Akalamukhi (Aklamukhi) Hanumanji Mandir in Kadodara.

Overview & Significance

• Located near Kadodara Char Rasta along NH‑8 in Kadodara, Surat, this revered temple houses a unique idol of Lord Hanuman with eleven faces (Ek Adarsh Mukhi)—hence the name Akalamukhi Hanuman (where “Akala” implies eleven in Marathi).

• According to local legend, Hanuman assumed this form to humble Ravana, who had ten heads. When confronted, Lord Hanuman revealed an eleven-faced form, shattering Ravana’s ego.

Origin Myth & History

• About 200 years ago, the temple location was a dense forest where a cow repeatedly poured her milk at the same spot, despite being herded elsewhere. Locals interpreted this as divine sign and tried cutting a banyan tree there—but the milk offerings persisted.

• An aged devotee dreamt of Hanuman instructing the idol’s excavation. A small crowned idol (about the size of a betel nut) was discovered. Over time, this swayambhu idol grew in size, and new forms appeared cyclically: each third year, another manifestation surfaced until eleven faces appeared over 33 years.

• This makes the temple unique worldwide in featuring an eleven‑faced Hanuman.

Devotion, Rituals & Festivals

• The temple draws large crowds every Saturday and Tuesday, especially devotees with Shani dosha. It is believed offering oil on these days alleviates their afflictions.

• A grand fair (Lok‑Mela) is held annually on Chaitra Purnima, Hanuman Jayanti, attracting thousands of worshippers.

  Structure & Geography

• Situated in Kadodara suburb in Surat district, on the Ahmedabad–Mumbai highway, close to major road intersections. The temple provides a peaceful spiritual retreat amidst a busy highway junction.

• Address: Kadodara, Surat, Gujarat 394327.

Visiting Tips

• Best Days to Visit: Saturdays or Tuesdays (offer oil at idol for Shani relief).

• Special Event: Plan to visit around Chaitra Purnima for the annual fair.

• Nearby Shrine: On NH‑8, easy to reach from Surat railway station or airport.

Spiritual & Cultural Note

The temple’s origin story and the miraculous eleven‑faced idol connect it deeply to the Devotional traditions of Hanumanji as the “Kashtbhanjan” (crusher of sorrows). Devotees here firmly believe in the idol’s power to remove obstacles, and the temple’s presence on a busy national highway offers solace and devotion in equal measure.