Veera Anjaneyar Temple, Pudupakkam

A temple facing east stands atop a hill called Gajagiri in the Pudupakkam village in the Vandalur Taluk of Chengalpattu district. Amidst scenic surroundings, the 108 steps lead up to the temple on the hill, which houses the deity of Anjaneyar.  This ancient Anjaneyar temple has a Divine aura of peace and tranquillity, with several trees and beautiful plants. Devotees worship the deity Veera Anjaneyar, who emits positive energy and vibrations.

Architecture

There are 108 steps leading to the temple, which sits atop the hill. At the base of the steps is the shrine of Sarva Siddhi Vinayaka. The temple faces the east. Giant statues of Garuda and Hanuman are present before the entrance arch. At the entrance arch are stucco images of Sri Rama with Sita Devi and Lakshmana, flanked by Anjaneya and Garuda on either side.

The road route to the temple has the Sapta Matrikas and shrines for Shiva and Vishnu. At the top are Kothandaramar (Sri Rama with a Bow) facing west and Veera Anjaneyar facing him towards the east. 

The Veera Anjaneyar deity is an ancient rock-carved piece depicting him as ready to fly northwards with a bell tied to his tail and lifted in a unique posture to this form of Hanuman. His face is towards the north (where the Sanjeevani hill lies), and his body is towards the east. His right left is placed on the ground while his left foot is ready to take flight. 

Veera Anjaneya’s hand is in the Abahaya Mudra (Posture of Protection), unique as his usual posture is the Anjali Mudra. His other hand is resting on his hip. There is a lotus symbol on his navel. The deities of Sri Rama, Sita Devi and Lakshmana are opposite the main sanctum. 

History

This temple was built in the 15th century CE. He installed the Anjaneya deity in it. It is believed Mashwa Saint Vyasatirtha established 108 temples for Anjaneyar, symbolised by the 108 steps leading up to the sanctum at the hilltop.

This idol is one of the 732 Vyasa Pratishtha Hanuman idols across India. They all have one identical aspect: They all turn towards the north, with a lotus flower in one hand and a bell at the end of their tails. On top of the hill, there is a huge lamp construction for lighting the Karthigai Deepam.

Legend 

Hanuman, also known as Veera Anjaneya, is a supreme form of courage and is believed to be the son of Vayu, the Wind God. He is extremely powerful and embodies strength and valour. He is the perfect symbol of Shakti (Power) and Bhakti (Devotion). In the epic Ramayana, he plays a pivotal role in assisting Sri Rama in his search for Sita Devi after her abduction by Ravana of Lanka.

Hanuman is Sri Rama’s chosen messenger, warrior, and assistant. He is a Divine Vanara who lived to serve Sri Rama and embodies devotion and dedication. He is an exemplary devotee who provides courage, inner strength, hope, knowledge, and intellect. Veera Anjaneya is a perfect example of Bal (Strength), Buddhi (Intelligence), and Vidya (Wisdom). He is the exemplary Bhakti Yogi who fearlessly used his gifts to connect with the Divine.

Hanuman’s worship, here as Veera Anjaneya, symbolises the worship of the Supreme Lord for acquiring knowledge, physical and mental strength, agility, truthfulness, sacrifice, modesty, loyalty and pure devotion. Anjaneya had extraordinary speed, strength, wisdom, staunch loyalty and devotion abilities.

According to legend, Lakshmana, brother of Sri Rama, was severely injured by Ravana’s son Indrajit in the battle in Lanka. Lakshmana became unconscious. To revive him, Hanuman set off to find the Sanjeevani herb from Mount Dronagiri on the slopes of the Himalayas. Hanuman, unable to identify the Sanjeevani herb, lifted the entire mountain and, on the return route, stopped at Gajagiri Hill to perform Sandhyavandanam (Evening Prayers). 

The temple was built on the hill to commemorate this event. According to tradition, Hanuman performs Girivalam on Poornima (Full Moon) nights around the hill.

Significance 

Devotees offer Vennai Kaapu (Covering Idol with Butter) and garlands of betel leaves with Arugumpul on Tuesdays to realise their wishes for jobs and promotions and fulfil their prayers. This temple is associated with the Sri Nitya Kalyana Perumal temple in Thiruvidanthai. They follow a tradition during festival occasions, where a few things are carried out in procession, from the Veera Anjaneyar temple to the Sri Nitya Kalyana Perumal temple. 

Blessings 

Devotees offer prayers to Veera Anjaneyar at this temple and seek relief from enemies, evil spirits, the negative effects of black magic, and obstacles in life. Children make a miraculous recovery after visiting this temple, and people also get relief from bad habits, negativity, fear, and anxiety.

Festivals

The temple celebrates the two most important festivals- Hanuman Jayanti and Ram Navami with a lot of devotion.

Timings:

06:00 am – 10:00 am

05:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Connectivity

By Road– The temple is on the Vandalur-Kelambakkam route and has frequent bus services.

By Rail– The nearest railway station, Vandalur, is 18 kilometres from the temple.

By Air– The nearest airport is Chennai, located 29 kilometres from the temple.