Theradi Sri Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a traditional shrine dedicated to Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya at Singirikudi in Cuddalore district of Tamil Nadu. The shrine is located near the traditional temple car stand, or Theradi, at the end of Sannidhi Street. Sri Anjaneya faces the sacred Narasimha temple and stands with his palms joined in worship. This unusual posture gives the temple its special identity as a shrine of Bhaktha Anjaneya.
The exact age of the separate Theradi Anjaneya shrine is not clearly established through inscriptions or a dated record. Therefore, it is safer not to assign a specific age to the shrine. The temple belongs to the historic Singirikudi sacred tradition, and the surrounding Narasimha temple has received patronage during different historical periods. The Anjaneya shrine also follows the traditional practice of having a Hanuman shrine near important Vishnu temples.
The Moolavar is Sri Bhaktha Anjaneya Swamy. He stands on a lotus pedestal with both palms joined in Anjali, facing Sri Narasimha. He is beautifully decorated with traditional ornaments, a dhoti, pearl garlands, a sacred thread and earrings. His tail curves gracefully near his feet.
The most striking feature is his expression. Instead of appearing in a heroic or warrior posture, Anjaneya is seen as a humble devotee, standing peacefully before the Lord. This form beautifully reflects the traditional image of Hanuman as the greatest servant and devotee of the Divine.
The temple has a spacious Mandapam supported by beautifully carved stone pillars, leading to the Garbhagriha at the western end. The shrine is positioned near the Theradi and faces the principal deity of the Singirikudi kshetra. This arrangement follows the traditional Vaishnava practice of placing Anjaneya shrines near important Sri Hari temples.
The orientation of the deity is particularly significant. Sri Anjaneya stands facing the main Narasimha shrine, as though he is eternally offering his prayers to the Lord.
Singirikudi is an important Narasimha Kshetra in Tamil Nadu and is traditionally associated with the worship of three forms of Narasimha — Bala Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha. The larger temple complex has historical associations with successive periods of Tamil temple history, including Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara traditions.
The Theradi Anjaneya shrine forms part of this sacred landscape. The tradition of installing Anjaneya shrines near important Vishnu temples became particularly prominent under Vijayanagara influence. Here, that tradition has resulted in a very meaningful shrine where Hanuman eternally faces and worships Narasimha.
The special Sthalapurana of this shrine is centred on the devotion of Sri Anjaneya towards the three forms of Narasimha worshipped at Singirikudi.
Singirikudi is traditionally regarded as a sacred place where Lord Narasimha manifests in three forms — Bala Narasimha, Ugra Narasimha and Yoga Narasimha. The presence of Anjaneya facing the Lord is understood as a representation of Hanuman’s eternal service and devotion.
Sri Anjaneya is therefore not shown here as a warrior preparing for battle. He stands with folded hands, completely absorbed in worship. His posture represents the highest form of Bhakti — surrender without expectation.
This becomes especially meaningful when we remember the greatness of Hanuman. In the Ramayana, Anjaneya crossed the ocean, entered Lanka, faced powerful enemies, and carried the Sanjeevani mountain. Yet, despite possessing extraordinary strength, he remained completely humble before Sri Rama.
At Singirikudi, that same quality is expressed through his form as Bhaktha Anjaneya.
The tradition of the shrine says that Anjaneya is engaged in meditation upon the three Narasimha forms. Thus, the fierce Ugra Narasimha, the meditative Yoga Narasimha and the gentle Bala Narasimha are all connected with the unwavering devotion of Hanuman.
The temple therefore presents a rare and beautiful idea: the mighty Hanuman is himself seen as the humble devotee. His folded hands remind devotees that true strength comes together with humility, devotion and complete surrender.
For devotees, worshipping Bhaktha Anjaneya here is traditionally associated with gaining courage, clarity of thought, concentration and strength to overcome difficulties.
Hanuman Jayanti is the principal festival associated with Sri Anjaneya worship, and special abhishekam, alankaram and prayers are offered on this occasion. Saturdays are also considered especially auspicious for Anjaneya worship, with devotees visiting the shrine seeking His blessings.
Sri Rama Navami is another important occasion for Hanuman devotees, as the life of Anjaneya is inseparably connected with the service of Sri Rama. Special prayers and devotional offerings are performed during important festival days.
