Monday, January 25, 2010

Story listener

This temple to Hanuman is one that's not terribly old. Not that it is a spring chicken, but it's age does not run into multiple centuries, or even one, for that matter. It was constructed some time between 1930 and 1950 and was probably intended to cater to the traders and workers who frequented the nearby Thaneer Thurai market. It is said that the idol of Veera Anjaneya, the presiding deity of this temple was placed in such a way that when viewed from the street, it seems to be on its way to the market. Whether that was really the intention, or is it just chance that set the idol in that direction is a matter of conjecture, rather than fact.

In its early days, it must have been quite a popular temple. It was to this temple that Rajaji brought the manuscript of his interpretation of the Ramayana after he finished it, circa 1956. Between reading the manuscript and listening to discourses on the Ramayana from the nearby Sanskrit college, this Hanuman would have had his fill of Sri Rama's story!

2 comments:

KARTHIK A.BHATT said...

Hi Shantaram,

The temple was constructed earlier than the 1930s...in fact I think in 1915 or 1916. In fact right next to the Ramar Sannidhi in this temple I remember seeing a stone inscription to this effect.

Do chk.it out next time you are there..

Shantaram said...

@ Karthik: Thanks! Will certainly look out for it.