Nanganallur, a bustling suburb in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is home to one of the most revered landmarks of devotion—the Anjaneya Swamy Temple, dedicated to the mighty Hanuman. This temple is a center of spiritual energy, attracting thousands of devotees each year who seek blessings, strength, and solace. At the heart of this sacred site stands a magnificent Lord Hanuman statue, a 32-foot marvel sculpted from a single granite stone, which makes it one of the tallest Hanuman statues in India.
A Glimpse into History
The story of the Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple began in the late 20th century when a group of spiritually inclined individuals formed the Sri Maruthi Bhaktha Samajam Trust. Their unwavering devotion and determination led to the establishment of this monumental temple. The towering idol of Lord Hanuman was installed in 1989, and the temple's grand consecration (Kumbhabhishekam) took place in 1995.
The installation of the 32-foot-tall Anjaneya idol was overseen by the esteemed Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji of Kanchi Mutt, adding a divine touch to the proceedings. What makes this idol truly remarkable is its construction—it was sculpted from a single block of granite, a feat that symbolizes the unity and strength embodied by Lord Hanuman worship.
The installation of the 32-foot-tall Anjaneya idol was overseen by the esteemed Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji of Kanchi Mutt, adding a divine touch to the proceedings. What makes this idol truly remarkable is its construction—it was sculpted from a single block of granite, a feat that symbolizes the unity and strength embodied by Lord Hanuman worship.
The Architecture of Devotion
The Anjaneya Swamy Temple stands tall with a Temple Tower (Gopuram) soaring 90 feet high, reflecting the grandeur of traditional South Indian temple architecture. The main shrine houses the awe-inspiring idol of Nanganallur Hanuman, which faces west—a direction considered auspicious for receiving the prayers and wishes of devotees.
Surrounding the sanctum sanctorum are spacious pathways that allow devotees to circumambulate the shrine while offering their prayers. A large, covered hall (mandapa) in front of the shrine provides ample space for devotees to gather and perform rituals.
Surrounding the sanctum sanctorum are spacious pathways that allow devotees to circumambulate the shrine while offering their prayers. A large, covered hall (mandapa) in front of the shrine provides ample space for devotees to gather and perform rituals.
In addition to the central shrine dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the temple also houses sanctums for other deities:
- Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and Hanuman: Located in the northwest corner, this sanctum portrays Lord Rama as Kodanda Rama, holding his bow, symbolizing his role as the protector and ruler.
- Lord Krishna with Rukmini and Satyabhama: Rarely seen in Anjaneya Swamy Temples, this shrine honors the connection of Lord Hanuman with both epics—Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Vinayaka and Naga Shrines: These are located in the northeastern part of the temple, offering a space for devotees to worship Ganapati and the serpent deity.
- Saint Raghavendra Shrine: Situated near Lord Krishna’s shrine, this sanctum provides a spiritual link to this revered saint.
The Significance of Nanganallur Anjaneya
The temple’s massive Lord Hanuman statue is not just an architectural wonder but also a powerful symbol of devotion and divine energy. The towering idol represents the strength, courage, and unwavering devotion of Lord Hanuman, inspiring devotees to face life’s challenges with faith and determination.
In Hinduism, Lord Hanuman worship is believed to bring immense benefits, including the removal of obstacles, protection from harm, and blessings for success and prosperity. The Nanganallur Hanuman is especially revered for granting mental strength and focus, making the temple a favorite destination for students, professionals, and those seeking spiritual solace.
In Hinduism, Lord Hanuman worship is believed to bring immense benefits, including the removal of obstacles, protection from harm, and blessings for success and prosperity. The Nanganallur Hanuman is especially revered for granting mental strength and focus, making the temple a favorite destination for students, professionals, and those seeking spiritual solace.
Iconography of Anjaneya Hanuman
The Anjaneyar statue at the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple in Chennai is a stunning 32-foot tall sculpture of Sri Hanuman. In this depiction, Lord Hanuman is standing with both of his hands folded, showing his complete devotion to Lord Rama. His hands being folded emphasizes his submission and unwavering loyalty to his Lord. The statue is crafted with remarkable detail, showcasing Sri Hanuman’s strength and devotion in a powerful yet humble pose.
