Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda – The Temple

Ardhagiri Veera Anjaneya Temple, Aragonda – The Temple

Veera Anjaneya Temple is situated on the foothill of Ardhagiri. The shrine is a modest structure, nestles in the midst of lush hills about 300 feet high. The temple’s tiled courtyard serves as the circumambulatory route. A structured path takes you to the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is built on Dravidian Style Architecture. Presiding Deity is called as Veera Anjaneya. He is housed in the sanctum. He is about 3 feet high, covered with copper plate.

He is facing North. The deity’s right hand is in abhaya mudra, and his left hand is seen holding the Sowgandhika flower. His enormous tail, raised above his head, holds aloft at the end, a small bell, characteristic of Anjaneya idols that are made in Andhra. His ears are embellished with beautifully sculpted earrings or kundalam.

The Temple was constructed in such a way that the sun rays will fall only on the feet of the Lord Anjaneya in the early morning. As the day progresses the sun rays strike each and every portion of the head, but finally disappearing beyond the head region. According to folklore, Sun god who was overwhelmed by Anjaneya’s courage and devotion to Rama, pays his tribute in this manner.

The temple tank is called as Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini. It is believed that the water has the divine Sanjeevini elements infused into it. Sanjeeviraya Pushkarini is perennial. It is situated on the right side of the Temple. In the centre of the Pushkarini (tank), is a statue of Anjaneya in meditation. To maintain sanctity and cleanliness, a wall has been built around the tank and there’s a gate that remains locked. A pipe from the tank carries the water to an adjoining room for the sake of the devotees, many of whom carry this water back home.

The temple walls have sculptures of several god and goddesses. Ayyapan Swamy Shrine can be found in the hills. One need to climb at least 300 rock cut stairs to reach here. The Ayyapan Swamy shrine is not open always but you can enjoy the view from the hill top. There is a shrine for Lord Shiva in mid of hills. Many devotees come to visit this temple and specifically on a full moon day as it is believed that it was on a full moon day when Hanuman brought the Sanjeevini Mountain from Himalayas.