Jai Shree Ram

TWO DECADES ago, Rajamani Bhattar, a temple priest of Tirunelveli, brought up in Vaikanasa Agama tradition and an upasaka of the Anjaneya, was blessed by Guruji Haridos Giri Swami and he was presented with the idols of Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Anjaneya and a Shadchakra Saligrama at Thennangur. The Swami had made an apocalyptic statement that the votary would build a shrine for Anjaneya. In the year 2004, a divine call directed him to devote his entire time and resources to construct a shrine for Anjaneya at the spot indicated in his dream, at Peelamedu in Coimbatore. Located on a spacious plot of ground tucked a few meters away from and on the Coimbatore-Avinashi road, opposite ESSO bus stop (near Suguna Kalyanamandapam) the Ashtamsa Sri Varada Anjaneya is endued with eight special features. Hence its uniqueness in standing apart from other temples dedicated to the Anjaniputhra. Normally Hanuman is portrayed with His folded hands praying to Sri Ramachandra. But, the gomukhi-structured idol of the deity here, in Peelamedu facing west and measuring eight feet is of a different kind. The Lord's abhaya hastha (right hand) removes fear while the left hand with gadhadestroys not only the five passions of lust, anger, greed, infatuation and jealousy afflicting the human kind but the external enemies as well. The face turned towards the Sanjivi hill in the western ghats bestows on the devotees a long and healthy life free of ailments. His legs pointing to the south wards off unexpected calamities like death. It is a common sight to see that the Lord's tail is hidden behind His back. But, here, the devotees can have a full view of it. It is said that the nine planets of the earth, navagrahas dwell on the tail and so paying obeisance to the tail rids one of the malefic effects of the navagrahas. Obeisance to the tail, the tail directed towards the north endows the devotee with wealth and prosperity. The Lord manifests here amid a Siva Linga meaning that praying to Hanuman is equal to worshiping Siva. Goddess Lakshmi resides in the right palm of the deity to grant all-round prosperity to the worshipers. The Lord's eyes representing the sun and the moon radiate brilliance during the day and the coolness of the moon during the evening. Ashadchakra saligramam adorns the crown. The installation ceremony and Kumbhabishekam of the temple was performed on February 9, 2004. Since then, the city has been experiencing continuous showers bringing relief to the farmers in the district and the residents of the city. The temple has been attracting huge crowds all these days. During the Vishu - New Year's day, an offering of 10,008 fruits is made to the deity. Raja Maruthi Alankaram, Vennai Alankaram and Vadamalai offerings are the regular Sevas here on Saturdays. In the Tamil month of Purattasi, on the five Saturdays - 10,008 Vadai Malai, Swaya Roopam, Chenduram, Swarnamayam and Muthangi Sevai - in that order are the other offerings given to the Lord here. Frequent buses ply from various parts of the city to SITRA. While traveling from Gandhipuram or Railway Station towards SITRA, alighting at ESSO bus stop, devotees can reach the shrine easily. It is a private place of worship owned and managed by Narayana Bhattar and Muralidhara Bhattar, sons of Rajamani Bhattar.