Melperumalcheri Bhakta Anjaneyar Temple, Chennai

Address

Melperumalcheri,

Mamallapuram, Chennai – 603102.

Moolavar

Bhakta Anjaneyar

Introduction

The Bhakta Anjaneyar Temple, located in the village of Melperumalcheri on the East Coast Road (ECR) between Mamallapuram and Kalpakkam, is a revered shrine dedicated to Anjaneyar (Hanuman). The temple is believed to be over 800 years old and serves as a spiritual haven for devotees seeking protection and blessings. Anjaneyar, known here as “Bhakta Anjaneyar,” faces east in the sanctum sanctorum, watching over the feet of Lord Rama, who is positioned directly opposite him. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 11 AM in the morning and from 4 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening.

Puranic Significance:

Lord Vinayaka: Outside the sanctum, Lord Vinayaka is honored as “Neethi Vazhangum Vinayakar” (the Giver of Justice), embodying fairness and justice.
Dakshinamurthy: The temple features Dakshinamurthy with his consort facing south, symbolizing wisdom and learning.
Yoga Anjaneyar: This form of Anjaneyar, depicted facing north, highlights the importance of yoga in mastering oneself and others. Positioned behind Guru Bhagavan, Yoga Anjaneyar emphasizes the significance of a guru’s blessings for success.
Sacred Tree: The peepal tree (arasa maram) is revered as the temple’s sacred tree.
Stucco Sculptures: At the entrance of the mandapam, stucco sculptures of a conch, a discus, and in the center, Vinayaka and Anjaneyar, are present. These sculptures signify that Vinayaka and Anjaneyar are not influenced by the malefic effects of Shani (Saturn). Additional stucco sculptures include Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, with Anjaneyar depicted in a respectful posture worshiping them. Anjaneyar also adorns three sides of the vimana (tower) of the sanctum in a standing posture.

Special Features:

Floating Stones: Similar to the floating stones in Rameswaram, the temple features large and heavy stones that float on water. This phenomenon is linked to the Ramayana, where Hanuman and his monkey army used floating stones to construct the Rama Setu (Rama’s bridge).