Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Introduction to the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

The Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, or Sri Maddi Veeranjaneya Swamy Temple, is a famous Hanuman Temple in Guravaigudem Village, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh. It lies on the banks of the Erra Canal of the village. As the main deity, Anjaneya Swamy stands near a mangrove tree and is called Sri Maddi Anjaneya Swamy.

Legend of the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

The legend of the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is interesting. Once, a demon named Madvasura worked in the army of Ravana during the Treta Yuga. Though he was a demon, he used to live peacefully. During the war between Rama and Ravana, Madvasura had seen Anjaneya Swamy fighting on Rama's side. He died in the war, uttering Hanuman's name.

Again, he was born as Madhvakudu in the Dwapara Yuga and lived peacefully. During the war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, Madhvakudu fought on the side of the Kauravas. He had seen Sri Anjaneyaswamy on the flag of Arjuna before he died.

During Kaliyuga, Madhvakudu was born as Madhva and traveled across the country. While traveling, he reached the Yerrakaluva river bank and performed penance there. Madhva used to bathe in the river daily and do penance for Sri Anjaneyaswamy. Thus, he became Madhava Maharishi. When he grew old, he was unable to walk to the river. One day, while he was going to the river bank to bathe, he was about to fall when a monkey helped the Maharishi and brought him to the bank. It also gave him some fruits to eat.

This happened daily. But the Maharishi never thought about the monkey. After a few days, he learned it was Anjaneya Swamy. Immediately, he requested the monkey (Anjaneyaswamy) to pardon him.

Then, Anjaneya Swamy appeared before him and told him that he had served Madhava Maharishi willingly and would also grant him a boon. So, Maharishi expressed his desire to be with Anjaneya Swamy all the time. Anjaneya Swamy gave him the shape of a Maddi tree. In this form, he is always with Madhava Maharishi with a fruit in one hand and a Gadha in the other.

The Architecture of the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

Reddy Raju kings built the temple in 1166 AD. The famous architect, the late Ganapathi Sthapati, designed the temple's architecture. The temple features a typical South Indian architectural style. The Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple has a 7-tier Rajagopuram. Dhwaja Stambham (flagstaff) is in front of the temple. It neither has a roof nor Vimana. There is a Mandap where cultural activities are held.

The main deity, Anjaneya Swamy, is Swayambhu (self-manifested) and 3 feet high. Hanuman graces his devotees with fruits in one hand and Gadha (Mace) in the other hand. The best time to visit the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple is from September to February.

Festivals in the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

On Tuesdays, large numbers of devotees visit the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple. Every month on Moola Nakshatra (star) day, devotees visit the temple to worship Hanuman. The temple conducts Saturday Pooja for Shani Dosha and Graha Doshas. Devotees believe worshipping Hanuman can remove the Doshas and bless them with peace and prosperity. People in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana celebrate Hanuman Jayanti on the Dasami, or the tenth day during the Krishna Paksha of Vaishakha. They call it Anjaneya Swamy Jayanti or Hanumantha Jayanti. Sri Rama Navami, Ugadi, Diwali, and other Hindu festivals are also celebrated in the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple.

Benefits of Worshipping at the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple

There is a tradition of circumambulating the Maddi Anjaneya Swamy Temple sanctum 11 times before darshan to get one's wishes fulfilled. Each round will take approximately two minutes. There is no restriction on photography inside the temple. Professional photographers are available to take photos with the temple in the background.