Namakkal Viswaroopa Aanjaneyar Darsanam

Recently visited  the motor town of Namakkal on a different mission; had the fortune of worshipping the 18 feet tall, majestic Lord Anjaneya

“”yathra yathra raghunatha keerthanam thathra thathra kruthamasthakanjalem; pashpavari paripurna lochanam maruthim namatha rakshasanthagam””

It is stated that Lord Anjaneya, also known as Maruthi  (Son of Vayu, the Wind God), who is considered a  terror to demons (Rakshasas) is present wherever people sing in praise of Lord  Rama, presenting himself with joyous tears in His eyes and folded hands over His head. And to that Anjaneya, We  offer our salutation.  Namakkal – the motor hub,  is a place known for body building of vehicles. Here is the temple of Lord Anjaneya, the 18 feet tall ‘Viswarupa Anjaneya’ the epitome of virtues – known for his knowledge, steadfast faith on Lord, doing things even before ordained,  the  most trusted aide of Lord Rama. Hanuman is embodiment of discipline, devotion to His Master and one known for giving boons to all bakthas.

The town of Namakkal, has flourishing trade of  the body building for all types of trucks. Goods transportation and trucks have become the main stay of economics in these areas. Namakkal is a part of Kongu region of Tamil Nadu which was hotly contested and ruled by the ancient Pallavas, Pandyas, Hoysalas and also ruled over  by later  day Adhiyamans. 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. 

At Namakkal is  famous temple of 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.

Anjaneya, Lord Hanuman is most powerful and yet embodiment of humbleness and dedicated Service to His Lord.  He thought of none else than Lord Rama and served His Master.   Lord Anjaneya is known as ‘Vayu Puthiran / Anjani Mainthan’ as he was born to the beautiful Apsaras Anjana and Vayu bhagwan.  Even as a child, Anjaneya was powerful, and flew towards the Sun in an attempt to consume.  Indra, was angered by the sight of Anjaneya flying towards the Sun; he aimed his thunderbolt at the child; Hanuman had his cheek bone broken out of the fall.  Read that the  Sanskrit word for cheek is hanu. Hence Anjaneya came to be known as Hanuman.  Lord Anjaneya is all powerful, yet demonstrated all his prowess in the Name of Lord Rama only. 

Here are some photos the Temple and 18 ft idol of Lord Aanjaneya of Namakkal

the moolavar [above] and Uthsavar [below]

With regards – S. Sampathkumar                                                              10^th Feb 2013.