Ayipetta Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple, Cuddalore

Address

Ayipetta Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar Temple, Ayipetta, Cuddalore District – 608201

Deity

Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar

Introduction

The Anjaneya Temple at Ayipettai, located in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple’s principal deity, Sri Rama Bhaktha Anjaneyar, is represented by a 37-foot-tall idol, which was installed in 2015. The temple is situated 7 km from Cuddalore on the Keerappalayam Road and is a prominent spiritual site in the region.

Puranic Significance

The origins of the temple trace back to a moving story of compassion and devotion. A boy, witnessing a monkey fatally injured in a road accident, tried to save it by chanting Sri Rama’s name but was unsuccessful. In tribute, the boy buried the monkey in an empty plot nearby, marking the spot with a sand mound. Daily, he would pluck flowers and offer them at the site. Over time, recognizing the sacredness of the location, he persuaded his parents and the landowner to establish a small shrine to Anjaneya there.

With collective support from the local community, the shrine evolved from a simple structure to a fully-fledged temple. Today, it stands as a symbol of Hanuman’s divine grace and compassion.

Beliefs

Devotees believe that Lord Anjaneya at this temple quickly grants the wishes of his devotees. Special practices and offerings include:

Tulsi garlands offered for good fortune.
Banana garlands brought by parents to fulfill vows after the birth of a child.
Writing “Sri Rama Jayam” on a small piece of paper and offering it to Hanuman is believed to bring peace of mind and relief from nightmares.
Senthuram (sacred vermilion) is offered to devotees as prasadam for blessings.

Special Features

The temple is believed to be over 1,000 years old, with its recent renovation and the installation of the grand 37-foot-tall Hanuman idol in 2015.
The Mahamandapam features:
- Lord Narasimha on the right.
- Adi Hanuman on the left.
The Arthamandapam houses deities including Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, Navagraha Karutadhar, and Sai Baba.
The towering Viswaroopam Anjaneya idol depicts Hanuman in a serene, devotional posture, with folded arms facing south toward the sanctum sanctorum.

Festivals

The temple’s most prominent celebration is Hanuman Jayanti, observed annually with grandeur and devotion. Devotees from across the region gather to honor Lord Hanuman, seeking his blessings for strength, peace, and prosperity.