The popular belief is that Kengal Hanuman murti worshipped
in temple was consecrated by Sage Vyasa. The murti is Swayambhu.
Origin Of
Kengal Hanuman
Temple
Legend has it the area of the present day temple was part of
a thick forest. Merchants used to rest in the area but were often attacked by a
tiger. One night the tiger carried away an ox of a merchant group. They
searched for a while but had to stop because of darkness. They decided to
continue their search next morning. During that night the merchants had a dream
in which Hanuman assured them that the ox will be safe. He also asked to build
a temple for him in the area so that they will always be protected.
When the merchants went in search of the ox in the morning,
they found it next to the tiger and the ox was not hurt. They also saw a huge
rock in front of the animals, covered in thick bush. They cut the bush and saw
symbols of Lord Hanuman on the rock. Awestruck and grateful, they built a small
temple of Hanuman
which later became the Kengal
Hanuman Temple .
The place gets the name Kengal from the red stones that are
found in and around the temple. The deity worshipped in the temple is known locally as
‘Ayya’ and the t
emple is known as ‘Ayyan Gudi.’ Ayya means elder member of the house or society.
emple is known as ‘Ayyan Gudi.’ Ayya means elder member of the house or society.
Location
The important festival in temples are Ugadi, Ramnavami,
Hanuman Jayanti in Dhanur Masa.