In the heart of Maharashtra lies a village with a unique story that often captures the curiosity of outsiders. Nandur Nimba Daitya, located in the Ahmednagar district, is not your typical Indian village. It's a place where modern life intersects with ancient beliefs in a way that has led to a very unusual rule: a ban on Maruti cars.
The reason behind this ban isn't about the car's quality or price. Instead, it's deeply tied to a local legend and a devotion to their guardian deity, Nimba Daitya.
Walk through Nandur Nimba Daitya, and you will notice something missing. Unlike most parts of India, you won't find a single temple or idol dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The name "Hanuman" or even his other popular name, "Maruti," is reportedly not used for anyone in the village.
The villagers hold a strong belief in their local protector, Nimba Daitya. According to the local legend passed down through generations, there was once a conflict between Hanuman and Nimba Daitya. The story goes that Lord Rama himself had to step in. After the event, it is believed that Rama granted Nimba Daitya the right to be the sole divine guardian of this village, while Hanuman was asked to step aside from this role.
Because of this, a tradition grew that having Hanuman's presence in any form could bring misfortune to the village.
This belief extends far beyond temples and names. It directly impacts the choices villagers make today, including the cars they drive. Since "Maruti" is another name for Hanuman, the popular Maruti brand of cars is seen as an unwelcome presence.
There is a famous story that people from the village often share. Years ago, a local doctor supposedly bought a Maruti 800 car. Soon after, the story goes, he saw a sudden and mysterious drop in the number of patients visiting his clinic. Worried, he eventually sold the Maruti and replaced it with a different brand, a Tata Sumo. After the switch, his practice is said to have returned to normal.
Other accounts suggest that even hearing the loud horn of a Maruti car is considered a bad omen. There are also stories of labourers named Maruti who visited the area and fell ill, only recovering after performing special rituals at the Nimba Daitya temple.
For visitors, these practices might seem unusual. But for the residents of Nandur Nimba Daitya, it is simply a part of their identity and cultural history. It's important to note that this belief is specific only to Hanuman. The villagers continue to worship other gods like Lord Ganesh and Lord Krishna without any issue.
While many from the outside may call it superstition, the people of this village see it as a sacred tradition that has protected them for centuries.
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