Anjanadri Hills in Anegundi, near Hampi, is regarded as the birthplace of Lord Hanuman—one of the most powerful and beloved deities in Hinduism. Surrounded by the boulder-strewn landscape of the Kishkinda region, this divine hill is named after Anjana Devi, Hanuman's mother, and is located in the ancient monkey kingdom from the Ramayana.
Atop the hill stands a revered Hanuman temple, a major pilgrimage spot where devotees undertake a steep climb of approximately 426 steps to offer prayers and seek blessings.
🗺️ Location Details & Travel Guide
* State: Karnataka
* Region: Anegundi, near Hampi, in Koppal District
* Distance from Hampi: ~5 km
* Nearest Town: Hospet (~13 km)
* How to Reach:
* By Air: Hubli Airport (~165 km), Bengaluru International Airport (~350 km)
* By Train: Hospet Junction is the nearest railway station
* By Road: Regular KSRTC buses and cabs from Hampi and Hospet
🛕 Temples on Anjanadri Hill
* Anjaneya Temple (Main Temple)
* Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this ancient shrine is believed to be built at the very spot of his birth.
* Devotees climb the steps while chanting Jai Bajrang Bali! to feel spiritually uplifted.
* The deity is in a sitting posture, with folded hands in Bhakti Mudra (devotional pose).
* Cave Temples and Meditation Spots
* Small caves and shrines believed to be places of penance for Anjana Devi and sages.
* Offer peaceful settings for meditation and reflection.
🛕 Nearby Temples & Sacred Spots (within 5–25 km radius)
* Pampa Sarovar
* Sacred lake associated with Shabari, a devotee of Lord Rama who awaited his arrival.
* Mentioned in the Ramayana, it's a serene pilgrimage site.
* Sugriva’s Cave
* Believed to be the hiding spot of Sugriva, king of Vanaras, where he stored Sita’s jewels.
* Ranganatha Temple (Anegundi)
* Ancient temple of Lord Vishnu in a reclining form.
* Durga Temple, Anegundi
* A local temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, revered by villagers.
* Virupaksha Temple (Hampi)
* A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the oldest functioning temples in India.
* Vittala Temple Complex
* Known for the stone chariot and musical pillars, it reflects Vijayanagara grandeur.
* Kadalekalu Ganesha Temple
* Houses a giant monolithic statue of Lord Ganesha, carved from a single rock.
* Hemakuta Hill Temples
* A cluster of pre-Vijayanagara shrines providing panoramic views and spiritual serenity.
🎉 Festivals Celebrated at Anjanadri Hills
🟠 Hanuman Jayanti
* When: Celebrated in Chaitra (March-April) or Margashirsha (Dec-Jan), depending on regional calendars.
* Significance: Celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman.
* Activities:
* Special abhishekams (ritual bathing) and Hanuman Chalisa chanting
* Bajrang Bali processions, recitals of Sundarakanda
* Devotees offer sindoor, bananas, jaggery, and light ghee lamps
🔴 Ram Navami
* Celebrated in honor of Lord Rama's birth, Hanuman’s eternal master.
* Devotees chant the Ramayana, perform bhajans, and organize satsangs.
🟡 Diwali & Kartika Deepam
* The entire hill is lit up with oil lamps, and Hanuman's service to Rama is remembered during these nights.
🧒 Hanuman’s Childhood Life & Blessings
Hanuman, as a divine child, was mischievous yet immensely powerful. His most iconic childhood incident is attempting to eat the sun, mistaking it for a fruit, which earned him the name Hanuman (from "Hanu" meaning jaw, which was struck by Indra’s Vajra).
Due to his antics, sages cursed him to forget his powers, which he later regained during his service to Lord Rama.
🌬️ Boons from the Gods
* Immortality (Chiranjeevi status)
* Strength to defeat all evil
* Wisdom and oratory skills
* Invincibility in war
🙇♂️ Meeting Lord Rama & Becoming His Sevak
During Rama’s exile, Hanuman met him in Kishkinda and recognized him as his eternal Lord. His first interaction with Rama turned into a lifelong vow of devotion, humility, and servitude.
From carrying messages to leaping over oceans, from setting Lanka ablaze to bringing Sanjeevani, Hanuman served unconditionally.
🧠 Hanuman: A Symbol of Strength, Wisdom, and Bhakti
Key Traits:
* Bhakti (Devotion): Ideal devotee of Rama
* Brahmacharya: Symbol of celibacy and mental control
* Buddhi (Wisdom): Gifted with ultimate intelligence
* Bala (Strength): Can lift mountains and fly across oceans
Scriptures Featuring Him:
* Ramayana
* Mahabharata
* Hanuman Chalisa
* Sundarakanda
🌍 Legacy and Global Influence
Hanuman is revered across India, Nepal, Indonesia, Thailand, and Cambodia. In modern times, he is seen as the protector deity for warriors, wrestlers, and those facing adversity.
Anjanadri Hills is more than a hilltop—it is a spiritual epicenter echoing the presence of Lord Hanuman. Whether you're a pilgrim, seeker, or traveler, a visit here offers a glimpse into the heart of unconditional devotion and divine strength.
From childhood pranks to heroic feats, Hanuman's journey is a timeless tale of how divine purpose, unwavering loyalty, and humility can conquer the greatest odds.
