Off late Vijaynagar
had become a 2nd home, have been visiting it almost every 2nd week. While one
of these visits got 3-4 hours break from my schedule, so thought of making use
of these 3-4 hours. I knew of a hill top temple at Anjaneya Parvat, place believed
to be birth place of Lord Hanuman. So called up the taxi driver and
asked if can do Anjaneya Parvat in 3-4 hours? Driver told yes, but slightly
tough, Vow decision was taken and I was on my way to Anjaneya temple well
before the first ray of sunlight.
Locally
known as Anjaneyadri hill, this place is believed to be the birthplace of Lord
Hanuman (the most powerful of the Gods). Nearby attractions like Pampa Lake,
Rishimukh Parvat reinforces the connection of this place with the time of
Ramayana. Lord Hanuman is also known as Anjaneya, that’s why the name of
the hill as Anjaneya Parvat.
Hanuman temple at the top of the hill is the main attraction here. However, you need to climb 575 stairs in order to reach the summit. Check out the way to hilltop temple.
The
climb to top of the hill is a welcome to all trekkers. Place gets too heated
up, but the Stairs are well constructed and covered.
Being associated with Lord Hanuman, presence of
monkeys shall be an auspicious omen. There are lots of monkeys on the hill. But
need not worry, the monkeys here are well mannered and disciplined. They will walk
besides you/ pose for pictures, no problem at all. With their presence, monkeys
look like they are guarding this place, staying true to the legend that this is
the birthplace of their Supreme Deity, Lord Hanuman.
From the top we noticed that the stone boulders
are not just huge but are gigantic. Rounded off from the edges, makes you
wonder about stability of these boulders. Sheer size also makes these boulders
a spot for some magic moments.
As told by locales, Anegundi was previously known as Kishkindha, same city of Monkey king Sugreev mentioned in Ramayana. And Kishkindha in local language means forest where monkeys live, by this time whatever doubts I had regarding birthplace of Lord Hanuman, were getting evaporated.
Anjeyanadri Hill is surrounded by lovely plantain and paddy fields. Early
morning and evening time is best for capturing natural beauty of the
surroundings. The sight of the Hampi valleys and the Tungabhadra River
makes journey to the top more interesting.
Anjaneya (also pronounced as Anjana) Parvat is at a distance of 5 km. from the site of Hampi in Anegundi village. On the way, drive through the ruins of Hampi and river streams.
From Hyatt Hampi, I started at 5:30 AM and returned back by 9:30 AM, with lovely memories of another offbeat exploration.
Keep exploring Guys.
