Hanuman Temple in Chromepet, Chennai
edit[1] Every place in southern India, especially in Tamilnadu, has an elaborate history to its temples. Among the many temples in this traditional state, the Hanuman temple near Madras Institute of Technology, Chromepet, not far from Chennai in India is my favorite. It is a family favorite and has a very good following among the locals as well.
First, a little background about the temple. The Hanuman idol was found sometime around the year 1930. Aanjaneya Ammal was a young 13 year old girl living in this area. She had a dream one night that the God wanted his temple to be built in this place. The next day she told her family. A 13yr old’s dream is not always taken seriously. But she did not give up and kept pursuing her dream.
Some days later, the late Mahaswami Sri Chandrasekarendra Saraswati happened to visit this place. Aanjaneya Ammal shared her dream with the Swamigal. The Swamigal immediately asked the people around him to go and look around the area of the current temple.
The men went as advised and to their surprise found the idols of the Lord lying there on the ground. Their happiness knew no bounds. Aanjaneya Ammal’s dream had come true.
Later with Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam (TTD) funding the temple was constructed as per standard specifications. Ever since Puja is being conducted every day and hundreds of residents throng this temple for the Lord’s blessing. One can also find the photo of Aanjaneya Ammal inside the temple.
Every 6 months, the current poojari of the temple, Thiru Raghavan, conducts Pazhakapu (decoration with fruits) and Vennakapu (decoration with butter) of the lord’s Vigraham (idol). As part of this ritual, donations are collected from interested devotees and the lord is decorated elaborately for the Puja. Fruits are used on some days and butter on some others. One has to visit the temple in person to enjoy the beauty and magnificence of the lord, resplendent with colorful decoration.