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 the name of Agrahaaram.
For the benefit of Madhwas in Agraharam in the year 1794 Sri Sri Sathyasandharu (1783-1794), 25th Pontiff of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt (after Sri Madhvacharya) consecrated, an idol of Sri Mukhya Praana (Jagadguru) in a sanctum sanctorum measuring nine feet by seven feet.
With the generous donation of additional space by the people adjacent to the temple, it now houses the concourse and a two-foot path around the circumambulation.
Features of vigraha
![Mukhya Praana [Hanuman], Hanumantharayan Kovil St, Triplicane, Chennai](t_cane_anj.gif "Mukhya Praana [Hanuman], Hanumantharayan Kovil St, Triplicane, Chennai")
The idol of Sri Mukhya Praana is nineteen inches tall and made of hard granite stone in standing
posture. Lord’s right leg is stretching an inch in front than that of the left leg. His folded hands
are held near His bosom with bracelets and tendon ornaments. He is wearing Kaupeenam and is seen
tucking mace resting on the left clavicle and inside of the left upper arm. The ear studs and a small
crown overhead stand for humility, servitude, celibacy, renunciation, strength of character, and a
figure to be meditated upon.
For the mortals, folded hands denote helplessness and nothing could be achieved by themselves. But 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 to show as to how the maintenance of the temple was carried out in subsequent years. Patronage extended by the then-public remained silent on this. Sri Sri Sathyajnana Theertharu (37th in lineage) of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt, directed one local Madhwa (Sri Sathyananda Ramachar) to supervise and oversee the renovation of this small temple. After renovation, Samprokohana was performed by His Holiness in 1910.
One who sits in the concourse of this temple and meditates feels elated and rejuvenated.
Sri Rama Association and functions of the temple
![Mukhya Praana [Hanuman] temple, Hanumantharayan Kovil St, Triplicane, Chennai](t_cane.jpg "Mukhya Praana [Hanuman] temple, Hanumantharayan Kovil St, Triplicane, Chennai")
Again in 1976, a facelift was given to the temple by the Sri Rama Association (Estd. 1943) which met
the whole expenses. This Association, celebrates the annual Sri Rama Navami Mahotsav, draughting
erudite and reputed scholars from outside Tamil Nadu who give scintillating and masterly discourses
during the nine-day period, which includes Bhajans (Dasarapadas) daily after discourses. The
noteworthy item is 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 numbers and volunteer their services.
Kumbabhishekam
The old capola, which was leaking and dust of mortar dropping from the ceiling of the sanctum sanctorum, was pulled down, and a new capola of thirteen feet in height was constructed with multicolour idols adorning all sides in accordance with tradition. Now the concourse, inside walls of the temple, floor on Prakara are 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 the sanctum sanctorum was left untouched to keep up and remind of its antiquity.
Devotees in and around the temple, visit this temple daily and pray. Everyone will have something to say about his/her experience with the temple.
Sri Sri 1008 Satyatma theertha Sripandangalavaru, pontiff of Sri Uttaradhi Mutt (42nd in lineage) performed the Kumbabhishekam of the temple On 17th January 2024.
Mukhya Praana is the 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 ||
Location of the temple: "Mukhya Praana [Anjaneya] Temple, Triplicane, Chennai"
Experience
Visiting 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.
SRI HANUMAN THINKS DIFFERENTLY, THINKS FAST
THINKS AHEAD AND ACTS FOR SURE
author is a renowned author on Madwa philosophy
this article is a blessing to us from him
Ed [07.06.2001]
update [Dec 2024]