The statue also features a Bajubandh (armband) on Lord Hanuman's arms and bangles on his wrists, adding a regal touch to his appearance. He is crowned with a beautiful crown, and a tilak is placed on his forehead, further accentuating his divine presence. His ears are adorned with kundals (earrings), making his appearance even more majestic.
Sri Hanuman's legs are positioned straight, signifying his readiness and discipline. His feet are adorned with anklets, completing his overall divine look. The Parabhawali, which surrounds the statue, adds a beautiful and divine aura to Hanuman’s form, enhancing the grandeur of the statue.
This statue of Lord Hanuman at Nanganallur perfectly captures his devotion, strength, and readiness to serve Lord Rama, making it a significant spiritual symbol for all who visit the temple. The detailed craftsmanship of this statue invites devotees to experience the power and grace of Lord Hanuman, who stands as a beacon of devotion and strength.
The statue also features a Bajubandh (armband) on Lord Hanuman's arms and bangles on his wrists, adding a regal touch to his appearance. He is crowned with a beautiful crown, and a tilak is placed on his forehead, further accentuating his divine presence. His ears are adorned with kundals (earrings), making his appearance even more majestic.
Sri Hanuman's legs are positioned straight, signifying his readiness and discipline. His feet are adorned with anklets, completing his overall divine look. The Parabhawali, which surrounds the statue, adds a beautiful and divine aura to Hanuman’s form, enhancing the grandeur of the statue.
This statue of Lord Hanuman at Nanganallur perfectly captures his devotion, strength, and readiness to serve Lord Rama, making it a significant spiritual symbol for all who visit the temple. The detailed craftsmanship of this statue invites devotees to experience the power and grace of Lord Hanuman, who stands as a beacon of devotion and strength.
The Miraculous Tale of Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple
The story behind the creation of this temple and the remarkable idol is one filled with faith, determination, and a touch of the miraculous.
The temple's inception dates back to the visionary efforts of Sri Ramani Anna, a devotee from Nanganallur. He had a deep devotion to Lord Hanuman, and it was his wish to create a temple that would house a colossal idol of Anjaneyar. His dream was to build a temple where devotees could worship the mighty Hanuman and seek his blessings for strength and protection.
To bring this vision to life, Sri Ramani Anna approached Sri Kanchi Matam and sought the blessings and guidance of the revered spiritual leader, Sri Maha Periyava. Maha Periyava was known for his deep spiritual insight and was a great admirer of Lord Hanuman. With the blessing of the Periyava, Ramani Anna set out to find a suitable stone for the statue.
After much searching, they finally found a massive block of granite that was perfect for sculpting the towering idol. A sculptor was chosen to carve the idol, and the work began. The sculptor worked with dedication and expertise, and after some time, the majestic statue of Anjaneyar was complete.
Once the statue was ready, the next step was to bring it to Nanganallur, where the temple would be built. The Balalayam ceremony was performed, which involved placing the idol temporarily in water, milk, and grains as part of the purification process before the final consecration (Prathishta).
While everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, there was one detail that needed attention. Sri Ramani Anna went back to Sri Kanchi Matham to inform Maha Periyava of the completion of the statue and to receive further instructions. As they conversed, the Periyava asked Sri Ramani Anna about the positioning of Anjaneyar’s tail. Ramani Anna proudly described how the tail was beautifully raised above the head of the idol, anticipating the Periyava’s approval.
To Ramani Anna’s surprise, Maha Periyava fell silent for a moment, which made him uneasy. Then, Periyava gently but firmly remarked, "Maruthi (Hanuman) never stands with his tail raised above his head in front of Sri Rama!" This statement deeply troubled Ramani Anna, as he realized that the tail’s position was not appropriate according to the tradition. The idol had already been sculpted, and the Balalayam had been set in motion, with the Prathishta scheduled to take place at an auspicious time.
Ramani Anna, filled with worry, asked the Periyava what could be done. The problem seemed insurmountable—removing and altering the tail would require significant reorganization, including a redo of the Balalayam and the Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony). The timing of the auspicious moment could not be altered, and the idol had to be consecrated as planned.
The day of the consecration arrived, and everything was set for the Prathishta ceremony. A crane was brought in to lift the massive statue of Anjaneyar and place it on the pedestal at the designated spot in the temple. However, as they prepared to lift the idol, something extraordinary happened.
