Saturday 13 May 2017

Alathiyur Hanuman Temple Alathiyur, near Tirur, Malappuram district Kerala,

Good morning.


Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is located in Alathiyur, near Tirur, Malappuram district in the state of Kerala, India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Sree Rama, his brother Bharatha and Lord Hanuman. According to the history, the temple is very ancient and the deity of Hanuman present in the temple is installed 3000 years ago by Sage Vasishtha, one of the Saptarishis, the seven great sages of Hindu Mythology.

The Alathiyur Hanuman Temple is extremely beloved to its devotees for very many reasons. Lord Rama is the presiding Deity here. The daily puja-rituals, offerings by devotees, and the spectacular annual Temple Festival – all are held in honor of the Lord Rama. However, the devotees always address this temple as ‘Hanuman Kavu’ Temple. And, in a way, it symbolizes the triumph of the supreme strength of the devotion of Lord Hanuman as an ideal Bhakta, which overshadows the presiding deity, Lord Rama.

Here, Sri Rama is visualized as the Maryada-Purushothaman – he is separated from his beloved wife, Devi Sita, by the demon King Ravana who had abducted her to Lanka. Sri Rama is seen entrusting his beloved Bhakta, Hanuman the possible task of locating the details of Sita. Sri Rama shares with Hanuman about how to look out for Devi Sita in Lanka. Hanuman, to reach Lanka would have had to cross the vast and formidable sea that separates Lanka from the main land. Thirty three crore Gods gathered to witness this significant act. It was an act in which the the Lord himself, Sri Rama, seeks the assistance of his bhakta, Hanuman. All the Gods bestowed Hanuman with their enormous strength, so that he succeeded in his mission. For Hanuman, this is was a very significant moment, and hence, his pre-eminence at Alathiyur.

The temple of Sri Hanuman is adjacent to the main temple of Sri Rama, who is the presiding deity. Sri Hanuman stands leaning a little towards the left, symbolic of how he hears his master’s words. Sri Rama is confiding in Hanuman the cue-word ( Abhignana Vaakyam ) that would enable him to gain the confidence of Sita. Hanuman has a mace in his hand. All the Gods blesses Lord Hanuman with all their powers. He is all set to accomplish his mission of finding out the whereabouts of Devi Sita. Here he is the personification of divine strength, confidence, concentration of purpose, Bhakti, and above all humility. He is the symbol of supreme self-sacrifice. He seems to be assuring Sri Rama: “Your wish is my command”. Devotees of Hanuman visit the temple to make their wishes fulfilled and be heard by the mighty Hanuman.

There is a platform to commemorate Sri Hanuman’s mighty leap to Lanka over the sea. There is a long granite stone at one end of this platform and it symbolizes the sea. Devotees com running and leap over this long stone. By doing this, auspicious impact is expected especially for the better health and life of children.

The Anjaneya temple was established by sage Vasishta in Alathiyur, Kerala. The temple's  history is based on the epic of the Ramayana. In the sanctum sanctorum, Sri Rama appears alone  without  Mother Sita. Sri Hanuman graces in the other shrine  as listening to the Sri Rama telling him how to identify the mother Sita,  to help him to spot her without any doubt. Devas contributed all their might to Hanuman to enable him to succeed in his mission.  The idol of the Sri Lakshmana is established a little far away, that he would not disturb the privacy between Rama and Hanuman when the former was narrating  some past incidents to Hanuman to identify mother Sita.
Sri Hanuman is a staunch follower of the Sri Rama who dedicated his service to Rama only. He expected nothing in return for his services in searching Mother Sita.  He was the abode of all the noblest divine qualities coupled with an unparallel physical and mental prowess to conquer any situation of any gravity.  But he himself was not aware of his extraordinary capabilities.  He never spoke to anybody about his powers but simply felt and said that he was born for the service of Sri Rama.  He was only saying that he was the last servant of the lord. The interesting thing to be noted,  is that,  Sugriva got back his kingdom for the service he rendered to the Lord.  Angatha was nominated as the heir-apparent of Kishkinda.  Vibishana was crowned as the king of Lanka. Hanuman expected nothing. He respectfully declined to accept the pearl chain offered to him by Mother Sita.  Sri Rama could not find anything that would be a fitting reward to him.  Rama finally asked him to embrace him and blessed him eternity. Hanuman was born on the new moon day. Worshipping him on this day brings immense benefits to the devotees.

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