Anjaneya Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman located in Nanganallur, a suburb of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The temple is also known as “Sri Maruti Bhakta Anjaneya Temple”. The Anjaneya Temple at Nanganallur, Chennai is a Hindu temple dedicated to the God Hanuman. The principal idol of Hanuman is 32-feet tall and sculpted from a single piece of granite, which the second tallest Hanuman after Panchavatee near Puducherry. The temple was established in 1989 and was constructed in the Dravidian architectural style.
Legend and History of the Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur
Although the temple is relatively new, the deity of the shrine is a central figure in multiple mythological stories. Within the temple premises, there are also temples of both Lord Rama and Lord Krishna, which is a reference to Lord Hanuman being present in both the great epics of Hindu religion – Ramayana and Mahabharata. In Ramayana, Lord Hanuman was the ardent ‘Ram-bhakt’ and was quintessential in Lord Rama winning the battle against Ravana in Lanka.
In the Mahabharata, Lord Hanuman made a comeback and revealed his identity to Bheema, who was also a son of the God of Air or Vayu, and thus his brother by blood. The two met when Bheema was on his way to find a lake, from where he would collect the flowers with the hypnotizing smell that his wife Draupadi demanded. There, Lord Hanuman promised Bheema that he would look over the Pandavas, and perch himself atop Arjuna’s chariot during the war.
Architecture of the Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple is a beautiful temple that is built in the traditional Dravidian style of architecture. The temple is made of granite and has a gopuram (tower) that is 90 feet tall. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings of various Gods and Goddesses, and the walls of the temple are decorated with colourful paintings. The temple also has a beautiful garden and a pond, which adds to the beauty of the temple.
The deity of Anjaneya is facing west, and the main entrance to the temple is on the west side. There is also an auxiliary entrance on the southern side, which is used during temple festivals. The main temple building has pathways all around the sanctum sanctorum, and there is also a large covered space (Mandapam) for devotees to assemble in front of the Lord for offering worship.
A complete shrine dedicated to Lord Rama has been constructed on the northwest corner. Here, the lord is accompanied by Seetha and Lakshmana, while Anjaneya is present in attendance. The Gods are facing towards the east. Rama’s role as the protector and ruler is depicted by his bow, which he is seen carrying, hence the name “Kodanda Rama” for the lord in this shrine. On the southwest corner, there is a separate shrine for Lord Krishna, Rukmini, and Satyabhama, who are all facing towards the east. Although a shrine for Lord Rama is typically built in Anjaneya temples, it is rare to find a separate shrine for Lord Krishna. In this temple, the Krishna shrine serves to remind devotees that among the Gods, only Anjaneya was present in both Indian epics – Ramayana as a direct disciple of Rama and in Mahabharata on the flag of Arjuna’s chariot as ordained by Lord Krishna to protect it from destruction by the opponents. In the northeast part of the temple, a small platform houses “Vinayaka” facing towards the east, and on another platform to the left, ‘Naga’ has been installed. Saint Raghavendra has taken his abode facing Lord Krishna in this temple.
Festival of the Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple in Nanganallur celebrates Hanuman Jayanti with great fervour. Hanuman Jayanti is celebrated to commemorate the birth of Lord Hanuman, and it falls on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Chaitra (March or April). During the festival, the temple is decorated with flowers and lights, and special prayers and poojas are performed to honour Lord Hanuman.
Apart from Hanuman Jayanti, other festivals like Sri Krishna Jayanti, Navratri, Diwali, and Ram Navami are also celebrated with great fervor in the temple.
Pooja Timings of the Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple in Nanganallur is open from 6 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm. Special poojas are performed at the temple during the morning and evening hours, and devotees can participate in the poojas to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman.
How To Reach the Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple in Nanganallur is located in the southern part of Chennai and is easily accessible by public transport.
By Air
The Chennai International Airport is about 6 km away from the temple, and taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available from the airport to reach the temple.
By Rail
The nearest railway station to the temple is the Pazhavanthangal Railway Station, which is about 2 km away from the temple.
By Bus
The nearest bus stop to the temple is the Nanganallur Bus Stop, which is just a few minutes’ walk from the temple.