To their utter astonishment, they discovered that the tail of the idol had already been expertly cut off, at exactly the right place, and without any flaw! It was as though a sculptor had precisely and skillfully removed the tail, just as required, and it had been done without disturbing the perfection of the idol.
This miraculous turn of events left Sri Ramani Anna and the members of the temple committee speechless. They raised their hands in gratitude, acknowledging the divine intervention. Tears flowed down their cheeks as they realized that their devotion and faith had been rewarded. The grace of Sri Maha Periyava had ensured that the idol was in perfect form, as per the divine instructions.
The story of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is not just about the grandeur of the statue or the rituals performed; it is a testament to the power of faith, the grace of the divine, and the unwavering belief in spiritual guidance. The 32-foot Lord Hanuman statue is not just a physical marvel but also a symbol of how divine intervention can shape events in the most unexpected ways.
The temple at Nanganallur today stands as a beacon of devotion, drawing countless devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The story behind the creation of the idol, the miraculous resolution of the tail dilemma, and the deep connection between Sri Ramani Anna, Maha Periyava, and the deity, all make this temple a unique place of worship.
Every devotee who visits the temple is reminded of the power of Lord Hanuman—a deity who stands for strength, humility, and devotion. The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple continues to inspire faith and devotion, while the miraculous tale of the tail serves as a reminder of the unseen divine forces that guide our lives.
The temple's inception dates back to the visionary efforts of Sri Ramani Anna, a devotee from Nanganallur. He had a deep devotion to Lord Hanuman, and it was his wish to create a temple that would house a colossal idol of Anjaneyar. His dream was to build a temple where devotees could worship the mighty Hanuman and seek his blessings for strength and protection.
To bring this vision to life, Sri Ramani Anna approached Sri Kanchi Matam and sought the blessings and guidance of the revered spiritual leader, Sri Maha Periyava. Maha Periyava was known for his deep spiritual insight and was a great admirer of Lord Hanuman. With the blessing of the Periyava, Ramani Anna set out to find a suitable stone for the statue.
After much searching, they finally found a massive block of granite that was perfect for sculpting the towering idol. A sculptor was chosen to carve the idol, and the work began. The sculptor worked with dedication and expertise, and after some time, the majestic statue of Anjaneyar was complete.
Once the statue was ready, the next step was to bring it to Nanganallur, where the temple would be built. The Balalayam ceremony was performed, which involved placing the idol temporarily in water, milk, and grains as part of the purification process before the final consecration (Prathishta).
While everything seemed to be progressing smoothly, there was one detail that needed attention. Sri Ramani Anna went back to Sri Kanchi Matham to inform Maha Periyava of the completion of the statue and to receive further instructions. As they conversed, the Periyava asked Sri Ramani Anna about the positioning of Anjaneyar’s tail. Ramani Anna proudly described how the tail was beautifully raised above the head of the idol, anticipating the Periyava’s approval.
To Ramani Anna’s surprise, Maha Periyava fell silent for a moment, which made him uneasy. Then, Periyava gently but firmly remarked, "Maruthi (Hanuman) never stands with his tail raised above his head in front of Sri Rama!" This statement deeply troubled Ramani Anna, as he realized that the tail’s position was not appropriate according to the tradition. The idol had already been sculpted, and the Balalayam had been set in motion, with the Prathishta scheduled to take place at an auspicious time.
Ramani Anna, filled with worry, asked the Periyava what could be done. The problem seemed insurmountable—removing and altering the tail would require significant reorganization, including a redo of the Balalayam and the Kumbhabhishekam (consecration ceremony). The timing of the auspicious moment could not be altered, and the idol had to be consecrated as planned.
Periyava, with his calm and composed demeanor, assured Ramani Anna, “You just proceed with your schedule. Everything will be alright. Anjaneyar will cooperate.”
Though Ramani Anna felt uneasy, he trusted in the words of the Periyava and proceeded with the plans, performing all the necessary rituals and homams to prepare for the consecration.
The day of the consecration arrived, and everything was set for the Prathishta ceremony. A crane was brought in to lift the massive statue of Anjaneyar and place it on the pedestal at the designated spot in the temple. However, as they prepared to lift the idol, something extraordinary happened.
