Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple Pudupakkam – History, Legends, Timings & Festivals

Location

Village: Pudupakkam, near Kelambakkam
District: Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu
Setting: On top of Gajagiri Hills, offering a serene and elevated atmosphere.
Distances:

5 km from Kelambakkam
37 km from Chengalpattu
40 km from Chennai

Deity

Main Deity: Lord Hanuman (Sri Veera Anjaneyar), 6 feet tall.
Iconography:

Right leg firmly on ground, left leg poised to fly.
Right hand in Abhaya Mudra (protection).
Left hand resting on hip.
Tail raised above head with a bell at the end.
Lotus symbol on the navel.

Temple Significance

Believed to be built in the 15th century.
Associated with Hanuman’s Sandhyavandhana (evening prayers) during his return with the Sanjeevi Parvatha to save Lakshmana in the Ramayana.
Symbolizes Hanuman’s devotion, strength, and divine protection.

History & Legends

Hanuman’s Three Visits to Lanka:

1. Searching for Sita, meeting her in Ashoka Vatika, and setting Lanka ablaze.

2. Marching with Rama’s army via the Sethu bridge.

3. Returning with Sanjeevi Parvatha to revive Lakshmana.

Legend of Pudupakkam:
On his way back with the Sanjeevi mount, Hanuman paused here to perform his evening prayers. The temple commemorates this sacred act.

Rituals & Festivals

Daily Worship: Traditional pujas and offerings to Lord Hanuman.
Major Festivals:

Hanuman Jayanti – Celebrated with grandeur.
Sri Rama Navami – Special rituals and festivities.

Girivalam (Circumambulation): Devotees perform girivalam around the hill on Purnima (full moon) days.

Beliefs

Worshippers seek courage, protection, and relief from obstacles.
Believed to bless devotees with health, strength, and success in endeavors.
A powerful site for those praying for family welfare and spiritual upliftment.

Temple Hours

Daily:

7:30 am – 11:30 am
3:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Saturdays (special):

5:00 am – 1:00 pm
3:30 pm – 9:00 pm

Getting Here

By Road: Accessible via Kelambakkam; autos and buses available.
By Rail: Nearest station – Chengalpattu.
By Air: Chennai International Airport (~40 km).

Tips

Best Time: Early morning or Saturday evenings for vibrant darshan.
Footwear: Leave at designated areas before climbing the hill.
Crowd Management: Saturdays and festival days draw large crowds; arrive early.
Family-Friendly: Evening hours are more comfortable for children and elders.
Offerings: Betel leaves, butter, and garlands are common offerings to Hanuman.

Q&A

Q: Where is Sri Veera Anjaneyar Temple located?
A: The temple is in Pudupakkam Village near Kelambakkam, Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu, on top of Gajagiri Hills.

Q: Who is the main deity of the temple?
A: Lord Hanuman (Sri Veera Anjaneyar), depicted in a 6-foot tall idol with Abhaya Mudra, tail raised with a bell, and lotus symbol on the navel.

Q: What is the temple’s historical significance?
A: Believed to be built in the 15th century, the temple commemorates Hanuman’s Sandhyavandhana (evening prayers) performed here while carrying the Sanjeevi Parvatha to save Lakshmana during the Ramayana war.

Q: What legends are associated with Hanuman here?
A: Hanuman visited Lanka thrice—searching for Sita, marching with Rama’s army, and returning with the Sanjeevi mount. On his way back, he paused at Pudupakkam to pray, sanctifying this hill.

Q: What rituals and festivals are celebrated?
A:

Daily pujas to Lord Hanuman.
Hanuman Jayanti and Sri Rama Navami celebrated with devotion.
Girivalam (circumambulation) on Purnima (full moon) days.

Q: What do devotees believe about worship here?
A: Worshippers seek courage, protection, relief from obstacles, family welfare, and success in endeavors. The temple is considered powerful for blessings of strength and devotion.

Q: What are the temple timings?
A: