KRISHNAGIRI – A TEMPLE TOWN OF YORE

Krishnagiri is a historic, multi – lingual town, people speaking three classical languages Tamil, Telugu and Kannada.

A New District

It is a new district carved out of Dharmapuri historically known as Thagadur ruled by the famous Chera King Adhiyaman.

King Adhiyaman

It was Adhiyaman who greeted St. Avvai, the Great Grand old Tamil poetess with the nectar fruit of gooseberry (Nellikani)

Old Krishnagiri

Until a few decades ago Krishnagiri was just a sleeping on-the-way-half-town.

A Naples Now!

Now a sudden change has come over it as if it is a mega magic with the ‘Prime Minister’s Golden Quadrilateral National Highway’s meeting here with two major fly overs, one on the east and the other on the west with a distance of 2.5kms in between right on the Krishnagiri Bangalore Bye pass road with four phases!

Now it is not Krishnagiri! It is NAPLES!

500 Years ago a Temple Town

Krishnagiri is an old Temple Town as part of famous Vijayanagar Empire. During the region of King Krishna Devaraya it was bustling with many Siva and Vishnu Temples 80 in number. There was no dearth of local Amman Temples, small and big.

Anchaneya Cult

Krishnagiri is itself a name perpetuating the memory of King Krishnadevaraya. It was during his regime the Anchaneya cult gained momentum in every nook and corner of South India

Stone Inscription

To propagate this cult even in far reaching hamlets, stones were inscribed (carved) with the figure of Veera Anchaneya, Rama Baktha Hanuman.

THE TEMPLE GROWING IN STAGES

The Temple Old

Roughly three decades ago the Kattu Veera Anchaneya Temple was an apology for a shrine in the physical sense, despite its spiritual radiations. A devotee would reach it rope dancing on the sharp bunds of the paddy fields. Sometimes reptiles would cross the way. It is an old story.

Devotees

It is Sri Anchaneya’s gravitating spiritual power that attracted the attention of numerous devotees. That is how it has become popular far and wide. This prospective factor enthused the landlord Sri Venkatarama Chettiar. He came out with the declaration that any amount of land can be availed of by the Trust as donation for the expansion of the Temple.

The Trust

Consequently a Trust has been formed with late Sri M .K. Narasimha Chettiar as the President. After his demise his younger son Lion Sri. N. Sriram @ N.SriRamnathan, proprietor Ex Rani Textiles, has become the Ex president .

Other Members

Sri. E. N. Sivaprakasam, Retired Teacher – Treasurer

Sri. V.Dhanasekaran, S/o.Late Venkatarama Chettiar, Landlord – Managing Trustee

Sri. RajaChettiar, Rtd. Engineer – Construction Engineer

The services rendered by these members are praiseworthy deserving felicitation

Public Donation

Public donations have come pouring in and Temple gradually has started to get a face lift, matching its marvels.

Construction : 1st stage

A big circular compound wall was constructed with an imposing gateway. A approach road (metalled) has been formed to have easy access to the Temple from the main road. It is jeepable. It is protected with parapet walls and grills on either side. A well designed sancturn sanctorum has built with a Gopuram for the Moolavar and Kumbabishekam was solemnly performed. Along with the Moolavar shrine was built the shrine of Mahalakshmi Thayar. The Thayar statue is a marble. These two shrines are encompassed with an iron grilled Mantap of full – proof protection , fully ventilated and electrified.

Construction : 2nd stage

With the contribution of devotees flowing in more and more, the original Mantap has had an extension with another spacious Mantap encompassing the Dheepasthamba.

Other Additions

Richly painted a replica of sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy has been imprinted on the right side of the Moolavar shrine adjoining a block of rock. It is a dharshan divine! Yoga Narashimha is installed in a nice behind Laksmi Narasimha Swamy. On the left side, a big rolling block of rock is held aloft with natural stony structures. It has a frame with the Statue of a Nandhi. It is growing day by day ! There is a platform behind the Moolavar shrine holding scores of stones of serpents in carvings. Devotees offer flaming camphors with burning scented sticks to these snake statues (know as Nagars).

More Amenities

Of late a car park is provided at the eastern side of the temple . No fee is collected for parking. A Parallel approach road is laid out to reach the car park. A fully furnished toilet is also constructed both for men and women apart. This service is also free of cost. We have an open book stand selling devotional books and a petty outlet for selling pooja materials. The circular (Pradhakshana) path way around the shrine was originally sandy. Now it has been totally covered with slabs of stones well seasoned and softened. The old well, the west end of the Temple was closed and another new well was sunk on the eastern corner. The spring of the well being perennial water facility is very profuse, helping usual drinking purpose and gardening. Even before the construction of the shrine, there was a pucca house at the south west end. It has been converted into the residence of the Archaker.

