Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple — Attraction in Zone 12 Alandur

Jai Shree Ram to Lord Hanuman . Apart from God and his divine presence I feel the people working in temple as helpers , management , priests etc are all behaving rudely with devotees. Firstly the uber and auto drivers have some great attitude asking and pushing public to pay what they ask and they behave so forceful on oldies and ladies and girls . Arguing and force to pay. Overcharging and forcefully looting public . Two wheelers and cars drive rashly no place to walk on road and they brush across in speeding way, irresponsible way. The flower vendor ladies are extremely extortion ones . We asked for simple 150rs archana items she forcefully gave us 400 rs mala and was refusing to understand that we are fine with 150rs offering . She packed in plastic and said now i can't take it you have to buy . Then the mala and offerings are taken somewhere backside of temple and they don't even put your offerings in front of God then a chit is given in return and you have to collect some flowers and coconut and banana as return offering . When we asked for plastic bag to the old man giving these return offering he started frowning and showing off as if we asked for some land or gold from him . He started misbehaving with my mother-in-law and spoke in different language and acted very rudely . Complete mannerless and cheats everywhere. The local people are extremely arrogant , money minded , behave like they all hold novel prizes and they judge people based on how well off they seem and can give . No proper instructions given to devotees what to do where to do how to do . The priest and the local devotees too behave with tourist as if we are some illiterate people who have no knowledge or clue about anything. The thing if the flower vendors charge a 600 or 700 for a big mala and seperate money for archana why can't the priest take our flowers and offer in front of us , the flowers must be collected back side and resold to vendors . Please be very careful if your unable to speak their language as they will take u for a ride and loot u . The shops and flower vendors are very very greedy for money they will force u to buy maximum things from them . Be very specific by asking prices and then clearly telling them what exactly u need . Otherwise if u seem clueless or ask them what can be offered they will start packing flowers and everything and then u can negotiate they will force u to pay even if u say u don't want so many things . The people are mannerless and desperate, when pooja arti is given to touch they will push eachother ladies kids who are not local and act as if they will be left without it if they don't get it . In general people of chennai are very mannerless , arrogant , loot outsiders of not this state and intentionally speak in other language when they know we are outsiders . Weather is bad ,roads are good and doesn't seem too crowded . Whenever we go to any shops or local vendors , uber , autos they will jump on you to give whatever money they demand. They leave no stone unturned to squeeze every bit of your money . Be careful when in Chennai preferably have someone who can speak to locals in...

Let me tell you about my adventures in Chennai's Naganallur Anjaneyar Temple. Oh, my dear readers, what a temple! Since the 1990s, I've occasionally made Saturday pilgrimages, and let me tell you: this location is a spiritual haven unlike any other. Be prepared to be in awe of the enormous 32-foot Hanuman idol, which will undoubtedly carry you to a higher level of divine respect.

Now, I must warn you that as you walk on this holy site, you will come across a sea of believers, rushing and shoving in the wait to see the Lord. It's similar to waiting in queue for the newest technology release, but with a spiritual twist. Oh, and get ready for a fragrant encounter with the cows near the gate, one of our fine friends! They have the uncanny ability to approach you closely, leaving their distinctive aroma behind as a reminder of your visit.

Fear not, however, for you will encounter an ethereal spiritual vibration that permeates the air in the midst of the bustle and excitement. You get chills of devotion as though the heavenly presence itself is reaching out to touch your soul. I advise anyone looking for peace to find a quiet area, close their eyes, and spend some time reflecting on the Lord. My friends, if you concentrate and stay focused, you will be taken to a tranquil condition of inner serenity, far from the commotion of the crowd.

Free Pepper Pongal is a delicious little treat that will satisfy both your palate and your soul. You did hear correctly. A delightfully hot and delectable reward is waiting for you after your heartfelt darshan. It's like receiving a culinary blessing directly from the Lord, one that will nourish and calm your tired spirit.

I must confront the earthly issues of parking even though the spiritual trip has been nothing short of amazing. A good parking lot would seem to be a divine intervention waiting to happen with the amount of people visiting the temple. To make the pilgrims' journey easier and guarantee their happiness as they depart, perhaps the temple administration should take this divine advice into consideration.

As a spiritual retreat, the Naganallur Anjaneyar Temple can touch your heart and soul. Get ready to be awed by the 32-foot idol's magnificence and let the devotional energies to sweep you away. Just prepare for the thronging and keep in mind to locate a moment of calm amidst the frantic activity. As a true gift from the gods, don't forget to indulge in the delicious treat known as Pepper Pongal. May your trip bring you spiritual joy and a little humour...

Anjaneyar Temple

The huge idol of Lord Hanuman, carved out of a single granite stone, without any breakpoint or streamline, is the main attraction of the Nanganallur Anjaneyar temple. The imposing idol stands 322 feet tall. It is black in hue and towers over the other shrines in the temple complex. In height, It ranks only second to the idol of Hanuman at Panchavati (near Puducherry) in terms of height.

The temple tower of the deity is also very high, almost 90 feet. The sanctum sanctorum is connected to the other shrines in the complex via corridors. There is a shrine for Sri Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita. Rama is always connected with Hanuman, and his presence is a given in any temple for Hanuman. Rama is depicted as the ruler and protector here; in the form, that Hanuman worships and respects. Rama carries a bow and is called Kothanda Rama. To acknowledge the fact that Hanuman was present in the Mahabharata as well, a shrine for Lord Krishna was also built. Krishna’s two consorts, Rukmini and Satyabhama, can also be seen alongside him. To save Arjuna's chariot from harm, during the Kurukshetra war, Hanuman graced the chariot’s flag, according to the Mahabharata.

There are two smaller shrines in the north-east part of the temple. One is for Lord Ganesha, and to its left, on another platform, is one for Naga or the snake god. Saint Raghavendra is also present, facing Krishna’s shrine. There is a large hall or mandapam for devotees to stand and pray to the deity. It can accommodate a...