To their utter astonishment, they discovered that the tail of the idol had already been expertly cut off, at exactly the right place, and without any flaw! It was as though a sculptor had precisely and skillfully removed the tail, just as required, and it had been done without disturbing the perfection of the idol.
This miraculous turn of events left Sri Ramani Anna and the members of the temple committee speechless. They raised their hands in gratitude, acknowledging the divine intervention. Tears flowed down their cheeks as they realized that their devotion and faith had been rewarded. The grace of Sri Maha Periyava had ensured that the idol was in perfect form, as per the divine instructions.
The story of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is not just about the grandeur of the statue or the rituals performed; it is a testament to the power of faith, the grace of the divine, and the unwavering belief in spiritual guidance. The 32-foot Lord Hanuman statue is not just a physical marvel but also a symbol of how divine intervention can shape events in the most unexpected ways.
The temple at Nanganallur today stands as a beacon of devotion, drawing countless devotees who come to seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman. The story behind the creation of the idol, the miraculous resolution of the tail dilemma, and the deep connection between Sri Ramani Anna, Maha Periyava, and the deity, all make this temple a unique place of worship.
Every devotee who visits the temple is reminded of the power of Lord Hanuman—a deity who stands for strength, humility, and devotion. The Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple continues to inspire faith and devotion, while the miraculous tale of the tail serves as a reminder of the unseen divine forces that guide our lives.
Rituals and Festivals
The Anjaneya Swamy Temple is vibrant with devotional activities throughout the year. Daily rituals begin with the early morning Suprabhatam and include Abhishekam (sacred bathing of the deity), Alankaram (decoration), and Archana (prayers). Special rituals are conducted on Hanuman Jayanti, a festival celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, attracting large crowds of devotees.
Other major festivals like Rama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami are also celebrated with great fervor, reflecting the temple's inclusive approach to honoring various deities connected with Lord Hanuman worship.
Other major festivals like Rama Navami and Krishna Janmashtami are also celebrated with great fervor, reflecting the temple's inclusive approach to honoring various deities connected with Lord Hanuman worship.
The Journey of Administration
Since its consecration in 1995, the temple has been managed by the Sri Maruthi Bhaktha Samajam Trust. However, allegations of financial irregularities led to its administration being taken over by the Hindu Religious and Charity Endowment Department (HR&CE) of Tamil Nadu in 2013. Despite the challenges, the temple continues to thrive as a center of spirituality and devotion under its new management.
Unique Aspects of the Temple
- Granite Idol: The Lord Hanuman statue at the temple is one of the largest in India and is unique in being sculpted from a single block of granite. This represents the steadfast and unbreakable qualities of Hanuman.
- Presence in Two Epics: The inclusion of a shrine for Lord Krishna, alongside the traditional Kodanda Rama shrine, underscores Hanuman’s role in both the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Architectural Grandeur: The towering Gopuram and spacious mandapas reflect the intricate craftsmanship and dedication of the temple’s creators.
Why Visit Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple?
The Nanganallur Hanuman Temple is not just a place of worship; it is a sanctuary where one can experience divine peace and strength. Visitors often report a sense of calm and inspiration after witnessing the towering figure of Lord Hanuman, who embodies the virtues of devotion, courage, and humility.
Whether you are seeking blessings for personal challenges or simply wish to immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of a sacred space, the Anjaneya Swamy Temple offers an unparalleled spiritual experience.
Whether you are seeking blessings for personal challenges or simply wish to immerse yourself in the serene ambiance of a sacred space, the Anjaneya Swamy Temple offers an unparalleled spiritual experience.
Conclusion
The Nanganallur Anjaneya Temple stands as a beacon of faith and devotion in Chennai, inspiring countless devotees with its majestic Lord Hanuman statue and sacred energy. From its remarkable history and architectural splendor to the powerful symbolism of Lord Hanuman worship, the temple is a testament to the enduring legacy of Hanuman’s divine presence.
Whether you are a resident of Chennai or a traveler on a spiritual journey, the Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Nanganallur invites you to connect with the divine and find strength in the eternal grace of Lord Hanuman.
Whether you are a resident of Chennai or a traveler on a spiritual journey, the Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Nanganallur invites you to connect with the divine and find strength in the eternal grace of Lord Hanuman.
