If you are looking for a spiritual and cultural experience in Chennai, you should not miss the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur, one of the most popular and revered temples in the city. This temple is famous for its 32-feet idol of Lord Hanuman, the monkey god and devotee of Lord Rama, which is believed to have miraculous powers and grant wishes to the faithful. The temple is also known for its beautiful architecture, serene atmosphere, and vibrant festivals.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur, such as its history, architecture, deities, timings, festivals, location, and tips. Whether you are a devotee, a tourist, or a curious traveller, you will find this temple a fascinating and rewarding destination.
History and Architecture of the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur was built in 1989 by the Anjaneyar Bhaktha Sabha, a group of devotees who wanted to create a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. The temple was constructed on a piece of land donated by a local resident, and the idol was consecrated by the famous saint Sri Ragavendra Swamy. The idol was sculpted by Sri Kasinatha Stapathi, a renowned artist who followed the ancient rules of temple architecture. The idol is made of single stone and weighs about 15 tonnes. It is the largest Hanuman idol in Tamil Nadu and one of the largest in India.
The idol of Lord Hanuman is the main attraction of the temple, and it is visible from a long distance. The idol depicts Hanuman in a standing posture, with his right hand raised in a gesture of blessing and his left hand holding a mace. The idol is adorned with gold ornaments and silk clothes, and it is decorated with flowers and sandal paste. The idol is said to have a divine glow and a magnetic aura that attracts devotees from far and wide. Many people believe that the idol can cure diseases, fulfill desires, and protect from evil. The idol is also said to grow in size every year, as a sign of its increasing power and grace.
The temple complex is spread over an area of 1.5 acres and has a Rajagopuram (tower) at the entrance. The temple has a mandapam (hall) where the idol is installed, and a prakaram (circumambulatory path) around it. The temple also has shrines for other deities, such as Lord Rama, Lord Krishna, Lord Vinayaka, Lord Shiva, Goddess Durga, and Navagrahas (nine planets). The temple has a granite flooring and a marble ceiling, and it is painted with bright colours and intricate designs. The temple also has sculptures and paintings depicting the stories and glories of Lord Hanuman and other gods.
Timings and Festivals of the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur is open to the public every day, from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple has special timings and events on Saturdays and Sundays, when the devotees throng the temple in large numbers. On Saturdays, the temple is open from 5:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and on Sundays, the temple is open from 5:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. The temple also has special pujas (rituals) and abhishekams (bathing of the idol) on these days, as well as alankarams (ornamentation) and aartis (waving of lamps).
The temple celebrates various festivals throughout the year, with great pomp and fervour. Some of the major festivals are:
Hanumath Jayanthi: This is the birthday of Lord Hanuman, and it is celebrated in the month of Margazhi (December-January). The temple conducts special pujas, abhishekams, and alankarams for the idol, and also distributes prasadam (sacred food) to the devotees. The temple also organizes cultural programs, such as music, dance, and drama, based on the life and teachings of Lord Hanuman. The highlight of the festival is the grand procession of the idol on a chariot around the temple and the neighbourhood, accompanied by devotional songs and chants.
Gokulashtami: This is the birthday of Lord Krishna, and it is celebrated in the month of Avani (August-September). The temple conducts special pujas, abhishekams, and alankarams for the idol of Lord Krishna, and also distributes prasadam to the devotees. The temple also organizes fun activities, such as breaking the pot and butter stealing, based on the childhood and adventures of Lord Krishna. The devotees also sing and dance to the melodious tunes of Lord Krishna’s flute.
Sri Rama Navami: This is the birthday of Lord Rama, and it is celebrated in the month of Panguni (March-April). The temple conducts special pujas, abhishekams, and alankarams for the idol of Lord Rama, and also distributes prasadam to the devotees. The temple also organizes spiritual discourses, such as Ramayana and Bhagavatam, based on the epic and divine stories of Lord Rama and his devotees. The devotees also recite and listen to the sacred names and glories of Lord Rama and his devotees.
Visiting the temple during these festivals is a unique and memorable experience, as you can witness the devotion, joy, and celebration of the devotees. You can also participate in the rituals, events, and programs, and receive the blessings and grace of Lord Hanuman and other gods.
