Sri Periya Anjaneyar
Temple Location
Sri Periya Anjaneyar, the symbol of strength, courage, and devotion, blesses devotees at this sacred temple in Ambur town. Visitors are warmly welcomed to the temple. A welcome arch marks the entrance to the temple road. The approach road is narrow and often crowded, so car parking may be slightly difficult.
Mythological History
According to the Ramayana, Lord Rama waged war against Sri Lanka to rescue Sita Devi. During the battle, Lakshmana was badly injured and fell unconscious, fighting for his life. At that time, Jambavan advised that the Sanjeevi herb from the Himalayas could save him.
Hearing this, Lord Hanuman immediately set out to bring the life-saving herb. The demon guru Shukracharya, with the help of Saturn (Shani), tried to stop Hanuman. But Hanuman reached the Himalayas, lifted the entire mountain containing the Sanjeevi herb, and flew back towards Lanka.
On the way, Shani tried to block Hanuman. Hanuman overpowered him and pressed Shani under his feet. Unable to bear the pain, Shani begged for forgiveness and praised Lord Rama. Moved by the chanting of Rama’s name, Hanuman released Shani after taking a promise that those who worship Hanuman and chant Rama’s name will never be troubled by Shani.
Hanuman then reached Lanka, and Lakshmana was restored to life using the Sanjeevi herb. This divine event is represented in the temple, where Hanuman is seen standing over Shani, which is the unique form of the presiding deity.
Presiding Deity
The main deity of the temple is Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman). Above the sanctum, a beautiful sculpture of Rama’s coronation (Pattabhishekam) can be seen.
The temple belongs to the Vijayanagara period and is believed to have been renovated during the reign of King Krishnadevaraya around 1489 AD.
Special Features
- Two Anjaneyar idols of equal height are present in the sanctum
- One idol is painted in multiple colours
- The other is a black stone Anjaneyar, standing 11 feet tall
- Though facing north, the deity’s face looks towards the east
- Hanuman is depicted stepping on Shani Bhagavan
- Stone sculpture of Hanuman carrying the Sanjeevi mountain in the outer corridor
- Naga Devata idols placed under a neem tree
- Large Vaishnava Thiruman with conch and discus displayed on a side wall
- Festival deities (Utsava Moorthis) placed below the main deity
Devotees believe that worship here gives relief from Shani Dosha, Sade Sati, and Ashtama Shani.
Facilities for Devotees
- Hair offering (tonsure) hall
- Cow shelter (Goshala)
- Step-offering area
- Annadhanam hall providing free meals
Special Days
- Saturdays
- Hanuman Jayanthi
Special prayers are conducted on these days.
Belief and Significance
Ambur Sri Periya Anjaneyar Temple stands as a symbol of power, protection, faith, and relief from Saturn-related difficulties. Devotees believe that sincere prayers here bring courage, peace of mind, and success.