Third Stage

The second Mantap has been further extended to stone coconuts in saffron bags offered as symbols of vows by devotees. Scores of bags hanging from long bamboos is a sight to see! Above all at the west – end of the Mantaps a new Sri Venkateswara Shrine has been built with the deity facing
Sri Anchaneya. The shrine is so beautiful that it looks like the Temple of ‘Thirupathi’! One gets the solace of visting Thirumala by worshipping
Sri Venkateswara here.

KATTU VEERA ANCHANEYA TEMPLE – ITS LOCATION

In Tamil (‘kadu’) means Wildness’. The word briefs Sri Anchaneya as he was a child of wildness as legends say

Idyllic scence

In Krishnagiri the Temple is surrounded by lakes, hills and hillocks and green paddy fields with coconut and tamarind groves.

Devasamudram Gold Hill

The Revenue village where the Temple is located is called Devasamudram ( Ocean of Devas) Here is a hillock called Ponmalai ( Golden Hill) with a small Perumal Temple at the top facing Sri Anchaneya!. Imagine the divine sequence of Sri Anchaneya facing Vishnu on the Golden Hill ! It is all a divine topography!

Access – 1 From east to west

The Revenue village where the Temple is located is called Devasamudram ( Ocean of Devas) Here is a hillock called Ponmalai ( Golden Hill) with a small Perumal Temple at the top facing Sri Anchaneya!. Imagine the divine sequence of Sri Anchaneya facing Vishnu on the Golden Hill ! It is all a divine topography!

Access – 2 from west to East :

The access from the west towards Chennai/ Salem/ Thiruvannamalai/ Pondicherry/

2 kms fFrom the new Collectorate / New Bus stand towards east touching the four phased Road,

(Of course there are so many other accesses through the local streets leading to the new Bangalore four phased Bye pass road)

LET US VISIT SRI KATTU VEERA ANCHANEYA

Before visiting Sri Veera Anchaneya let us imbibe His GRACE IN FULL :

Dhyana Slokam Sri Hanuman

"Gosshpathikhrutha Vaarasim
Masakikrutha Rakshasam
Ramayana Mahamala
Rathnam Vande Nilathmajam
Yadhra Yadhra Raghunantha Keerthanam
Dhathra Dhathra Kruthamasthakanjalim
Pashpavari, Paripoorna losanam
Maruthim Namatha Rakshasanthakam"

A Live Figure

We stand before Sri Anchaneya. His dharshan is celestial. He is live figure carved on a stone with flawless description of His body.

A Militant

(Note : Militant is a spiritual work meaning One who resists evil)

Sri Vyasarayar

It is said that St. Vyasarayar of the Madhwa Sect had erected stones with carvings of Sri Anchaneya figure in each rock during the long course of his pilgrimage across South India four hundred years ago.

St. Vyasarayar, as his speciality, used to have in each inscribed figure of a bell tied to the tail end of Sri Anchaneya.

Sri Sesahagiri Rao

There is an authentic hearsay that years ago one Sri Seshagiri Rao of Elumichampatty , 19 kms. from here used to visit the Temple daily and offer pooja to Sri Anchaneya.

Revenue People

In olden days, this temple was very popular among the Revenue officials. Whenever they visited Krishnagiri they would never miss to enlist the grace of Sri Anchaneya.

THE DIVINE POWER OF THE TEMPLE ( Hari – Siva Unity )

A Siddha Visits

A few years back, a Siddha visited this Temple from Thiruvannamalai. During his stay here he found out a hidden truth of the divinity of this temple. He said that this temple is a unique one in the sense that it has in its fold both Hari and Siva under one roof. Hari is represented by Sri Anchaneya and Siva is represented by the Nandi that grows on the Rolling Rock held aloft by a structure of rocks by nature. So this temple is emerging as a symbol of Hari – Siva Oneness.

Nandi

The Nandhi’s peeping face, as if divinely sculptured , is clearly visible above the rock. It is now 1.5’ . It is likely to grow upto 6’ . What a rare miracle !

The Siddha Counselling

So the Siddha came out with a proposal to devotees. As this temple has the blessings both of Lord Hari and Lord Siva devotees could make vows and get them fulfilled by offering ripe coconuts within a period of 3 days or 3 weeks or 3 months.

Devotes in Prospect

Coconut vows are made on Saturdays, Sundays and New Moon Days. Devotees show great interest in offering coconuts in saffron bags and making vows. As their vows are fulfilled this practice has become very popular. Devotees , from far and near , make it a point to make vows , present coconuts , and return home happily with their vows fulfilled by this divine power of this wonder temple.

