Anjaneya Temple, Nanganallur – Legends
Vadamala:
Vadamala (Garland of Vada) is one of the important neivedhyam
objects offered to Lord Hanuman. Neivedhyam means, a food offered to a Hindu
deity as part of a worship ritual, before eating it. Vada is a necessary part
of the menu in Hindu festivals. Garlands of Vada (Vadamala) offered to Lord
Hanuman on auspicious days in South Indian Temples. A huge Vadamala will be
garlanded around the neck of Lord Anjaneyar which touches the full length of
the deity. And quite a short Vadamala will be adorned around his folded hands.
The Vada is provided as Prasadam (offering) for all the devotees. According to
the Hindu epic Ramayana, after the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king
Ravana, Lord Rama decided to celebrate the victory with coronation ceremony.
In that ceremony, Lord Rama said that Lord Anjaneya
would ever remain with him always. Also, Goddess Sita made a Vadamala and
garlanded it around the neck of Lord Anjaneya. By remembering this myth, offering
Vadamala to Lord Anjaneya is followed by the devotees during the auspicious
days. And it is believed that people offering Vadamala to Lord Anjaneya will be
blessed by him for peaceful and happy life. Other some important neivedhyam
food items are Butter, Curd Rice, Aval (Beaten Rice), Kesari (Suji Halwa),
Pongal, Panakam (Jaggery Mixed in Water) and Fruits and Nuts.
Vennai Kappu:
The one more different kind of offering offered to Lord
Hanuman in this Nanganallur Anjaneyar Temple is the Vennai Kappu (Butter
Guard). According to the Hindu epic Ramayana, when Lord Anjaneya on search of Sanjeevini
herb in Parvat hill to save the life of Lord Lakshmana, He brought the entire
hill to get the Sanjeevini herb. To be protected from the bacteria and to
smoothen his body, butter was applied on his body. And to recognize that act,
offering of Vennai Kappu is also followed in this temple as an appeasement to
Lord Anjaneya.