On a personal visit for a Upanayana Function in Mysuru, we decided to explore some Devalayas enroute and what we discovered was far more than what we had bargained for. This 5 part piece has common introduction including this paragraph and you can access details of those temples here by clicking the appropriate links (it opens in a new window):

• Kengal Anjaneya Swami Temple, Kengal (this article)
• Sri Aprameya Swamy Temple (Ambegal Krishna), Malur, Channapatna
• Sri Hole Anjaneya Swamy Temple & Sri Varaprasada Srinivasa Madhwacharya Temple, Maddur
• Sri Ugra Narasimha Swamy Temple, Maddur
• Sri Vaidyanatheshwara Gudi, Maddur

It was a virtual rewind to different Era, each temple belonging to different reigns and the Architectural marvels of Hoysalas, Gangas, Cholas and Vijayanagara Empires in its resplendent best was on display (mention of the sequence of Kingdoms are not chronological but geographical as we drove from Bengaluru). Based on my discussions with the locals and also with the Temple Authorities and Archakas, I have tried to indicate the significance of each temple in brief. As always, open to feedback, suggestions and corrections (with credit). The temples we were blessed to visit are in sequence indicated above in the list:

Sri Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple

This Hoysala era temple is located on the National Highway-275, and just before Channapatna while driving from Bengaluru, about 5 kms after Ramanagara.

The name Kengal Anjaneya Swamy comes from use of red-rock stone to carve the Murti (Kempu = Red, Kallu = Stone). The murti is 5.5 tall since it is made of natural red stone appears as if it is smeared with Sindhoora. It is believed that Hanuman after liberating Jatayu Pakshi, was tired and had consumed Rakta Chandana and decides to stay here. Another unique feature of this Murti is that Anjaneya has a moustache. The tail of Anjaneya has a Bell and on the left side is Sougandika Flower. Sri Vyasa Thirtha, Guru of Krishna Devaraya, consecrated this Swayambhu Murti in 16th century. A Hoysala era Temple which was subsequently renovated and improved by former CM of Karnataka, late Shri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the Main Deity Anjaneya here is in standing posture and it is believed that the Murti is growing every year and His direction is changing rightwards (from the North towards East). On the first day of Uttarayana i.e. Makara Sankaranti day, sun rays directly falls on Anjaneya. It is believed that offering 12 Pradakshine to Anjaneya will result in all wishes getting fulfilled

The Pushkarni in front of the Temple is well maintained and appeared very clean.

Click here for driving directions and Google map Location to the temple

Jai Bajrang Bali | Namo Anjaneya