Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple Chennai

Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, located in the Nanganallur suburb of Chennai, India. The temple is known for its 32-foot tall monolithic granite idol of Hanuman, which is the second tallest Hanuman statue in India.

History of Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

The temple was built in the late 20th century by a group of devotees of Hanuman, called the Sri Maruti Bhakta Samajam Trust.

The temple was founded in 1989, with the installation of a 32-foot-tall (9.8 m) idol of Hanuman carved from a single piece of granite. The idol was consecrated in 1995 by Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati mahaswamiji of Kanchi Mutt.

The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Hanuman. It is also a popular tourist attraction, and is one of the most visited temples in Chennai.

The history of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is relatively short, but it is a testament to the devotion of Hanuman’s devotees. The temple is a beautiful and impressive structure, and it is a fitting tribute to the monkey god.

Here are some of the key events in the history of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

• 1989: The temple is founded by the Sri Maruti Bhakta Samajam Trust.
• 1989: A 32-foot-tall (9.8 m) idol of Hanuman is installed in the temple.
• 1995: The idol is consecrated by Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati mahaswamiji of Kanchi Mutt.

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Legend of Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

The legend of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is as follows:

In the early 1980s, a group of devotees of Lord Hanuman began to have visions of the god instructing them to build a temple in his honor. The devotees began to collect donations and eventually purchased a plot of land in Nanganallur.

Construction of the temple began in 1989 and was completed in 1995. The temple is a massive structure, with a 32-foot-tall idol of Lord Hanuman. The idol is carved from a single piece of granite and is considered to be one of the largest Hanuman idols in the world.

The temple is also home to a number of other shrines, including shrines to Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, and the goddess Durga.

The legend of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is a reminder of the power of faith and devotion. The devotees of Lord Hanuman had a vision of the god and they were able to make that vision a reality. The temple is now a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over the world.

Here are some additional details about the legend:

• The devotees who had the visions of Lord Hanuman were led by a man named Sri Raghavendra Swamy. Sri Raghavendra Swamy was a revered spiritual leader who was known for his devotion to Lord Hanuman.
• The plot of land where the temple was built was originally owned by a Muslim man. The man was willing to sell the land to the devotees at a very low price.
• The construction of the temple was a challenging project. The idol of Lord Hanuman was carved from a single piece of granite that weighed over 100 tons.

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Significance of Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

• Religious significance: The temple is dedicated to Hanuman, a popular Hindu deity who is often worshipped as a symbol of strength, courage, and devotion. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Hanuman, who come to seek his blessings for these qualities.
• Architectural significance: The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which is characterized by its pyramidal towers, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors. The temple is a fine example of Dravidian architecture and is a testament to the artistic and cultural achievements of the Tamil people.
• Cultural significance: The temple is a valuable cultural landmark that helps to preserve and promote the Hindu faith and culture. The temple is a popular tourist destination and is a source of pride for the people of Chennai.

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Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple Timing and Rituals:

The temple is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM.

Morning Rituals

• Purification: Devotees are expected to wash their hands and feet before entering the temple.
• Aarti: Aarti is a ritual of waving lamps and incense before the deity.
• Puja: Puja is a ritual of offering prayers and offerings to the deity.

Evening Rituals

• Vada Malai: Vada Malai is a ritual of offering a garland of vadas (fried lentil fritters) to the deity.
• Aarti: Aarti is performed again in the evening.

Other Rituals

• Pradakshina: Pradakshina is a ritual of circumambulating the temple.
• Archana: Archana is a ritual of offering flowers, fruits, and other offerings to the deity.

Festivals

The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple celebrates a number of festivals throughout the year, including:

• Hanuman Jayanthi: Hanuman Jayanthi is the birthday of Hanuman, celebrated on the full moon day of the month of Chaitra (April-May).
• Ramnavami: Ramnavami is the birthday of Rama, celebrated on the ninth day of the month of Chaitra (April-May).
• Navaratri: Navaratri is a nine-day festival celebrating the victory of good over evil, celebrated in September-October.
• Vijayadashami: Vijayadashami is the tenth day of Navaratri, celebrated as the victory of Rama over Ravana.

