Does Lord Hanuman Live In This Temple and Eats Prasad?
The Pilua Mahavir Mandir in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its miraculous idol of Lord Hanuman, which is said to "eat" laddus and drink milk offered by devotees.
India is home to many temples known for their unique features, but the Pilua Mahavir Mandir in Uttar Pradesh stands out for its extraordinary and miraculous reputation. Situated on the banks of the Yamuna River near Rura village, about 12 km from Etawah city, this centuries-old temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is famous for a series of strange and miraculous occurrences that continue to amaze devotees and researchers alike.
The temple, which is believed to date back to the Mahabharata period, is said to be a site where many incidents from the ancient epic took place. But the most miraculous part of the temple is the idol of Lord Hanuman, which has left everyone—from common devotees to scientists—puzzled. The idol of Lord Hanuman in the temple is depicted in a rare posture: instead of standing, sitting, or flying as usual, Lord Hanuman is lying down with his mouth wide open.
Devotees believe that when they offer laddus (sweet treats) and milk to the idol, the offerings mysteriously disappear, as though Lord Hanuman himself is eating them. No matter how much prasad (offerings) is placed inside the idol’s mouth, it is absorbed inside, leaving the devotees in awe. Many believe that the idol is not just a statue but that Lord Hanuman is truly present within it, and all the offerings go directly into his stomach.
What makes it even more miraculous is the presence of bubbles rising from the idol's mouth whenever it is filled with milk or water. Priests and sadhus believe this happens because the idol is "breathing" and constantly chanting “Ram-Ram”, a mantra associated with Lord Hanuman. Some devotees have even claimed to hear the idol chanting when they put their ear close to its mouth.
The temple’s fascinating history is tied to King Hukam Chandra Pratap Singh Chauhan of the Chauhan dynasty. According to legend, Goswami Tulsidas, the famous poet-saint and devotee of Lord Ram and Lord Hanuman, appeared in the King’s dream and informed him about the hidden idol of Lord Hanuman under a Pilua tree. After the King discovered the idol, he attempted to take it to his palace, but the idol refused to move. After several failed attempts, the King decided to build a temple around the Pilua tree, and thus, the Pilua Hanuman Temple was born.
Another interesting legend adds to the temple’s uniqueness. Once, after building the temple, the King offered food to the idol but found that Lord Hanuman was still hungry. Despite the King offering food from his palace, Lord Hanuman’s hunger could not be satisfied. Eventually, the King offered water, but even that was consumed in large amounts. Finally, it was the King’s wife, offering a laddu with love and devotion, that made Lord Hanuman finally burp in satisfaction. Since then, laddus have become the primary offering at the temple.
Despite being located in a remote area near Etawah city, the Pilua Mahavir Mandir attracts thousands of devotees, especially on Tuesdays, a day considered particularly auspicious for Lord Hanuman. Many devotees believe that simply visiting the temple and offering laddus will fulfill their wishes. The temple continues to inspire faith and devotion, with countless stories of miracles experienced by those who visit.
The Pilua Mahavir Mandir remains a place of great devotion and mystery, where believers experience the powerful presence of Lord Hanuman and witness miracles that defy explanation. For many, it is a symbol of faith, hope, and the divine blessings of Lord Hanuman.
