Anjaneya Temple Azhiyanilai – Vishvarupa Hanuman Shrine in Pudukkottai

 

Location

• Place: Azhiyanilai village, near Arantangi in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu.
• Distance: ~29 km from Pudukkottai, situated on the Pudukkottai–Arantangi road.

Presiding Deity

• Main Deity: Lord Hanuman (Sri Anjaneya Swamy).
• Form: Known as Vishvarupa Anjaneyar.
• Idol Height: ~12 feet tall, facing east.
• Unique Feature: The idol is installed without a ceiling, symbolizing Hanuman’s boundless energy and skyward devotion.

Temple Significance

• Devotees believe worship here helps them overcome sufferings and obstacles in life.
• A Dhyana Mandapam (meditation hall) is located near the temple for spiritual practice.
• The temple is considered a powerful center for Hanuman bhakti in Pudukkottai region.

Rituals

• Special Pujas on Saturdays: Dedicated worship with tulsi garlands offered to Hanuman.
• Daily Worship: Regular abhishekam and archana performed to the deity.
• Tulsi Garland Offering: A distinctive ritual where devotees adorn the deity with tulsi, symbolizing purity and devotion.

Festivals

• Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrated with grandeur, including special abhishekams and chanting of Hanuman Chalisa.
• Rama Navami: Highlights Hanuman’s devotion to Lord Rama.
• Other Local Observances: Devotees gather for collective prayers during Margazhi month and auspicious Saturdays.

Tips

• Best Day to Visit: Saturdays, when special pujas are performed.
• Travel Route: Easily accessible from Pudukkottai and Arantangi by bus or taxi.
• Offerings: Tulsi garlands, butter, and betel leaves are considered auspicious.
• Nearby Temples: Combine darshan with Arantangi shrines and Pudukkottai temples for a full pilgrimage circuit.

Getting Here

By Road

• The temple lies on the Pudukkottai–Arantangi road.
• From Pudukkottai: ~29 km, buses and taxis available.
• From Arantangi: ~10 km, frequent local buses and autos.
• From Trichy: ~65 km, take NH210 towards Pudukkottai, then proceed to Arantangi/Azhiyanilai.

By Train

• Nearest Railway Station: Arantangi (~10 km).
• Pudukkottai Railway Station (~29 km) is another option with better connectivity.
• Trichy Junction (~65 km) is the major hub for long-distance trains.

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport (~65 km).
• From the airport, taxis and buses connect to Pudukkottai and Arantangi, then onward to Azhiyanilai.