Key Information at a Glance
| Temple | Sri Anjaneyar (Hanuman) Temple, also called Anjaneya Temple |
| Location | Nanganallur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu |
| Famous for | 32-foot Anjaneya idol carved from a single granite stone |
| Darshan timings | Generally morning to noon and evening (longer on Saturdays) — confirm at the temple |
| Special days | Saturdays, Hanuman Jayanti, Rama Navami |
| How to reach | Nearest railway: Palavanthangal; nearest metro: Alandur; within Chennai city |
About the temple
The Sri Anjaneyar Temple at Nanganallur is one of Chennai’s best-known Hanuman shrines. Its main draw is the towering 32-foot idol of Anjaneya, sculpted from a single piece of granite. It is widely regarded as one of the tallest Hanuman idols in India, second to the figure at Panchavatee near Puducherry.
The idol was installed in 1989, and the consecration (Kumbabishekam) was performed in 1995 by Sri Chandrashekarendra Saraswati Mahaswamiji of the Kanchi Mutt. The temple rises beneath a roughly 90-foot tower and also houses shrines to Rama with Sita and Lakshmana, Krishna with his consorts, Vinayaka (Ganesha), a Naga deity, and the saint Raghavendra. Over the years the temple came under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department.
Pooja & seva list
Devotees come to Nanganallur for the daily abhishekam and aarti as much as for darshan of the giant idol. The table below lists poojas and sevas commonly associated with Hanuman temples like this one. Exact names, timings, and any costs vary and change over time, so treat this as indicative only.
| Seva / Pooja | What it is |
| Suprabhata Seva | Early-morning awakening ritual at temple opening |
| Abhishekam | Ceremonial bathing of the deity, performed in the morning |
| Alankaram | Decoration and adornment of the idol after abhishekam |
| Archana | Offering in the devotee’s name with the deity’s names recited |
| Hanuman Chalisa / aarti | Evening recitation and lamp offering |
| Vadai maalai | Garland of vadai offered to Hanuman, a popular vow offering |
Confirm the current seva list, timings, and any charges at the temple before planning a special pooja. General darshan is free; some sevas may need to be arranged on the spot. Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide — we do not book sevas or take payments.
Darshan timings & special days
The temple typically opens in the early morning, closes for a midday break, and reopens in the evening. On Saturdays it generally stays open longer and into the night, since Saturday is considered especially auspicious for worshipping Hanuman. Many devotees believe prayers offered here bring courage, health, and protection.
- Weekdays: Open in the morning, midday break, and an evening session.
- Saturdays: Extended hours, often well into the night, with large crowds.
- Hanuman Jayanti & Rama Navami: The biggest festivals here, with special poojas and extended darshan.
Timings change with festivals, season, and temple administration decisions. Please confirm the exact opening, break, and closing times at the temple on the day you plan to visit.
Location & how to reach
The temple is in Nanganallur, a residential neighbourhood in south Chennai, and is easy to reach by suburban train, metro, bus, or road.
- By train: Palavanthangal is the nearest suburban railway station, on the Chennai Beach–Tambaram line, a short ride from the temple.
- By metro: Alandur is the closest metro station; take an auto from there.
- By road: Well connected by city buses and autos; cabs and ride-hailing services reach the area easily.
- By air: Chennai International Airport is only a few kilometres away.
For the exact street address, current bus routes, and any darshan or seva queries, please contact the temple directly through official channels.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Hanuman idol at Nanganallur?
The main Anjaneya idol stands about 32 feet tall and is carved from a single piece of granite. It is considered one of the tallest Hanuman idols in India.
Is there an entry fee or ticket for darshan?
General darshan is free. Some special poojas or abhishekam offerings may need to be arranged at the temple, and any charges should be confirmed there. Sri Vyasa Pooja is an information guide and does not book sevas or take payments.
Which day is best to visit?
Saturday is the most popular day, as it is considered especially auspicious for Hanuman, and the temple stays open longer. Hanuman Jayanti and Rama Navami are the biggest festival days, but also the most crowded.
What is the nearest railway station or metro?
Palavanthangal is the nearest suburban railway station, and Alandur is the closest metro station. Both are a short auto ride from the temple in Nanganallur.
