

Legend behind the establishment of this unique temple

A king named Prithvi Devju, who was a big devotee of Lord Hanuman, ruled Ratanpur for many years. He is believed to have suffered from leprosy. One night, the king saw Lord Hanuman in his dream, who instructed him to build a temple. Devju instructed his men to start building a temple.

When the temple was nearing its completion, the Lord made an appearance in the King’s dream again and asked him to install the idol from the Mahamaya Kund in the newly built temple.

The king religiously followed Lord Hanuman’s instructions but was surprised to see the idol in a female form.

After the temple was established, the king was cured of his illness. He prayed to the Lord to grant people’s wishes and hence devotees visit this temple to seek the goddess’ blessings.