Pratapa Veera Anjaneyar (Moolai Anjaneyar) Temple – Thanjavur

Address

Pratapa Veera Anjaneyar (Moolai Anjaneyar) Temple – Thanjavur

Melarajavidi,

Thanjavur District -613008.

Phone: +91 99433 81527

Moolavar

Veera Anjaneyar (Moolai Anjaneyar)

Introduction

• Location: The temple is located in the heart of Tanjavur town, Tamil Nadu. It is popularly known as the Moolai Anjaneyar Temple.
• Significance: It is the second largest Anjaneyar temple in Tamil Nadu, after the one in Iyyenkulam near Kanchipuram. The temple is east-facing and situated at the North-west corner of the Rajaveedhi (Mela Rajaveedhi), which is why Lord Anjaneyar is referred to as Moolai Anjaneyar.
• History: The temple was constructed after Lord Hanuman appeared in the king’s dream, instructing him to build the temple. This is a 1000-year-old temple, reconstructed in the 18th century by the Maratha ruler of Tanjavur, Shri Pratapa Simha, under the guidance of his guru Shri Sethu Bava Swami.

Puranic Significance:

• Legend: The temple’s deity is Veera Anjaneyar, also known as Pratapa Veera Anjaneyar, named after King Pratapa Simhan. According to legend, when enemy forces attacked Tanjavur, the king prayed to Anjaneyar, who sent an army of monkeys to defeat the enemies, saving the kingdom.
• Iconography: The main deity is depicted as lifting the Meru Mountain, a symbol of His power and courage. His face is directed towards the North, symbolizing his valor.
• The Golden Kamakshi Idol: The golden idol of Kamakshi Amman was brought from Kanchipuram and hidden in this temple before being moved to a separate shrine.

Unique Features:

• Alankara Mandapam: The 18-pillared Alankara Mandapam features unique sculptures, including:
  • Bala Anjaneya on His mother’s lap, for devotees longing for children.
  • A snake trying to capture the moon, believed to alleviate Rahu and Ketu dosha effects.
• Neem Tree: A neem tree in the temple is considered a representation of Ambal (Goddess), believed to listen to Rama Nama chants.

Special Features:

• Moolam Star Worship: Worshipping Anjaneyar on the Moolam star day is considered highly auspicious.
• 18 Rounds Prayer: Devotees perform rituals such as lighting 18 lamps and going around the temple 18 times for 18 days, weeks, or months. Some devotees write the Rama Nama 56 times per round to complete 1008 names after 18 rounds.
• Rasi Mandala Sculpture: A unique Rasi Mandala sculpture on the ceiling represents the 12 zodiac signs, and devotees offer prayers to Hanuman by standing in front of their respective signs.

Festivals:

• Rama Navami
• Hanuman Jayanti

Century/Period

1000 years old.

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Railway Station

Thanjavur

Nearest Airport

Trichy

Location on Map

lightuptemple