the temple at Namakkal - Aanjaneya and Lord Lakshmi Narasimha

It is a place famous for the big idol of Lord Aanjaneya – the 18 feet tall idol of Lord Hanuman – it is Namakkal – the motor hub, a place known for body building of vehicles. 

He is the epitome of virtues – known for his knowledge, steadfast faith on Lord, doing things even before ordained – Hanuman, Aanjaneyar, Maruthi is an incarnation of the divine, son of Vayu and most trusted aide of Lord Rama.  He is further known by names – Pavana putra, Anjaniputra, Bajrang Bali.  Hanuman is the God who is the embodiment of discipline, devotion to  His Master and one known for giving boons to all bakthas. 

In the town of Namakkal, the body building for all types of trucks is  a flourishing trade.  Goods transportation  and trucks have become themain stay of economics in these areas.    Namakkal is  a part of Kongu Nadu (Kongu Desam) region of Tamil Nadu which was hotly contested and coveted by both the ancient Pallavas and the Pandyas.-  the  Hoysalas  also ruled over.  The Rock Fort in Namakkal is a special feature of the Town. The Fort covers an area of one and half acres of flat surface and is accessible from South-West by a flight of narrow steps.

Had the fortune of worshipping Lord Anjaneya at Namakkal.  This is not a divyadesam (not the place sung by any of the Alwars) – still a puranic temple hailed as a ‘abimana sthalam’.    Lord Hanuman in viswaroopam of 18 ft is standing and looking straight in to the feet of Lord Lakshmi Narasimha, situated not far away.    It is believed that this temple is more than 1000 years old and that Lord Anjaneya is guarding the fort of Namakkal.  Lord is believed to be ever-growing and hence there is no roof over the idol. 

There are in fact two temples – that of Anjaneya and a few meters in front across the road, the temple of Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar.  This is a beautiful temple carved inside the rock on the footsteps of an imposing hill.  The consort of Lord Narasimha is Goddess Lakshmi known as ‘Namagiri Thayar’ – the place supposedly derived its name from the name of the Thayar.  Inside Lord Narasimha is in a sitting posture with Lakshmi in His lap.

It is stated that Mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan's family deity was  Namakkal Thayar. Here are some photos taken at  Namakkal. 

Temple of Hanumar as seen from outside

Lord Hanumar

Anjaneya anoined with butter (below)

the beautiful Uthsavar idol of Hanumar

Lord Lakshmi Narasimha temple

With regards – S. Sampathkumar.