Gandi Sri Anjaneya Temple

Overview

Gadi Sri Anjaneya Temple also know as Sri Veeranjaneya Temple or Gandi Kshetram is a Hindu temple situated at Gandi, a village in Kadapa District of Andhra pradesh in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Anjaneya(Hanuman) who is referred to as Veeranjaneya in this temple.

Legend and Stories

The legend about Gandi says that while lord Rama was proceeding to Lanka (Ceylon) Vayudeva (god of Wind), father of Anjaneya was doing penance at this place. Rama spent sometime here. Vayudeva requested Rama to visit this place again on his return journey to Ayodhya. Rama complied with the request after putting an end to the demon king, Ravana. In order to accord welcome to the lord, Vayudeva tied across the river from one top of the hill to the other a wreath of gold flowers which is described in the following sloka in Vayupuranam:

Before leaving the place, lord Rama drew a picture of Anajaneya on a rock with the end of his bow. It was installed by Vyasarisshi (This Vyasarishi is believed by some to be Vyasarayaacharlu, the acharya of Madhvas who was born on 22-04-1447 and to whom the installation of 202 images of Hanuman is attributed.). Perhaps an account of this legend, the Gandi kshetram was known as Vayukshetram or Vayuteertham in pouranic days.

The image has no little finger. It is believed that by the time the sculpture who was evidently giving an impressive shape to the finger drawn by Rama reached the fore-finger, blood began to flow from the image and he stopped there. The image at the feet of lord Anjaneya is that of Udgavi Acharyulu or Gandi Acharyulu. It is he that first constructed the sanctum sanctorum and brought the temple to the notice of the public. He has inscribed his name on the rock by the side of Anjaneya as vasantacharyulu. He has ordained that the members of his family should worship Anjaneya every day and often to himself the naivedyam which was offered to the lord. His desire is being carried out even today.

The sanctity of Gandi can also be found in the following passages

Scarcely less famous in the passage of the Papagni through the palakonda range near Vempalle. Here the hills attain a height of nearly 2000 feet, and the river takes a winding course between towering cliffs till it emerges in the plain that stretches towards Kadapa. The legend runs that when the news of Ramas victory over Ravan was brought, a triumphal wreath of gold was hung across the gorge, and it is said that it’s semblance, which is only seen at the approach of death by those whom the god’s love, appeared to sir Thomas Munro on his last journey to Kadapa.”

A short time before his death, whilst on his way to Bellary, Sri Thomas traveled through the kadapa district. He passed from the upper table land of the sub division to the valley below the ghauts by means of the narrow gorge where the Papagni breaks through the hills. Whilst riding, he suddenly looked up at the steep cliffs above, and remarked to the natives riding behind him. ‘What a beautiful garland of flowers they have stretched across the valley’. They all looked, but said they could see nothing: ‘Why there it is! All made of gold!’ Again they looked, but saw nothing. Sir Thomas made no further remark but one of his old native servants quietly observed ‘alas! a great and good man will soon die’. A few days afterwards, and Sir Thomas munro has passed away.”

Lord Munro most unexpectedly died of Cholera at Pattikonda in Kurnool district about six months after the Gandi incident. There appears to be a stone inscription recording that the wreath would be visible only to great people who would attain salvation in six months after seeing the golden wreath.

Sri Veeranjaneya swamy Tirunala is celebrated during the entire month of Sravanam (July – August). The Saturdays of the month attract large crowds. The devotees take their bath at Papagni, worship the lord and fulfill their vows. The dhyanam or mantram adopted for the worship of Veeranjaneya swamy

Festivals

This is an ancient celebration attracting devotees from Rayalaseema ( Kadapa, kurnool, Anantapur & Chittor) and neighboring districts. In Bhumamnandashramam, the death anniversary of Sadhu, Sadhu ramaiah, who died in the year Pramadhi on Saravan Bahula trayodasi ( July – August) is celebrated annually on that Trayodasi. During summer, religious discourses are held in the ashramam inviting learned men. The ashramam is improved by munificent devotees of the neighborhood.

How To Reach Gandi Sri Anjaneya Temple

Airport

The Nearest Airports Kadapa, Tirupati, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad.

Railways

The Nearest Railway Station is Yerraguntla, Kadapa

Road

Vemapalle is connected by bus from Kadapa, Rayachoty & Proddatur in Kadapa district, Kadiri, & Tadipatri in Ananatapur district. From vempalle the short distance can be covered by autos, buses.

Temple Address