Day fixed for making Coconut Vows : Saturdays, Sundays and New Moon days.

The miracle of the temple is, it has natural publicity. Devotees from distant place come all the way in crowds to get their prayers fulfilled.

CELEBRATIONS

Bounteous is his grace! Boundless is his love !

Poojas

Daily Pooja is very regular , a never failing routine. Garlanding Sri Anchaneya with ‘Vadai Malai’ and beautification of the Lord with butter and sandal paste are special features taking place on alternative days, depending on Devotee’s option.

Homam

For the last 30 years, every year Hanumanth Jayanthi has been solemnized with the performance of Sri Maha Sudarsana Homam by 11 vedic scholars of superior rank. There is a special “ home Group “ of Youngsters. They perform the Homam in their own responsibility. From the last year the Temple Trust also contribute to the above performance.

New Moon Day – Full Moon Day

Every New Moon day is celebrated as a festival day for Sri Anchanrya and every full moon day is celebrated as Mother Mahalakshmi festival day.

Festivals

Sri Rama Navami and Navarathiri festivals are celebrated with special importance due to those occasions of joy and jubilation.

His Grace Bounteous

What is remarkable is devotees, both local and mufassal, through the Temple on any festival day and make the celebrations ever memorable success.

As the grace of Sri Anchaneya is growing bounteous devotees increase in number day by day. Indeed boundless is His love for his devotees. Jai Hanumam!

THE RIGHT PERSPECTIVE

Let us know Sri Anchaneya in the right perspective as one who could command all the five elements so that our prayers will be perfect.

"Out of the five elements
He owned one – vayu!
Out of the five elements
He leapt across one – water!
Out of the five elements
He flew across the sky!
Out of the five elements
Sita was born to mother earth!
He found her in the alien – land!
Out of five elements
One is fire!
He put it to burn Lanka!
He is sure to protect us from evil.

SRI RAMAJAYAM

( A Mantra dear to Anchaneya. Thus it is dearer to Devotees too )

‘Sri Ramajayam’ is the divine scene of the coronation of Sri Rama. Rama, over joyed, was distributing compliments to all those who are attending the happy occasion and has exhausted all his possessions, When he turns to Anchaneya, he is shocked he has nothing to give him. Anchaneya, is put out. But Rama rises to the occasion and promises Anchaneya.

“ Anchaneya knows no bounds for his happiness. He dances and chants ‘ Sri Ramajayam ‘ non stop.

ANCHANEYA CULT

ACROSS THE PACIFIC AND THE ATLANTIC

Obama a Devotees

Barack Obama, the US democratic presidential candidate carries a toy Hanuman with him on is propaganda tour. He owes his prospects of his success to his devotion to Hanuman. AICC member Briji Mohan Bhama has now presented Obama with a two feet gold plated idol of Hanuman as a gift.

We are proud of the expansion of Anchaneya cult across the pacific and the gift.

Youths must know they are the muscle power of the nation. When any calamities occur the nation looks for their help. If they want to help the nation they must be as strong as Sri Anchaneya. It was his strength that was well deployed to destroy the evil fore of Ravana and it brought ‘ Rama Jayam “.

The next striking feature of Sri Anchaneya is his Brahmachariam. Brahmachariam is nothing but total self discipline. It will sharpen your intellect and you can shine like Swami Vivekananda.

Anchaneya’s devotion to Sri Rama is a precedence for all youths. Devotion opens impossible gates.

Rajaji, the son of the soil of our district, used to advise students to have Sri Anchaneya as their role model. Hope you will follow his advice and shine!

Sri Rama Jayam!

SUNDARAKANTAM

( A Vital scene of Ramayana )

( Auspicious for chanting when one is in trouble and tribulation )

A Note

Devotees may be aware of the fact that Maruthi played the key – role finding out Sri Devi in Lanka and he was responsible for the reunion of Sri Rama and Sita. This vital phase of Valmiki Ramayana has the most powerful nullifying effect on the evils of our life as we meditate on the events of Sundarakantam. It is recommended wherever we face trials and tribulations in our life, we must resort to the recitation of the prescribed chapters on Sundarakantam. A few such chapters are given in brief summary for devotees to know the central idea of each chapter.

Reunion of Sita and Rama

Anchaneya flew across the ocean and entered the fortress of Ravana in Lanka. He stole into the Asokavanan where he found Sri Sita Devi encircled by demon – maidens. Sri Sita was surprised to see the strange figure of Anchaneya. He was clever enough to reveal his identity as the messenger of Sri Rama. He gave her the ring of Sri Rama as an evidence of his bonafide. On seeing the ring she felt happy.

