Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple is dedicated to the monkey god, Anjaneyar/Hanuman. It stands atop the Gajagiri hills in Pudupakkam village, on the Kelambakkam- Vandalur road, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. One can reach the temple by climbing 108 steps while enjoying a panoramic view of the surroundings. The hill is densely forested with many kinds of trees and plants, and the ambiance is very serene. The temple is very important to devotees of Anjaneyar. The Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple is also called Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple. Devotees feel that it is a place of positive vibrations and energy.
Anjaneyar/Hanuman is an important deity in Hinduism. He plays a major role in the Ramayana epic and helps Rama rescue his wife, Sita, from Ravana’s clutches. He was also instrumental in saving Rama’s brother, Lakshmana’s life when he was injured in battle. Anjaneyar is the very embodiment of devotion and loyalty. Hindus believe that the best way to get Rama’s blessings is by worshipping Anjaneyar, such is the bond between Rama and his greatest devotee, Hanuman. Many people worship Hanuman to gain strength, confidence, and courage and for protection from negative energies like witchcraft, evil eye, black magic, etc. They also worship him for protection from Planet Shani’s adverse effects.
Legend behind Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple
In the Ramayana, Anjaneyar is the only one who visits Lanka thrice. On the first occasion, he went in search of Sita and found her as a captive in the Ashoka Vanam. He showed her the Kanayazhi (wedding ring) she had given Rama to identify himself as Rama’s envoy and, in turn, received her Choodamani as tangible evidence of having met her. He also met Ravana, the demon king of Lanka, and tried his hand at diplomacy by asking Ravana to hand over Sita Devi back to Rama with all honor. But when Ravana refused and tried to imprison him, Anjaneyar set fire to Lanka and caused widespread destruction. This was also a warning to Ravana as well as a display of his might.
His second visit happened during the march of the Vanara Sena (monkey army) and the construction of the Sethu Bridge. On this occasion, Anjaneyar arrived in Lanka, accompanied by Rama and his brother, Lakshmana.
The third time, he returned to Lanka after bringing the miracle Sanjeevani herb to revive an unconscious Lakshmana, who was wounded by the magical arrow of Indrajit (Ravana’s son) that was applied with a serpent Mantra. This happened during the battle between Rama’s and Ravana’s forces. While he was returning to Lanka with the entire Sanjeevi mountain, Anjaneyar offered Sandhyavandanam (evening prayers). For this, he halted at Pudupakkam, where the temple is located on the Gajagiri Hills.
Significance of Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple
The Pudupakkam Anjaneyar temple has a 6 – foot- tall statue of Anjaneyar. His head faces the North direction, towards the Sanjeevi mountain, and his body faces the East. His right leg is planted on the ground, and his left leg is poised to take flight. His hand shows the Abhaya Mudra, assuring devotees of his protection. One can see a bell at the end of his tail raised above his head. This is a unique feature of the Anjaneyar statue in the Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple.
There are other deities, too, at the Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple. They include Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, who are directly opposite the sanctum sanctorum. It is said that the Madhva saint Sri Vyasatirtha built 108 temples for Anjaneyar, and that is why the temple has 108 steps.
Devotees who visit the temple perform Vennai Kappu- Hydration Pooja with butter and offer betel leaf garlands to Anjaneyar. The temple is closely associated with the Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple in Thiruvidanthai. There is an annual tradition whereby certain things are carried in procession from the Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple to the Nitya Kalyana Perumal Temple on festival days.
Benefits of Worshipping at Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple
Devotees worship Anjaneyar for relief from evil spirits, chronic health problems, marital problems, and mental or psychological issues like fear, depression, and anxiety. They believe that by offering prayers here, they can overcome negativity, bad habits, and gain courage and confidence. They also believe that Anjaneyar’s grace can help them realize all their wishes in life.
Festivals at Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple
Hanuman Jayanthi festival is grandly celebrated at the temple. It is the birthday of Hanuman, that is, the day he appeared on earth. Rama Navami, the birthday of Rama, is celebrated in March- April. These are the major festivals at the Pudupakkam Anjaneyar Temple.