Sri Veera Anjaneya of Thirupathiripuliyur (Thirupapuliyur): The Guardian of Devotion on the banks of the Kedilam - Hanuman temple near Cuddalore: A Temple Born from Divine Command
Located near Thirupathiripuliyur in Cuddalore district of Tamil
Nadu, the revered Sri Veera Anjaneya Swamy Temple stands as a shining center of
devotion, faith, and spiritual strength. Situated close to the banks of the
Kedilam River, this sacred kshetra has drawn countless devotees for more than a
century. The temple is not merely a place of worship; it is a living testimony
to unwavering bhakti and divine grace.
The Divine Discovery of Veera Anjaneya Murti
The history of the temple traces back nearly 130 years. During that period, the region around the Kedilam River was
covered with dense shrubs and wilderness. A humble railway booking clerk named
Sri Srinivasa Iyer was serving at the Thirupapuliyur railway station. He
was a devoted worshipper of Sri Rama and deeply immersed in Hanuman bhakti.
One night, he received a divine vision in his dream. Sri
Rama directed him to search for an idol of Anjaneya on the banks of the Kedilam
River. Taking the dream as a sacred command, Srinivasa Iyer organized a search.
To the amazement of all, an idol of Anjaneya was discovered on the western bank
of the river exactly as revealed in the vision.
The idol radiated spiritual power and majesty. Learned
scholars and priests identified the deity as Sri Veera Anjaneya, the heroic
form of Hanuman. The bushes around the area were cleared, and the idol was
installed at the very spot where it was found. What began as a small shrine
built with the simple offerings of devotees gradually transformed into a
renowned temple.
It is lovingly remembered that Srinivasa Iyer collected
small donations, even as little as a quarter anna from devotees, to build the
original structure. His dedication remains an inspiring example of pure
devotion and selfless service.
The Unique Form of Sri Veera Anjaneya
The moolavar of the temple is truly distinctive. Sri Veera Anjaneya is seen in ardha shila roopa facing east. The deity appears to be walking toward the north, symbolizing dynamic protection and divine readiness to help devotees. His right hand is raised in abhaya mudra, granting fearlessness and assurance, while the left hand rests on the hip in a majestic posture of confidence and valor.
This form beautifully reflects Hanuman’s eternal readiness to serve Sri Rama and protect dharma. Hanuman represents strength combined with humility, courage blended with wisdom, and devotion united with service.
The Ramayana glorifies Hanuman’s greatness in many places. One celebrated verse says:
“Yatra yatra Raghunatha kirtanam
Tatra tatra krita mastakanjalim
Bashpa vari pari purna lochanam
Marutim namata rakshasantakam”
Wherever the glories of Sri Rama are sung, there Hanuman stands with folded hands, eyes filled with tears of devotion. Salutations to that destroyer of negative forces.
This verse perfectly captures the spirit of the temple, where Rama bhakti and Hanuman worship are inseparable.
Growth of the Temple
As Cuddalore expanded into a town and then into a city more and more people came to know of the
miraculous shrine, the temple began attracting large numbers of devotees.
Contributions poured in steadily, enabling gradual development of the temple
complex.
The land on which the temple stood originally belonged to an
undivided family. In 1982, a trust was formed and approximately 1.05 acres of
land were formally acquired for the temple. Since the temple had been expanded
in stages, it was later decided to reconstruct it as a proper and unified
complex while preserving the sanctity of the original installation.
Construction of the present temple commenced in January 1990
and was completed in 1992. Care was taken to ensure that the original position
of the moolavar remained undisturbed throughout the reconstruction. Today, the
magnificent rajagopuram and beautifully designed entrance arch near the Kedilam
River bridge warmly welcome devotees into this sacred abode.
Worship and Festivals
The temple follows Pancharatra Agama traditions in its daily
worship and rituals. Hanumath Jayanthi is celebrated every year during the
Margazhi month on the new moon day (Margali moolam) with immense devotion and participation from
devotees.
The utsava murti of Veera Anjaneya stands majestically
holding the gada in one hand while blessing devotees with the other. Every
month on amavasya (no moon day), the utsava murti is taken in a grand procession around the
temple.
Sri Rama Navami celebrations are conducted for thirteen days
and conclude with the special Anjaneya Utsavam on the following full moon day.
One of the most extraordinary observances of the temple is the Lakshadeepa
celebration during Tamil New Year (April 14). On this sacred occasion, one lakh oil lamps
are lit by devotees, transforming the temple into a dazzling ocean of light and
devotion.
A Temple of Faith and Divine Assurance
Sri Veera Anjaneya Swami Temple continues to inspire
devotees seeking courage, peace, protection, and spiritual strength. The sacred
kshetra reminds devotees that sincere faith and steadfast devotion can
transform even the humblest beginnings into a beacon of divine grace.
The temple remains a cherished center of Hanuman worship in Tamil Nadu, preserving the timeless values of bhakti, service, humility, and unwavering dedication to dharma.