Exploring the Magnificent Panchavati Anjaneya Temple: Home to India's Tallest Hanuman Statue

Temple's Peculiarity:

The renowned Panchavati Anjaneya Temple, located 12 km from Pondicherry, proudly houses the world's second-largest Anjaneya effigy.

Festivals:

The temple experiences high attendance on Saturdays. Significant celebrations include Krishna Jayanthi and Vaikunta Ekadasi.

Special Offering:

Devotees offer garlands of betel leaves, butter, and clothing to Anjaneya. Additionally, they prepare garlands of vadas for the deity, which are later distributed to the underprivileged.

Specialty of the Temple:

The sanctuary's main deity is Lord Hanuman, represented by a towering 36-foot statue—the tallest in India. This remarkable idol, adorned with the faces of Garuda, Narashima, Varaha, and Hayagreeva, surrounds the central visage of Lord Hanuman. Devotees often offer Urad Dal vadas, known for their cooling properties, to temper Hanuman's fierceness and secure blessings.

Temple Timings:

The temple is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

Dress Code:

While there is no strict dress code, clothing that covers the upper arms and legs is recommended out of respect for temple practices.

Uniqueness:

Individuals plagued by incurable ailments or persistent difficulties should visit the temple for six successive Saturdays. During these visits, chanting the mantra 'Jai Ram' 108 times is encouraged, and visitors receive a spiritual bracelet.

Address:

The temple spans 12 acres on the Pondicherry-Tindivanam road.

Nearby Temples:

The Irumbi Shiva Temple is located nearby and can be conveniently visited en route from the Panchavati Temple.

Travel Mode:

Bus: Buses from major cities provide routes to Pondicherry, with local services available from Pondicherry bus stand to the temple.

Train: Direct trains are available from Chennai to Pondicherry.

Airport: The closest airport is in Chennai.

FAQs:

What makes the Panchavati Anjaneya Temple unique?

The Panchavati Anjaneya Temple is renowned for housing the world's second-largest Anjaneya effigy and India's tallest Hanuman statue, standing at 36 feet. The statue is adorned with faces of Garuda, Narashima, Varaha, and Hayagreeva, surrounding the central visage of Lord Hanuman.

Which festivals are celebrated at the Panchavati Anjaneya Temple?

Significant celebrations at the temple include Krishna Jayanthi and Vaikunta Ekadasi, with Saturdays seeing high attendance from devotees.

What special offerings are made at the Panchavati Anjaneya Temple?

Devotees offer garlands of betel leaves, butter, and clothing to Anjaneya. Special Urad Dal vadas, known for their cooling properties, are also prepared and offered to Lord Hanuman. These vadas are then distributed to the underprivileged.

What are the temple's operating hours?

The Panchavati Anjaneya Temple is open from 7:00 am to 11:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm daily.

How can visitors reach the Panchavati Anjaneya Temple from Pondicherry?

The temple is located 12 km from Pondicherry on the Pondicherry-Tindivanam road. Visitors can take buses from major cities to Pondicherry and local services from the Pondicherry bus stand to reach the temple. Direct trains are also available from Chennai to Pondicherry, with Chennai Airport being the closest airport.