Melperumalcheri Bhakta Anjaneyar Temple, Chennai

Address

Melperumalcheri,

Mamallapuram, Chennai – 603102.

Moolavar

Bhakta Anjaneyar

Introduction

On the East Coast Road (ECR) between Mamallapuram and Kalpakkam lies the village of Melperumalcheri. Here, the deity Anjaneyar, known as “Bhakta Anjaneyar,” blesses devotees who seek his protection. In the sanctum sanctorum of this temple, Bhakta Anjaneyar stands facing east, gazing at the feet of Lord Rama, who is situated directly opposite him, and showering blessings on the devotees. The temple is said to be more than 800 years old. Melperumalsheri village is located on the ECR between Mamallapuram and Kalpakkam. The temple is open daily for devotees from 6 AM to 11 AM in the morning and from 4 PM to 8:30 PM in the evening.

Puranic Significance

Outside the sanctum of this temple, Lord Vinayaka blesses devotees under the title “Neethi Vazhangum Vinayakar” (the Giver of Justice). A unique feature of this temple is the presence of Dakshinamurthy, seated with his consort facing the south. Additionally, Yoga Anjaneyar is depicted facing the north, signifying the power of yoga in controlling oneself and others.

Yoga Anjaneyar is positioned behind Guru Bhagavan, immersed in meditation, to emphasize the necessity of a guru’s blessings for success in life. The temple’s sacred tree is the peepal tree (arasa maram). At the entrance of the mandapam in front of the sanctum, there are stucco sculptures of a conch, a discus, and in the middle, Vinayaka and Anjaneyar.

The sculptures were crafted with the belief that Lord Vinayaka and Anjaneyar are unaffected by the influence of Shani (Saturn). On one side of the front mandapam, there are stucco sculptures of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana standing, with Anjaneyar in a respectful posture worshiping them. Additionally, there are stucco sculptures of Anjaneyar on three sides of the vimana (tower) of the sanctum, depicted in a standing posture.

Special Features

Floating Stones: Just like in Rameshwaram, this temple also features floating stones. Typically, stones tend to sink when placed in water. However, the large and heavy stones found here float on the water’s surface when placed in it. The Ramayana narrates that it was with such floating stones that Anjaneyar (Hanuman) and his monkey army constructed the Rama Setu (Rama’s bridge)