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Architecture of Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture, which is characterized by its pyramidal towers, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors. The main shrine of the temple houses a 32-foot-tall idol of Hanuman, which is carved from a single piece of granite. The idol is facing west, and thus the main entrance to the temple is on the west side. There is an auxiliary entrance on the southern side used during temple festivals.

The main temple building has pathways all around the sanctum sanctorum and also a large covered space (mandapa) for devotees to assemble in front of the deity for offering worship. The mandapa is supported by pillars that are decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and mythological scenes.

The temple also features a number of smaller shrines dedicated to other Hindu deities, including Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, and Krishna. These shrines are located around the main shrine and are also adorned with intricate carvings.

The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for devotees of Hanuman. The temple is also a popular tourist destination, and is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant colors.

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Places to visit near Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

1. Guindy National Park: Guindy National Park, located in the Guindy neighborhood of Chennai, is one of the smallest national parks in India. It’s a great place for nature lovers, with a variety of flora and fauna. The park also houses the Guindy Snake Park.
2. Birla Planetarium: The B.M. Birla Planetarium is located in Kotturpuram, Chennai, and is a popular attraction for those interested in astronomy. It features regular shows about the night sky and celestial phenomena.
3. Ramanujar MRTS Station: This station is named after the famous Indian mathematician and philosopher Ramanujan. It is part of the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) in Chennai and provides easy access to various parts of the city.
4. Ashtalakshmi Temple: Ashtalakshmi Temple is located in Besant Nagar, Chennai, and is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The temple complex has separate shrines for each form of Goddess Lakshmi.
5. Elliot’s Beach (Besant Nagar Beach): Elliot’s Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Located in the Besant Nagar neighborhood, it offers a relaxing atmosphere and is a great place to unwind by the sea.
6. Adyar Banyan Tree and Theosophical Society: The Adyar Banyan Tree is one of the largest banyan trees in the world and is located near the Theosophical Society in Adyar. The Theosophical Society’s gardens are peaceful and ideal for a quiet stroll.
7. Cholamandal Artists’ Village: If you are interested in art, you can visit the Cholamandal Artists’ Village, which is located in Injambakkam, Chennai. It is home to a community of artists and showcases contemporary Indian art.

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FAQ:

What is the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu god Hanuman, located in the Nanganallur neighborhood of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the most popular temples in Chennai and is known for its towering 32-foot statue of Hanuman, the second tallest Hanuman statue in India.

Who built the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The temple was built in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara Empire. The main deity is a 32-foot tall statue of Hanuman, which is carved from a single piece of granite. The statue is facing west and is flanked by statues of his parents, Anjana and Kesari.

What is the religious significance of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The temple is dedicated to Hanuman, who is a popular god in Hinduism. Hanuman is known for his strength, devotion, and loyalty. He is also a symbol of victory and success. The temple is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over India.

Why is the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple a popular tourist destination?

The temple is a popular tourist destination for its towering statue of Hanuman. The statue is a popular photo opportunity and is a must-see for any visitor to Chennai. The temple is also home to a number of other shrines, including shrines dedicated to Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana.

What are the opening hours of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The temple is open to the public from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

How do I get to the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The temple is located in the Nanganallur neighborhood of Chennai. It is easily accessible by bus, autorickshaw, or taxi. The temple is also located near the Nanganallur railway station.

Are there any festivals or events associated with the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple?

The temple hosts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. The most important festival is the Hanuman Jayanti, which is celebrated in the month of Chaitra (March-April). Other festivals include the Navaratri and Deepavali.

How to reach Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple:

By Air:

• The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA). From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach Nanganallur.

By Train:

• The nearest railway station is Chennai Egmore or Chennai Central. From the railway station, you can hire a taxi or use local transportation to reach Nanganallur.

By Bus:

• Chennai has an extensive bus network, and you can find buses that connect various parts of the city. You can take a bus to Nanganallur from different bus stands in Chennai.

By Car:

• If you are driving, you can use navigation apps like Google Maps to find the best route to Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple. Nanganallur is well-connected by roads.

Google Maps: