- By Kashish Rai
- Wed, 08 Oct 2025 03:34 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Divine Paths: The Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple, situated in Namakkal town, Tamil Nadu is a revered Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, this ancient temple boasts an impressive 18-foot-tall monolithic statue of Hanuman, one of the tallest in India. According to legend, the temple's origins are linked to Lord Narasimha, who appeared before Hanuman and Lakshmi. The temple adheres to the Vaikhanasa tradition, attracting numerous devotees and tourists alike with its rich history and cultural significance.
In The Daily Jagran’s Series Divine Paths, let us check some fascinating details about this sacred temple where Lord Hanuman is seen worshipping Lord Narasimha:
Legend Of Lord Hanuman, Goddess Lakshmi And Lord Narasimha Associated With Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
Hiranyakashipu, a demon king, obtained a boon from Brahma that made him invincible to human killing, neither in the morning, noon, nor night, nor on land, water, or air. He harassed the Devas, but his son Prahlada remained devoted to Vishnu. Despite attempts to dissuade him, Prahlada's devotion only grew stronger. Hiranyakashipu's anger culminated in a fit of rage when he struck a pillar, which split open to reveal Vishnu as Narasimha. As a half-man and half-lion, Lord Narasimha killed Hiranyakashipu during twilight on the palace threshold, circumventing the boon.
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Ages later, Lakshmi, Vishnu's consort, was doing penance at this place when she met Hanuman, bearing a Saligrama image. She requested a vision of Vishnu as Narasimha, and Hanuman handed over the image, asking her to hold it until he returned.
The legend associated with Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple revolves around Lord Narasimha's appearance before Hanuman and Lakshmi, where Narasimha took abode after Hanuman worshipped him. (Image Source: AI Gemini)
Lakshmi placed the Saligrama image at the location, which grew into a mount before Hanuman returned. Narasimha appeared before them and took up abode there. The Narasimhaswamy temple at the foothills is linked to this legend, with Hanuman believed to have worshipped Narasimha from a distance in a standing posture. This sacred connection highlights the site's spiritual significance.
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Unique Architecture Of Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
The Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple boasts an impressive 18-foot-tall idol of Hanuman, one of the tallest in India. The temple's architecture features a hall with numerous pillars leading to the sanctum, which houses the majestic Anjaneyar idol carved from a single stone. Notably, the sanctum has no roof, adding to the idol's grandeur.
Image of Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple in the Year 1925. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The idol is uniquely depicted with a sword at his waist and a Saligrama garland in his hand. The idol faces the Narasimha shrine in the foothills, approximately 130 metres away, highlighting the sacred connection between the two temples. Believed to date back to the 5th century, the idol is a remarkable piece of ancient art.
Festivals And Rituals Followed At Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple
The temple priests perform daily poojas and rituals, ensuring the deities are worshipped with devotion and precision. The rituals are conducted four times a day, each with three steps: alankaram, naivedyam, and deepa aradhanam.
The temple follows a traditional schedule, opening its doors to devotees from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. On festive occasions, the timings are extended, allowing more devotees to participate in the celebrations. Weekly, monthly, and fortnightly rituals are also performed at this sacred temple.
Image of Lord Hanuman's idol housed at Namakkal Anjneyar Temple. (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)
The Panguni Uthiram festival is a highlight of the temple's calendar, celebrated over 15 days in March-April. The festival features processions of the deities around the temple streets, attracting large crowds.
The Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple is a revered pilgrimage site, showcasing devotion to Lord Hanuman and Lord Narasimha. With its rich history, unique architecture, and spiritual significance, the temple attracts numerous devotees and tourists. Its vibrant festivals and rituals make it a must-visit destination in Tamil Nadu. To know more such stories about the ancient spiritual sites, stay tuned to The Daily Jagran.