MUKHYA PRAANA (ANJANEYA SWAMI) TEMPLE, TRIPLICANE, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU...
Sri B Nagarajan
Consecration of Sri Mukhya Praana
Until a score and a half of years, Hanumantha Rayan Kovil Street, of
Triplicane i.e. Tiruvallikeni Chennai remained a citadel for Madhwa brahmins
and went by name of Agrahaaram. Sri Sri Sathyasandharu (1783-1794), 25th
Pontiff of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt (after Sri Madhvacharya), consecrated, for the
benefit of Madhwas in Agraharam in 1794, idol of Sri Mukhya Praana (Jagadguru)
in a sanctum sanctorum measuring nine feet by seven feet. With the generous
donation of additional space by people adjacent to the temple, now houses the
concourse and a two feet path around of circumambulation.
Features of vigraha
The idol is nineteen inches tall made of hard granite stone in standing
posture with right leg stretching an inch in front of left. With folded hands
held near bosom with bracelets and tendon ornaments, He wearing Kaupeenam,
tucking mace resting on left clavicle and inside of left upper arm, ear-studs
and a small crown overhead stands for humility, servitude, celibacy,
renunciation, strength of character and a figure to be meditated upon.
For the mortals, folded hands denote helplessness and that nothing could be
achieved by themselves and for this humble servant, God is the Master. He
alone can extend adequate protection, welcoming the tormented soul to His
fold with unbounded affection.
Renovation of the temple in 1910
There are no records as to how the temple was maintained in subsequent
years. Patronage extended by public then, remained silent. Sri Sri
Sathyajnana Theertharu (37th in lineage) of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt, directed one
local Madhwa supervisor (Sri Sathyananda Ramachar) to supervise and oversee
renovation of this small temple. After renovation, Samprokohana was performed
by His Holiness in 1910.
Sri Rama Association and functions of the temple
Again in 1976, a facelift was given to the temple by Sri Rama Association
(Estd. 1943) meeting the whole expenses. This Association, celebrates annual
Sri Rama Navami Mahotsav, drafting erudite and reputed scholars from outside
Tamilnadu, who give scintillating and masterly discourses during the nine day
period, which includes Bhajans (Dasarapadas) daily after discourses. Note
worthy item being Dharmopanayanam for poor boys on Sri Rama Navami day.
Besides this a grand procession of Sri Rama's portrait, is taken out along
the four mada streets of the famous Sri Parthasarathi Swami Temple. Besides
Sri Rama Navami, Navaratri, Hanumad Jayanthi, Akshaiah Triteeya etc., are the
days when people congregate in large number and volunteer their services.
Kumbabhishekam
The old capola, which was leaking and dust of mortar dropping from
ceiling of sanctum sanctorum, was pulled down and a new capola of thirteen
feet height, was raised with multi colour idols adoring all sides in
accordance with tradition. Now concourse, inside walls of temple, floor on
prakara are in laid with glazed granite slabs. Ashtabandana Kumbabhishekam of
this renovated temple was performed by the presiding pontiff (42nd in
lineage) of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt Sri Sri Sathyaatma Theertharu on 23.01.2000
after due conduct of poorvaanga rites according to Aagama Saastras. During
the process the inside of sanctum sanctorum was left untouched to keep up and
reminds its antiquity.
Devotees in and around, visit this temple daily and pray. Everyone will have
something to tell about his/her experience with the temple.
Mukhya Praana is sustainer of life (life breath). One who sits in the
concourse of this temple and meditates feels elated and rejuvenated.
|| Mukhya Praanantargata Sitapati Sri Ramachandra preeyataam ||
A visit to this temple in the evening hours and sitting on a meditation in the presence of the Mukhya Pranna is an experience that you will cherish.
[ed. 22.10.01]