Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple - Chennai

Address

Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple – Chennai

Ram Nagar, Nanganallur,

Chennai district,

Tamil Nadu 600061

Moolavar

Anjaneyar

Introduction

Viswaroopa Adhivyadhihara Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyaswami Temple is a prominent shrine located in Nanganallur, around 10 kilometers from Chennai city. Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, also known as Anjaneya (son of Anjana), the temple houses a majestic 32-feet tall idol sculpted from a single granite stone. The temple was established by Sri Maruti Bhakta Samajan in 1989 and opened to the public in 1995. It is a renowned center of worship and spirituality, attracting devotees seeking blessings from Lord Hanuman for strength, health, and protection.

Puranic Significance

The temple’s deity, Lord Hanuman, holds immense significance in Hindu mythology, prominently appearing in the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

Ramayana: Lord Hanuman, an ardent devotee of Lord Rama, played a pivotal role in aiding Rama to defeat Ravana in the epic battle of Lanka.
Mahabharata: Hanuman reappeared in the Mahabharata to meet his brother Bheema (both sons of Vayu, the wind god). He promised to protect the Pandavas and adorned Arjuna’s chariot flag during the Kurukshetra war to ensure their victory.

The temple was envisioned and established by devotees inspired by the teachings of spiritual leaders such as Sri Raghavendra Swami and Sri Kanchi Paramacharyar. It was later brought under the administration of the Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department.

Special Features

Colossal Idol: The temple’s centerpiece is the 32-feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman, sculpted from a single granite stone. This monolithic marvel, second only to the Hanuman idol in Panchavati near Puducherry, represents Hanuman in his “Viswaroopa” form, exuding immense power and grace.
Towering Temple Tower: The temple gopuram (tower) stands approximately 90 feet tall, symbolizing the temple’s grandeur.
Corridors and Shrines:
- Rama Sannidhi: A shrine dedicated to Lord Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, portraying Rama as Kothanda Rama, carrying a bow.
- Krishna Sannidhi: Reflecting Hanuman’s presence in both epics, this shrine houses Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama.
- Other Shrines: Smaller shrines for Lord Vinayaka (Ganesha), the serpent god Naga, and the saint Raghavendra are present within the temple premises.

The temple also features a spacious mandapam (hall), accommodating a large number of devotees for prayers and gatherings.

Festivals

The temple celebrates several significant festivals with great devotion:

Hanuman Jayanti: Commemorates the birth of Lord Hanuman, a day of immense importance.
Ram Navami: Celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, marking Hanuman’s undying devotion.
Navratri and Vijayadashami: A nine-day festival culminating in Vijayadashami, celebrated with vigor and devotion.
Sri Krishna Jayanti: Marks the birth of Lord Krishna in Mathura.
Pavitrotsavam: A purification festival celebrated with traditional rituals.