How to Reach the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur is located in the southern part of Chennai, in the Nanganallur area. The temple is easily accessible by various modes of transport, such as air, train, and road. Here are some of the options and directions to reach the temple from different locations in Chennai:
By Air:
The nearest airport to the temple is the Chennai International Airport, which is about 7 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to the temple, which will take about 20 minutes. The taxi fare will be around Rs. 200, and the bus fare will be around Rs. 20. The bus number to take is M70 or M70N, and the bus stop to get down is Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the temple is the Palavanthangal Railway Station, which is about 3 km away. You can take a taxi, a bus, or a metro from the station to the temple, which will take about 10 minutes. The taxi fare will be around Rs. 100, the bus fare will be around Rs. 10, and the metro fare will be around Rs. 20. The bus number to take is M70 or M70N, and the bus stop to get down is Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple. The metro line to take is the Blue Line, and the metro station to get down is Nanganallur Road.
By Road:
The best route to reach the temple by road is to take the Grand Southern Trunk Road (NH 45) and then turn left at the Nanganallur Junction. The temple is about 1 km from the junction, and you can follow the signboards and landmarks to reach the temple. You can also take an auto-rickshaw from the junction, which will charge around Rs. 30. Some of the landmarks to look for are the Nanganallur Market, the Nanganallur Bus Depot, and the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple. The temple is easily visible from the road, as it has a tall tower and a giant idol.
Tips and Advice for Visiting the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur
The Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur is a sacred and respectable place, and you should follow some dos and don’ts while visiting the temple. Here are some of the tips and advice for visitors:
Dress Code:
You should wear modest and decent clothes while entering the temple, as a sign of reverence and humility. You should avoid wearing shorts, skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing outfits. You should also remove your shoes, socks, and leather items before entering the temple premises, and keep them in the shoe racks provided outside the temple.
Photography:
You are not allowed to take photos or videos of the idol or the temple interior, as it is considered disrespectful and distracting. You can take photos of the temple exterior, the tower, and the surroundings, but only with permission from the temple authorities. You should also switch off or silence your mobile phones and other electronic devices while inside the temple, and avoid making any noise or disturbance.
Parking:
The temple has a limited and paid parking facility near the entrance, which can accommodate only a few cars and bikes. You may have to wait for a long time to get a parking spot, especially on weekends and festivals. You can also park your vehicle in the nearby streets or public parking lots, but at your own risk and responsibility. You should also follow the traffic rules and regulations while driving to and from the temple, and avoid any congestion or conflict with other vehicles or pedestrians.
Prasadam:
The temple offers prasadam to the devotees, which is a sacred and delicious food prepared and blessed by the priests. You can receive the prasadam from the counters inside the temple, after offering your donations and prayers. You can also buy the prasadam from the stalls outside the temple, which sell various snacks, sweets, and drinks. You should consume the prasadam with devotion and gratitude, and avoid wasting or throwing it away. You should also keep the temple premises clean and hygienic, and dispose of any waste or garbage in the bins provided.
Donation:
The temple accepts donations from the devotees, which are used for the maintenance and development of the temple and its activities. You can donate any amount of money or kind to the temple, either in cash or cheque or online. You can also sponsor any of the pujas, abhishekams, or alankarams for the idol, and receive the blessings and benefits of the rituals. You can also volunteer your time and service to the temple, by helping in the cleaning, cooking, serving, or organizing of the temple affairs. You should donate with a pure and generous heart, and avoid any expectation or boasting.
The Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur is a must-visit destination for anyone who wants to experience the spiritual and cultural richness of Chennai. The temple is a wonder and a pride of the city, and it attracts millions of devotees and tourists every year. The temple is a source of peace, joy, and inspiration for the visitors, and it offers a unique and memorable experience.
Whether you are a believer or a seeker, you will find something to admire and learn from the temple and its idol. You will also find some of the best and affordable options for accommodation, food, and shopping near the temple, as well as some of the other attractions and places to visit in Chennai. You can plan and book your trip to the temple easily, either online or offline, and enjoy a smooth and safe journey.
So, what are you waiting for? Visit the Anjaneyar Temple Nanganallur today, and experience the glory and grace of Lord Hanuman and other gods.
