The Lord Hanuman Temple in Penukonda, Andhra Pradesh, is a revered spiritual site where the idol of Lord Hanuman was installed by the respected saint Sri Sreepaada Raajaru. Known for his devotion to Hanuman and his teachings of Dvaita Vedanta, Sri Sreepaada Raajaru chose Penukonda as the ideal place to establish the temple. The temple attracts devotees seeking divine blessings, strength, and protection.
The idol of Lord Hanuman is a majestic figure in a standing posture, symbolizing power, devotion, and readiness to protect devotees. The sanctum sanctorum (garbha griha) houses the idol, and the temple’s peaceful design creates a calm environment for worship and meditation. The idol is believed to carry the spiritual energy of Sri Sreepaada Raajaru, making it a source of divine grace and strength.
The history of this temple traces back to Sri Sreepaada Raajaru, who traveled widely to spread the teachings of Madhvacharya. During his journey, he arrived in Penukonda, a place historically linked to the Vijayanagara Empire. While meditating here, the saint had a vision of Lord Hanuman, who instructed him to install an idol in this sacred location. Following the vision, Sri Sreepaada Raajaru performed intense penance and consecrated the idol through sacred rituals, turning the area into a spiritual center. Today, the temple is considered a place where prayers are answered and inner strength is renewed.
According to legend, Lord Hanuman appeared to Sri Sreepaada Raajaru in a vision and directed him to install an idol in Penukonda. The saint chose the location for its spiritual significance and, with deep devotion, performed the necessary rituals to consecrate the idol. It is believed that Lord Hanuman serves as the guardian deity of Penukonda, protecting the region and its people while blessing devotees.
Tuesdays and Saturdays are particularly auspicious days for worship. Major festivals like Hanuman Jayanti, Rama Navami, and Vaikunta Ekadashi are celebrated with special pujas, bhajans, and large gatherings of devotees.