Sri Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple - Channapatna Ramanagara
🖼️ Photo Gallery
🛕 Temple Info
Sri Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a sacred and powerful shrine located beside the Bangalore–Mysore State Highway, approximately 55 km from Bangalore and 5 km from Channapatna. The temple is nestled amidst red stone boulders, lending the region the name "Kengallu" — meaning red stone in Kannada. From this derives the temple’s name: Kengal Anjaneya Swamy.
The temple houses a Swayambhu (self-manifested) idol of Lord Hanuman, standing five and a half feet tall, emerging from red stone, and uniquely adorned with a naturally formed mustache and bright red-orange hue. This sacred idol radiates divine energy and is naturally coated in a shade resembling sindoor.
The surrounding temple complex also features shrines for Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Sri Lakshmi Venkateshwara, and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy, and offers a peaceful, spiritually uplifting atmosphere.
The temple hosts a grand chariot festival (Rathotsava) each year during Makara Sankranti (January 14/15). Celebrated over 12 days, it attracts thousands of devotees. A massive cattle fair is also organized during this time, echoing the temple’s deep-rooted cultural and community significance.
On Makara Sankranti, a unique solar alignment allows the first rays of the rising sun to fall directly on the feet of Lord Hanuman, an awe-inspiring spiritual phenomenon.
Sri Kengal Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a rare gem of spiritual grace, history, and divine energy. From miraculous idol manifestations and unique solar alignments to its historical lineage through sages and statesmen, the temple remains a beacon of devotion. Whether you're in search of divine blessings or a deeper connection to Dharma, this is a sacred site where faith meets the miraculous.
Bow your head once, and you’ll feel the divine forever.
Jai Hanuman! Jai Sri Ram!
💫 Importance
Kengal Anjaneya Swamy is considered one of the most powerful and miraculous forms of Hanuman, widely known to respond to heartfelt prayers — even on the first visit. The deity is believed to offer blessings to childless couples, those facing health challenges, and seekers of protection and inner clarity.
The idol, according to many devotees, continues to emerge from the red rock even today — a divine process that symbolizes ongoing spiritual revelation. The first sun rays during Makara Sankranti fall directly on the feet of Lord Hanuman, a celestial alignment that occurs only once a year.
Lord Hanuman here is seen holding a conch, chakra (disk), Sougandhika Pushpa (divine flower), and a bell in his tail — a rare and symbolic form representing divine alertness, purity, and readiness to protect his devotees.
📜History
The origins of this temple date back to the 12th century, when it was constructed by the Hoysala dynasty — known for their intricate temple architecture and devotion to Dharma.
Legend says that Sage Vyasa and Sage Kanva once passed through the area and, recognizing the spiritual radiance of the red boulder, envisioned Hanuman emerging from it. Their devotion was fulfilled as Hanuman began manifesting himself from the rock. The idol’s rare mustache and expression were exactly as imagined by the sages.
In 1969, the temple’s front structure was renovated by Sri Kengal Hanumanthaiah, the second Chief Minister of Karnataka and architect of Vidhana Soudha. A devout worshipper of this Hanuman, he used the same stone as Vidhana Soudha to restore the temple. His samadhi (memorial) is located just a few meters from the temple, signifying his lasting devotion.
An extraordinary aspect of the temple is the gradual turning of the idol's face — from north to east — witnessed by generations. Initially, only one eye and part of the mustache were visible, but today, both eyes and the complete mustache can be seen clearly.
🪔 Pooja Timings
Morning: 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
🚌 Transfort Options
📍 By Road:
Located directly along the Bangalore–Mysore Highway (NH 275)
– Distance from Bangalore: ~55 km
– Distance from Channapatna: ~5 km
🛬 By Air:
Nearest Airport: Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore (~80 km)
🚆 By Train:
Nearest Railway Station: Channapatna Station (~6 km)
Bangalore City Railway Station (~55 km)
🏙️Near By Cities
Bangalore
Mysore
Channapatna
Ramanagar
Mandya
🗣️ Devotee Comments