Alathiyur Hanuman Temple

Here, Sri Rama is visualized as the Maryada-Purushothaman – he is separated from his beloved wife, Devi Sita, by the demon King Ravana who had abducted her to Lanka. Sri Rama is seen entrusting his beloved Bhakta, Hanuman the possible task of locating the details of Sita. Sri Rama shares with Hanuman about how to look out for Devi Sita in Lanka. Hanuman, to reach Lanka would have had to cross the vast and formidable sea that separates Lanka from the main land. Thirty three crore Gods gathered to witness this significant act. It was an act in which the the Lord himself, Sri Rama, seeks the assistance of his bhakta, Hanuman. All the Gods bestowed Hanuman with their enormous strength, so that he succeeded in his mission. For Hanuman, this is was a very significant moment, and hence, his pre-eminence at alathiyoor.

The temple of Sri Hanuman is adjacent to the main temple of Sri Rama, who is the presiding deity. Sri Hanuman stands leaning a little towards the left, symbolic of how he hears his master’s words. Sri Rama is confiding in Hanuman the cue-word ( Abhignana Vaakyam ) that would enable him to gain the confidence of Sita. Hanuman has a mace in his hand. All the Gods blesses Lord Hanuman with all their powers. He is all set to accomplish his mission of finding out the whereabouts of Devi Sita. Here he is the personification of divine strength, confidence, concentration of purpose, Bhakti, and above all humility. He is the symbol of supreme self-sacrifice. He seems to be assuring Sri Rama: “Your wish is my command”. Devotees of Hanuman visit the temple to make their wishes fulfilled and be heard by the mighty Hanuman.

There is a platform to commemorate Sri Hanuman’s mighty leap to Lanka over the sea. There is a long granite stone at one end of this platform and it symbolizes the sea. Devotees com running and leap over this long stone. By doing this, auspicious impact is expected especially for the better health and life of children.