Shri Ucchi Anjaneyar Temple is on top of Maruthuvazhmalai, a small but historically significant hill near Kanyakumari in Tamil Nadu. The hill is easily accessible from Nagercoil and Kanyakumari, making it a popular pilgrimage site for devotees of Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman stands at the top, strengthening the minds and bodies of all devotees who climb here, irrespective of caste and religion.
The temple’s hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including the lush greenery and the vast expanse of the Arabian Sea.
The Mahendragiri Hill, from which Lord Hanuman jumped to Lanka, can be seen from here.
Bharat Mata’s feet (the tip of the Indian peninsula) can be seen beautifully from here.
The temple has a simple yet sacred South Indian Dravidian architectural style, with a small sanctum (Garbha Griha) where the deity is placed. The idol of Lord Hanuman stands in a powerful posture, symbolizing strength and protection. The temple is surrounded by large boulders and natural rock formations, giving it a unique and mystical appearance. Some believe these rocks are part of the Sanjeevani-bearing hill from the Ramayana.
Maruthuvazhmalai is considered a sacred fragment of the Sanjeevani Mountain. According to the Ramayana, when Lakshmana (Lord Rama’s brother) was injured in battle, Hanuman was sent to fetch the life-saving Sanjeevani herb from the Himalayas. Unable to identify the specific plant, he lifted an entire mountain and carried it to Lanka. On the way, a piece of the mountain is believed to have fallen here, forming Maruthuvazhmalai. The presence of rare medicinal herbs on this hill strengthens this belief. The Ucchi Anjaneyar Temple, situated atop the hill, stands as a divine mark of Hanuman’s journey and his unwavering devotion to Lord Rama.
The hilltop has a large stone-cut lamp where the Karthigai Deepam is lit during Thirukarthigai.
The temple celebrates Hanuman Jayanti with great devotion, attracting many devotees. Other important Hindu festivals, such as Ram Navami and Diwali, are also observed with special prayers and rituals. Many devotees undertake the trek to the temple as a form of penance and devotion, especially on Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for Lord Hanuman.
