Anjaneri Hill Hanuman Birthplace

Anjaneri Hill Hanuman Birthplace is a sacred hill fort and conservation reserve located 20 km from Nashik, Maharashtra, at an altitude of 4,264 feet. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Hanuman, it features a cave temple dedicated to Anjana Mata and a unique child-form Hanuman shrine at the summit. The site combines religious significance with biodiversity, hosting rare flora like Ceropegia anjanerica and vulture nesting cliffs within a notified conservation area.

Visitors can expect a 4-5 km trek taking 3-4 hours to reach the summit, passing through stone steps, meadows, and forest sections. Key sights include the Anjana Mata Temple, Sita Cave, a foot-shaped lake, and ancient Jain caves dating to the 11th-12th centuries. During monsoon (June-September), a wind-driven reverse waterfall may be visible on the descent. The site is a protected conservation reserve with strict rules against camping and DSLR cameras to protect vulture habitats.

Archaeological remains indicate habitation during early medieval period with rock-cut Jain caves dating to 11th-12th centuries. Historical records mention local Abhira ruler Veersen making Anjaneri his capital. In the 18th century, Raghunathrao Peshwa used it as a summer retreat during exile. British-era Christian missionaries also visited regularly for services.

Considered the birthplace of Lord Hanuman according to Hindu tradition and Marathi saint-poet Eknath's Bhavartha Ramayana, which states Anjana Devi performed penance here for 7,000 years before Shiva incarnated as Hanuman. The site holds deep religious importance for Hindu devotees and is named after Hanuman's mother Anjani. It is also significant for Jain heritage with ancient cave temples.