Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple – Namakkal

Address

Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple Hanumar Kovil Street, Palaniyappa Colony, Thillaipuram, Namakkal-637001 Phone: 04286 – 233 999.

Deity

Anjaneyar

Introduction

• Location: Namakkal, Tamil Nadu, India, situated at the base of Namakkal Hill, on the road between Namakkal and Salem.
• Significance: The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, known as Anjaneyar in this context. It features one of the tallest Hanuman idols in India, standing at 18 feet (5.5 meters).

Puranic Significance:

• Architectural Style: The temple is designed in Tamil architectural style, characterized by a flat gateway tower and a pillared hall leading to the sanctum.
• Legend: The temple’s legend is associated with Lord Narasimha, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. When the demon king Hiranyakasipu could not be vanquished by any human, Vishnu took the form of Narasimha, a human-lion hybrid, to defeat him. This event is believed to have occurred during an evening at a doorway, highlighting the divine intervention in protecting dharma.

Beliefs:

• Prayers and Offerings: Devotees visit the temple to pray for successful marriage negotiations, child blessings, and academic success. Special abisheks (ritualistic bathing) with new vastras (clothes) are performed for Lord Hanuman.

Special Features:

• Connection to Lakshmi: The temple is associated with a unique legend involving Goddess Lakshmi. During her penance, Hanuman was carrying an image made of Saligrama (sacred stone). Lakshmi requested Hanuman to reveal the form of Vishnu as Narasimha. As Hanuman left to fulfill another task, the image grew into a mount, and Narasimha appeared before them.
• Narasimhaswamy Temple: A nearby Narasimhaswamy temple at the foothills is linked to the same legend. Hanuman is believed to have worshipped Lord Narasimha here in his standing posture.
• Kudavarai Narasimhar: The temple houses a depiction of Lord Narasimha with sharp nails used to slay Hiranyakasipu. Known as Kudavarai Murthi, this idol is associated with bloodstains and does not undergo Tirumanjanam (ablution).
• Goddess Mahalakshmi: The temple features a shrine for Goddess Mahalakshmi, who is depicted on the chest of Lord Narasimha. Worshipping Mahalakshmi here is believed to enhance mathematical skills.

Festivals:

• Panguni Festival: A 15-day festival is celebrated during the Panguni month (March-April). On the Uthiram Star day of the festival, Lord Narasimha visits the shrine of Goddess Mahalakshmi, allowing devotees to have a joint darshan (viewing) of both deities. The car festival is celebrated on the following day, marking the grand conclusion of the celebrations.

Century/Period/Age

1000- Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious Endowment Board. (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Namakkal

Nearest Railway Station

Namakkal

Nearest Airport

Coimbatore

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