The Visit to this 16th to 17th Century Sri Sanjeevirayar temple was a part of visit to the Temples and heritage sites around Kanchipuram, scheduled on 11th July 2021. This Visit was combined with the Ayyangarkulam Nadavavi and Thirupanangadu Sri Thalapureeswarar Temple and Sri Swarna Kala Bhairavar Temple at Azhividaithangi.
Moolavar : Sri Sanjeevi Rayar
Some of the salient features of this temple are…This temple is facing North with Reservoir called “Thatha Samudram” also called as “Lakshmi Saras” measuring between 135 to 150 acres. Moolavar Sri Anjaneyar is in standing position with anjali hastham. There are no images in the Koshtam. It has two prakaras of which the inner prakara is narrow around the sanctum sanctorum. Mahalakshmi, Rama, Sita & Lakshmana, Garuda (about 6 feet tall with wings and beautiful smile on his face ) and a Thulasi Madam. Both Moolavar and Garudan are carved on a stone slab in the form of bas – relief. In prakaram a stone uruli / bowl and a huge stone slab.
ARCHITECTUREThe temple complex consists of Sanctum sanctorum artha mandapam, maha mandapam and Mukha mandapam. There is Tall 4 Pillar mandapam with a stucco sikara on the western side entrance. Mahavishnu’s dasavatha stucco images are on the top of the southern side entrance wall ( Inside ) There is a 4 Pillar mandapa on the left side after the south side entrance. Faint Vijayanagara period painting of Gajalakshmi can be seen on the ceiling. In addition to this there is a 4 pillar mandapam with stucco Vimana on the east side outer prakara (not easy to approach ).
A Nagara style Stucco 3 tier Vimana is above the sanctum sanctorum. The Vimana do not have much images except in the salaipathi and Greevam. A 4 Pillar mandapa is in front of the temple / at the beginning of the steps to Thatha Samudram. A Three tier Rajagopuram is on the east side between Mukha mandapa and the maha mandapa. There is a 24 Pillar mandapam in between north side 4 Pillar Mandapam ( Thatha Samudram ) and Rajagopuram. The 24 Pillar mandapa / Mukha Mandapa stone pillars has the bass reliefs 83 ( 85..?) different postures of Anjaneyar, in addition to other bas reliefs.
A big granite stone slab is placed on the east side of the temple in the second prakara. As per the experts this might have been used to preparing tamarind rice / puliyodharai and distribute as Prasad or making Garlands ( Thirupalli Thamam ).
HISTORY AND INSCRIPTIONSThis huge Temple complex was constructed by one “Sri Lakshmi Kumara Thatha Desikan”, who was the minister in the Vijayanagara Dynasty from 1585 to 1614 CE. Sri Thatha Desikan was a philanthropist and conducted many marriages for poor hence had the title of “Koti Kanniyadhana Lakshmi Kumara Thatha Desikan” also called as”Ettur Lakshmi Kumara Thathacharya”. He holds as Minister and Rajaguru for the Vijayanagara Kings Venkatapathy Rayas-I and II also called as Sriranga Rayas. He was made as incharge of Divya Desams at Kanchipuram, Sriperumbudur and Kumbakonam.
He also excavated a huge tank called “Thatha Samudram”, which is located on the northern side of the Temple. Besides this, there are two Huge wells Known as “Nadai-Vavi” excavated by him. The details are written as a separate post.
LEGENDSAs per the legend when Anjaneya was carrying the Sanjeevi Parvatha ( Hill from the Mount Himalayas, which contains Herbel to save the life of Lakshmana during the war at Sri Lanka with Ravana ) piece or a small portion of it fell down at this spot. Sanjeevi Rayar Hill and the temple is known as Sanjeevi Rayar Temple.
In another legend once Thatha Desikan and his disciples were travelling with wealth earned / as gift received for the King, to offer to Sri Varadharaja Perumal of Kanchipuram. It was become dark after sun set, when they reached this place and decided to stay at that night. When they were in deep sleep, some thieves took off all the wealths and tried to run. Suddenly some monkeys came and fought with the thieves and chased them away. This was known to Thatha desikan in his dream. When he woke in the morning and found all his wealth are guarded by the head of the monkeys. Thatha Desikan felt that the monkey is none other than Anjaneyar or Hanuman. As a part of thanks giving Thatha Desikan built this beautiful temple for Anjaneyar. He also composed a poem in Sanskrit called “Srimad Hanumath Vimsathi”. The same is inscribed boldly on the back side wall of sanctum sanctorum ( Thanks to the unknown contributor ).
guNAbhirAmamindirAkumAratAta vAridhiprasiddhimadramA taTAka tIrasImni mArutim |mudAdhiruhya mAdhavo vrshAcalasthalAdapiprakalpate nikAmamatra pAlanAya dehinAm ||
குணங்களால் அழகியவரும், லக்ஷ்மீஸரஸ் என்னப்பட்ட ஸ்ரீஐயங்கார் குளத்தின் கரையில் உறைபவரும் ஆகிய ஸ்ரீ ஹனுமானின் மேல் திருமலை எம்பெருமான் ஸ்ரீ மாதவன் ஏறி எழுந்தருளி, ஸ்ரீ வேங்கடாசலத்தைவிட மேலான மகிழ்வுடன் இங்கு உலகிள்ளோரைப் பாதுகாக்க அமைந்துள்ளார்.
Since this place was a part of Sanjeevi Hill, it is believed that people will not die due to poison or will not harm anybody bit by poisonous insects. Devotees also prays Lord Sanjeevi Rayar for Child boon especially male child.
Temple View from Lakshmisaras / “Thatha Samudram”
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
TEMPLE TIMINGSThe temple will be kept opened between 07.00 hrs to 10.00 hrs and 16.30 hrs to 19.00 hrs.CONTACT DETAILS
HOW TO REACHThe temple is 9 KM from Kanchipuram, 25 KM from Cheyyar, 35 KM from Vandavasi, 45 KM from Chengalpattu and 85 KM from Chennai.Nearest Railway station is Kanchipuram
LOCATION OF THE TEMPLE : CLICK HERE
Gaja Lakshmi Painting 
Stone Uruli
Stone Slab 
Garuda
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
Temple View from Lakshmisaras / “Thatha Samudram”
POOJAS AND CELEBRATIONS
Gaja Lakshmi Painting
Stone Uruli
Stone Slab
Garuda
--- OM SHIVAYA NAMA ---
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