Kanchipuram is considered as a sacrosanct since it is often visited by Srivaishnavas as it is home to as many as fourteen Divya Desams and other smaller temples associated with the lives of preceptors (Acharyas) like Tirukkacchi Nambi and Kurattazhvan. However, the small temples in Kanchipuram are rarely visited. But some of great historic and religious importance, situated in the suburban region of Kanchipuram. One among such neglected temples is the large and very beautiful Sanjeevi Rayar temple, dedicated to Hanuman. The beautiful shrine dedicated to Hanuman is located in an ancient small village named Ayyangar Kulam. This consecrated site is situated about ten kilometers from the heart of Kanchipuram on the Kanchi-Wandawasi route. The temple is located in a peaceful albeit lonely corner of Ayyangar Kulam village, far from the noise and bustle of the city of Kanchi.
The temple is a legendary one and its antiquity is revealed from the legendary stories associated with it. According to the Sthala-Purana (temple-legend) of the Sanjeevi Rayar temple, this sanctified spot is associated with an episode from the famous epic, Ramayana, which has also added a majestic grandeur to it. As the legends depict, when Hanuman (Anjaneya) was flying from the Himalayas to Lanka bearing the Sanjeevi hill to revive Lakshmana during the battle between Rama and Ravana, a piece of the Sanjeevi mount fell at this place. Following this legendary story, this place is considered sanctified. The people of Ayyangar Kulam strongly believe this legendary story and even today aver that no one here dies of any kind of poisoning, snake-bite, etc. Moreover there is a common belief that those who breathe in the air close to the large tank here are cured of all kinds of disease on account of the curative powers of the Sanjeevi hill, which is considered religious even.
History of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple, Ayyangar Kulam, South India: - The celebrated Hanuman temple in Ayyangar Kulam has an illustrious history. From the historical background of the temple it is known that the temple was originally built by a great scholar and administrator named Kotikanyadanam Lakshmikumara Tatacharya. The temple itself and the village were named following the name of this great scholar Tatacharya, who was then popularly known as Ayyangar.
Architecture of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar Temple, Ayyangar Kulam, South India: - The architecture of the temple of Sri Sanjeevi Temple depicts the Vijayanagara style as the essential feature. The structural design of the shrine is the striking feature of the architecture. A big temple complex houses only one sanctum enshrining the image of hanuman is a unique architectural feature of the temple.
Festivals of Sri Sanjeevi Rayar temple, Ayyangar Kulam, South India: - The festivals observed in the temple reveals the cultural significance of the traditional temple. The temple is considered as the sanctified Prarthana Sthala. The festivals also testify the religious significance of the temple. The temple follows the rules of the Vaikhanasa Agama in its way of offering worship to God.