Thus Maruthi paved the way for reunion of Sri Sita Devi and Sri Rama.

( Sundaram’ is another name of Anchaneya. It means brevity is the ‘beauty’ of speech. When Anchaneya returned to Sri Rama after meeting Sri Sita Devi he conveyed such a big incident in a brief phrase. “ Sita seen by me!”)

SUNDARAKANTAM

MARUTHI VANQUISHES LANKADEVI

For warding off evil influences of ghosts

Hanuman is now standing on the Hill in Lanka. From there he enters into the city in the dark hour of the night . It is a city of Gardens . There are so many sky kissing houses. It is a Kuberapatna.

All of a sudden there appears before Anchaneya the Devata Lanka in a terrible form and asks him “Who are you?” But Anchaneya retorts “ Who are You?” The Devata replies

“ I am the sentinel of this city. My name is Lankapuri! I am watching this city in all the eight corners. “ so saying she slaps the cheek of Hanuman. Infuriated, Hanuman twists her left hand and boxes her. Being vanquished, she falls flat on the ground.

Now in a total surrender Lanka whispers:

“ O Vanara, you have come here as forewarned by Brahmadeva who prophesied the end of Ravana would be certain. I wish you success in your mission of meeting Sita.

SUNDARAKANTAM

MARUTH FINDS OUT SITA

For Recovery from Dementation

Hanuman climbs onto the top of a tall tree in the castle of Lanka. He is trying and trying but he could not see Sita. But he is determined to stay on there until he is successful.

He is prepared to undergo fasting too. Now he surveys, Ashokavana. He worships Rama Lakshmana and Sita. Now he makes a thorough search. Lo! Behold! He has caught sight of Sita! His mission is a success! Ramajayam!

SUNDARAKANTAM

for Better prospects of life

Hanuman finds out Sri Sita Devi

Hanuman Climbs up a tall tree. He surveys all the four directions. He could now see a Yaga Sala. It is like a palace. It is like the Mount Kailas white like snow. He could eye a woman under a tree there. There is a ring of rakshasis around the poor lady. She is in privation. Her frame is just a skeleton. It shows she is always thinking of her dear ones in separation. Anchaneya could rightly guess it is Sri Sita Devi. He is sure she is observing Pathivradha dharma. He is proud of Sri Rama for having her as his ‘Pathni’.

SUNDARAKANTAM

For the reunion of separated relations

Hanuman hands over kanaiyazhi (Rama’s ring) to Sri Sita Devi

On meeting Sri Sita Devi in the midst of Asoka vana, Maruthi prostrates before her and says “Amma, I am blessed. I am sent as a messenger by Sri Rama’

Of course Sri Sita Devi is surprised at the new corner.

Hanuman could understand Sri Sita’s delicacy. He further speaks “My mistress, please see the kanaiyali, embossed with the holy name of Sri Rama. He has asked me to give it to you”

On receiving the jewel ,Sri Sita is overwhelmed. Her happiness knows no bound. She is inquisitive to know about Sri Rama. Anchaneya replies “ Sri Rama is always in your thought. He seldom eats and rarely sleeps murmuring ‘Ha! Seethe!’ He heaves sighs of sorrow!”

This message makes Sri Sita very sad but she is confident she will be rescued by Sri Rama.

SUNDARAKANTAM

(FOR ERADICATING THE EVIL EFFECTS OF BAD DREAMS)

TRIJADI’S SWAPNAM

When Anchaneya leaves Sri Sita, the later tells the Rakshasis (demonesses) what has happened. Immediately they are enraged and challenge Sita’s efforts to leave the confinement. But Trijadai the daughter of Vibhishana calms them. She says she has seen a dream promising the victory of Rama over Ravana. At this all the demonesses become dumb driven. They press her to describe the dream.

Following is the dream of Trijadai

Rama and Lakshmana, clad in pure white, arrived at Lanka in a palanquin. They alighted from their plane and got onto the back of a white elephant, They picked up Sita waiting for them on the top of a white mountain. Sita was now seated on the elephant.

Trijadai saw Ravana in the dream. He was in a black suit with his head shaven. He was riding on a car drawn by asses. He was not in his mood. He was over drunk! A black woman pulled him away . Indrajit, Kumbakarna and all other rakshasa were riding on animals like pigs. Hanuman set fire to Lanka and Rama rescued Sita.

On hearing this, the demonesses are softened and are afraid of any eventuality that might befall as and when Rama invades Lanka.

