Aragonda Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Andhra Pradesh

Address

Aragonda Village, Thavanam Palli Mandal,

Chittoor District,

Andhra Pradesh – 517 129

Phone: +91 8573 283 687 / 283 689 / 283 690

Moolavar

Veera Anjaneya

Introduction

Veera Anjaneya Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located on the hill of Ardhagiri in Aragonda Village of Chittoor district in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The temple is about 600 years old. The temple tank is called as Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini. It is believed that the water has the divine Sanjeevini elements infused into it.

Puranic Significance

The name Ardhagiri came from an incident related to Treta Yuga, when Lord Hanuman was transporting dronagiri Mountain (mountain that consists of herbs for life), in night time bharat brother of lord ram thought that some mountain is going to hurt; immediately he shot an arrow on hanuman. Due to its effect, half of the mountain fell down at this place and hence, the name Ardhagiri. In the local language, it means Half Mountain (Ardha=half, giri=mountain). From then, people started worshipping hanuman in the name of veera anjaneya swamy. Many people, till today, come from all the world to collect the medicated water in the pond, besides to the temple. The clay in the mountain contains many medicinal properties and has a power to cure many types of skin problems. The water in the pond comes from different place from the mountain, touching many roots of medicinal plants

Beliefs

Devotees believe the water from Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini will heal diseases like cancer and asthma. They carry water from temple pond and distribute it to their kin. It’s said that prayers offered in the dark on a full moon day provide immense power, peace and happiness. Garlands made from betel leaves, Marigolds, and Tulasi (Indian Basil) and different flowers are offered to Lord.

Special Features

Veera Anjaneya Temple is situated on the foothill of Ardhagiri. The shrine is a modest structure, nestles in the midst of lush hills about 300 feet high. The temple is built on Dravidian Style Architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Veera Anjaneya. He is housed in the sanctum. He is about 3 feet high, covered with copper plate. He is facing north.

Festivals

Full moon day is special here as it was on this day that Anjaneya flew to get the Sanjeevini herb. Cultural programmes are held and the temple remains open at night. Hanuman Jayanthi is also celebrated in a grand manner.