Anjaneya Temple Alamelumangapuram – Travel Guide, Tips & Darshan Info

Location

• Situated in Alamelumangapuram, Mandavelipakkam, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• Easily accessible from Luz Corner and Mandaveli bus stand.

Deities

• Main Deity: Lord Hanuman (Sri Anjaneya Swamy).
• Other Shrines:
• Lord Hayagriva
• Garudar
• Ganapathy
• Kothandaramar with Sita and Lakshmana
• Additional Anjaneya idols (two seated, one standing)

Temple Significance

• Tallest Hanuman idol in Chennai: ~14 feet high, consecrated in 1986 at the direction of Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, Shankaracharya of Kanchi Matha.
• Koti Archana: A unique ritual where one crore names of Hanuman are recited over two years.
• Spiritual Importance: Known for instilling courage, devotion, and protection among devotees.
• Community Bonding: The temple is a hub of cultural and spiritual activities, drawing devotees from across Chennai.

Temple Hours

• Morning: 5:30 AM – 12:00 PM
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
  (Timings may vary on festival days.)

Daily Rituals

• Suprabhata Seva: Early morning prayers to awaken the deity.
• Abhishekam: Performed with water, milk, curd, honey, and sacred items to Lord Hanuman.
• Alankaram: The idol is adorned with flowers, garlands, and butter (a special offering to Hanuman).
• Archana & Arati: Devotees chant Hanuman Chalisa and offer betel leaves, tulsi, and garlands.
• Special Vratas:
• Sri Satyanarayana Vrata is performed by devotees, especially newly married couples.
• Koti Archana: A unique ritual where one crore names of Hanuman are recited over two years.

Major Festivals

• Hanuman Jayanti: The grandest celebration, marking the birth of Lord Hanuman. The temple witnesses special abhishekams, homams, and cultural programs.
• Rama Navami: Celebrated with devotion, highlighting Hanuman’s service to Lord Rama.
• Vaikunta Ekadashi: Vishnu-related festival observed here due to the presence of Vishnu shrines in the temple complex.
• Deepavali & Navaratri: Special pujas and lighting ceremonies are conducted.
• Margazhi Month (December–January): Devotees chant bhajans and recite Hanuman Chalisa collectively.

How to Reach

• By Road:
• Located in Mandavelipakkam, Mylapore, Chennai.
• Well connected by city buses; nearest stop is Mandaveli Bus Depot.
• Autos and taxis are easily available from Luz Corner and Mylapore Tank area.
• By Train:
• Nearest suburban station: Mandaveli MRTS Station (walking distance).
• Chennai Central and Egmore are ~7–8 km away; taxis/metros connect directly.
• By Air:
• Chennai International Airport (~15 km).
• From airport, take a taxi or metro to Mandaveli/Mylapore.

Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Early mornings (5:30–7:30 AM) or evenings (after 6 PM) for peaceful darshan.
• Festivals: Visit during Hanuman Jayanti or Rama Navami for grand celebrations.
• Offerings: Butter, betel leaves, tulsi garlands, and bananas are considered auspicious for Hanuman.
• Dress Code: Traditional attire recommended; footwear must be left outside.
• Nearby Temples: Combine darshan with Kapaleeswarar Temple (Shiva) and Luz Veera Anjaneya Temple for a complete Mylapore circuit.
• Accessibility: The temple has wide entrances and is accessible for elderly devotees.