SUNDARAKANTAM

Sita Devi Free From Ravana’s Harem.

For expiation of sin by illicit intercourse

Ravana’s palace

Hanuman is Searching for Sita Devi in Ravana’s Palace which is as luxurious as a Devalaya. Now Hanuman comes across the Pushpaka Vimana of Ravana. It is meteoric in speed.

Ravana’ Harem

Anchaneya finds Ravana’s residence. It is a big palace. It is guarded by armed demons. It is as rich as Kubera’s palace.

Ravana is sleeping here. He looks like Manmatha. He is fully drunk. He is as big as a python. Around him are sleeping so many of his giant consorts with their idle musical instruments scattered here and there. Anchaneya fears whether Sita is confined to this sinful place. Fortunately she is not there! Sita Devi is free from Ravana’s harem, a place of sin! She is safe in Asokavana.

SUNDARAKANTAM

For the Expiation of Disparagement of Sri Rama

“Choodamani” – A Divine garland of pearls

Anchaneya is successful in meeting Sri Sita in the Asokavana. He is eager to take her on his back across the ocean. But Sita would not touch anyone other than Rama. So Anchaneya begs her to say something that could prove his meeting her.

So Sita narrates how she was teased by an evil crow when she was with Rama in Panchavadi. Sri Rama changed a hay into an arrow and aimed it at the crow as a Brahmastra. As the crow was originally Jayanthan son of Devendra, he ran to his father for protection , But Indra did not interfere in Rama’s matter.

Ravana’ Harem

Next Jayanthan ran to Indrani. Indrani would not give him asylum. Jayanthan met other devas. They were also against him. At last he surrendered to Sri Rama. Rama did not want to kill him, but just blinded his right eye!

Now Sita requests Anchaneya to tell this narration to Rama as an evidence of her identity. Receiving her ‘Choodamani’Anchaneya returned to Rama’s residence.

YUDDHAKANTAM

For Prevention of Sorrowful events coming in succession

A dialogue between Sri Sita Devi and Hanuman.

Hanuman finds Sri Sita Devi at the root of a tree in Asokavana. He stands holding his hands together in worship before Sri Sita. She is happy to Anchaneya . the Anchana Putra.

Now Hanuman conveys Rama’s message to Sri Sita. Sri Rama has killed Ravana in the war. Rama intends to take Sri Sita to Ayodhya.

Ravana’ Harem

Hanuman is disappointed to see Sri Sita who does not reciprocate. He asks her why she is speechless.

Instantly Sri Sita Devi replies that she is over whelmed with the happy news.

Anchaneya swears to kill all the rakshasis. But Sri Sita Devi advises him not to harm them. After all they are servants of Ravana.

Anchaneya is enthusiastic to see Sri Sita Devi’s face shining and he leaves Ashokavana to see Rama.

MARUTHI AND BHAGAVATH GITA

Maruthi is unique in his successful illustration of the precepts of Bhagavath Gita.

1. He is thorough – bred in Sankya Yoga: Sankya means Science of knowledge. Science of knowledge means knowing one’s duty without expecting anything in return and maintaining equanimity of mind.

2. Maruthi is a Karma Yogi as prescribed by the norms of Sankya Yoga. He does his duty surrendering all the fruits of his actions to Sri Rama, his master. He never wavers. He is known for Sri Rama Japam that helps him to maintain equanimity of mind.

3. He is the best example for a Sanyasa Yogi. He renounces all his karma but undertakes to meditate on Sri Raman and is endowed with divinity the goal of Gita.

4. About his gunas (quality) :

His adventures are awe inspiring. Example : his flight across the waters. His construction of the Bridge of Rama in the ocean. Lanka Thagana (fire) Above all bringing the Sanjeevi Parvatha. Finding out Sita in the Asokavana and so on.

All this shows his quality of Rajas – Romance (please note ‘Romance’ is a spiritual word meaning expressing one’s feelings)

Basically he is a Satvik – sublime in quality. His sublimity is seen in running errands to Sri Rama.

He could have easily carried back Sita from Lanka. But he would not dare to touch the Goddess.

As Ravana is an example for his ‘Thamasa Guna’ (low quality) Anchaneya is just an opposite to the immoral Ravana.

5. But as Gita prescribes Anchaneya rises even above the three Gunas ( Gunatita) and gets immortalized (free from the cycle of birth and death) and intermingled with parabrahmam ( the universal spirit )

OUR INDEBTEDNESS

"We breathe him as air

We feel him as fire in warmth.

We are nourished by him as water.

We reside in his home and hearth the earth.

We exist in his space!

OM! Tat! Sat!"