The Namakkal temple complex in Tamil Nadu is a site of great antiquity and religious importance, housing the cave temples of Sri Narasimha and Sri Ranganatha as well as the celebrated open-air idol of Lord Hanuman (Anjaneyar). Together they form one of the Thirumurti Sthalams — a site revered for the presence of all three principal Hindu deities. Hanuman is worshipped here in a uniquely prominent open-air form.
Quick Facts
- Location: Namakkal, Tamil Nadu
- Temples: Sri Narasimha cave temple, Sri Ranganatha cave temple, open-air Sri Hanuman (Anjaneya)
- Administration: Temples protected by the Archaeological Department and maintained by the H.R. & C.E. Dept of the Tamil Nadu State Government; pujas performed as per Vaikhanasa Agama
The Hanuman Idol at Namakkal
Hanuman stands on the western side of the main rock in the open air, facing and worshipping Sri Narasimha. Unlike most temple idols, the Namakkal Anjaneya has no canopy or enclosure — the idol stands fully exposed. The existing page records the idol’s height as approximately 18 feet. This measurement is drawn from existing site content and has not been independently verified.
Devotees perform Vadamala Abhishegam to Hanuman here, particularly as a remedy for the influence of the planets Shani (Saturn) and Rahu.
How Hanuman Came to Namakkal — The Traditional Account
According to the Puranic narrative preserved at this temple: after the Ramayana, Hanuman carried with him a Saligramam — the sacred form in which Narasimha had disappeared after slaying Hiranyakasipu — which Hanuman had found near Prahlada’s kingdom. While returning through the sky after the Ramayana events, Hanuman paused at this spot — the sacred forest of Mahalakshmi’s tapas, with the holy tank Kamalalayam. When Hanuman attempted to lift the Saligramam to continue his journey, it had taken root in the earth. A divine voice told him: “I have determined to stay here; you brought me here. First go to Lanka and complete Ram’s mission. Afterwards, come here and worship me in Kaliyuga.” Thus Sri Hanuman is said to remain at Namakkal, eternally worshipping Sri Narasimha. This is a traditional Puranic account.
The Sri Narasimha Cave Temple
Sri Narasimhaswamy is enshrined in the cave temple with elaborate sculptures. The Sanctum Sanctorum (Garbhagriha) and Ardhamandapam are within the cave. The ardhamandapam walls carry sculptures of Mahavishnu’s avatharams including:
- Sri Vaikunta Narayana with Sun, Moon, Shiva, Brahma
- Sri Ugra Narasimha tearing Hiranyakasipu’s chest
- Sri Vamana Moorthy receiving dana from Mahabali
- Sri Varaha Moorthy bearing the four Vedas
Sri Narasimhaswamy is depicted seated with the sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Surya, Chandra, Shiva, and Brahma in attendance.
The Sri Ranganatha Cave Temple
On the eastern side of the rock is a second cave temple housing Sri Ranganatha reclining on Karkotaka Naga, along with Sankara Narayana and a Vamana depiction.
Sri Namagiri Thayar
The presiding goddess Sri Namagiri Thayar (Sri Namagiri Lakshmi) is worshipped here with great devotion. Devotees seek her blessing for health, children, and other wishes. The Dasara festival is celebrated for ten days in her honour. Because the goddess is associated with Lakshmi and Narasimha, Namakkal is also known as a Thirumurti Sthalam.
Festivals
- Dasara: Celebrated for ten days for Sri Namagiri Amman
- Car festival: 15 days, held during the star of Panguni Hastham each year, for Sri Narasimha, Sri Ranganatha and Sri Hanuman
- Hanuman Jayanti: Celebrated on the New Moon day of the Margazhi month
Festival dates follow the Tamil and Hindu calendars. Confirm specific dates with the temple each year.