Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple | Maruthanarmadam Aanjaneyar Kovil | Sri Sundara Anjaneyar Kovil in Uduvil & Chunnakam in Jaffna / Yalpanam, Northern Sri Lanka : First Temple in the Northern Province Dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Featuring the Tallest 72 ft Mighty Hanuman Statue in Sri Lanka on Jaffna Kankesanthurai (KKS) Road | Complete Visitor & Travel Guide: Temple History, Architecture, Timings, Poojas, Festivals, Hanuman Jayanthi, Contact Details, Address & How to Reach (Updated)
– where ramayana devotion meets dravidian artistry on the road to keerimalai
Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple, also spelled Maruthanarmadam Aanjaneyar Kovil and known locally as Sri Sundara Anjaneyar Kovil, is a much loved temple in Uduvil / Inuvil near Chunnakam, about 9 to 10 km from Jaffn / Yalpanam city on the Jaffna Kankesanthurai Road in Sri Lanka‘s Northern Province on the road to Keerimalai temple. A towering statue of Lord Hanuman (Anjaneyar), about 22 metres or 72 feet tall.
History of Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple Jaffna
According to the temple’s chief priest, the kovil began with a dream of its founder, whose signs indicated that a Hanuman temple should be built at this very place. The foundation was laid in 1999, and the first Maha Kumbabishekam was held on 15 January 2001, which marked its opening. The main murti (sacred idol) of Sri Sundara Anjaneyar was installed with full vedic rites. Artists from South India, later travelled to Sri Lanka to renovate and beautify the temple, and the great statue that now guards the entrance. 
The temple is widely regarded as the first temple in the Northern Province dedicated entirely to Lord Hanuman. It stands today as a symbol of faith and a spiritual anchor for the Tamil Hindu community of the peninsula. It also sits among Sri Lanka’s other well known Anjaneyar shrines, such as the Sri Anjaneyar Kovil in Mount Lavinia, Colombo, established in 1996, which is known for its Panchamukha (five faced) Hanuman.
Mighty Hanuman Statue
The most striking feature of the temple is the colossal statue of Lord Hanuman, about 22 metres or 72 feet tall. It is considered the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka and can be seen from a great distance, like a lighthouse of devotion. It stands in the posture of a courageous warrior, ready to protect those who seek refuge at his feet. Standing before it, I felt small and safe at the same time, as if the strength of the Lord himself was looking down with kindness.
For perspective, the statue is comparable in height to well known Hanuman statues in India such as the 75 ft Kote Anjaneya in Tumkur, Karnataka.
Temple Architecture and Art
Beside the statue, the kovil itself is a delight. It follows the Dravidian style of Tamil temple design, with carved pillars, a spacious hall, a gopuram (temple tower) and colourful figures of peacocks, lions and other divine forms in vibrant blues, oranges, reds and yellows. Statues of other deities and devas surround the open frontage, and the inner walls hold lovely murals and sculptures around the garbhagriha (inner sanctum), where Lord Anjaneyar is worshipped.
Spiritual Significance of Lord Hanuman
In the Ramayana, Lord Hanuman is the beloved servant of Lord Rama and the ideal devotee. He is the son of Anjana and Kesari, and is also described as the son of Lord Vayu, the wind god, which is why he is called Maruthi and Maruthanar, the name behind the temple’s own. He is Brahmachari (one who lives a life of discipline and purity) and Chiranjeevi (the one blessed with eternal life). Devotees see in him the very meaning of bhakti, shakti (divine strength) and dharma (righteous living).
He helped Lord Rama in the search for Goddess Sita, leapt across the sea to Lanka, carried the Sanjeevani mountain to save Lakshmana, and stood beside Rama in the battle against Ravana. For this he is remembered as the remover of fear and obstacles, the Sankat Mochan. Because so much of his story unfolds in Lanka, many believe the Sri Lankan Ramayana trail makes this island especially dear to him, which gives the temple a deep sense of connection with the epic.
Why devotees come to Hanuman
Devotees come to Lord Hanuman for many reasons, above all for courage, strength and protection from fear, which is why he is remembered as the Sankat Mochan. Many pray to him for the removal of obstacles before exams, travel, work or new beginnings, trusting that his grace will clear the path ahead. He is also traditionally worshipped to ease the effects of Saturn (Sani), which is why Saturdays hold special importance at the temple, and others seek his blessings for discipline, focus and good health, inspired by his life of purity and selfless devotion.
Daily Poojas, Festivals and Worship
Daily pooja (worship ritual) is offered in the morning, noon and evening. Tuesdays and Saturdays are especially auspicious for Lord Hanuman. Many devotees recite the Hanuman Chalisa or Anjaneya Stotram (hymns in praise of the Lord) and receive prasadam (blessed offering) as a symbol of divine arul (grace).
Famous Festivals
Hanuman Jayanthi (Anjaneya Jayanthi), the birth anniversary of Lord Hanuman, is celebrated in Tamil tradition in the month of Margazhi (December to January) on the Moolam nakshatra, and it is the most special day of the year at the temple. Rama Navami, the birthday of Lord Rama, is also an important occasion at a Hanuman temple, since Hanuman is Rama’s most devoted servant.
Travel Tips for Visiting Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple / Maruthanarmadam Aanjaneyar Kovil / Sri Sundara Anjaneyar Kovil in Jaffna
Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple / Maruthanarmadam Aanjaneyar Kovil / Sri Sundara Anjaneyar Kovil Address:
16 Off AB, Intersection of B268 & AB16, Jaffna 40000, Sri Lanka.
Landmarks: In front of RDB Bank, Chunnakam, near the intersection of the B268 and AB16 roads.
Temple Timings: Open daily from 5 AM to 7 PM.
Special days: Tuesdays and Saturdays
How To Reach Maruthanamadam Anjaneyar Temple / Maruthanarmadam Aanjaneyar Kovil / Sri Sundara Anjaneyar Kovil in Jaffna
By Bus: This is the cheapest and most local way to travel. Buses leave the Jaffna bus stand for Tellippalai, Chunnakam and Kankesanthurai, and all of them pass along KKS Road near the temple. Routes such as 768 and 769 towards Tellippalai are commonly mentioned by travellers. Tell the conductor you want the Hanuman statue or the Chunnakam stop, and you will be dropped close to the entrance. The ride is short, usually around 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic, though buses can be crowded during peak hours.
By Tuk-Tuk or taxi: This is the most comfortable choice if you are combining several stops in one day. Many visitors hire a tuk-tuk or a car for a half day to cover the temple, the Keerimalai springs and Naguleswaram Temple, and the Kankesanthurai coast in a single trip. Agree on the fare and waiting time before you set off, since you will probably want 20 to 30 minutes at the temple for darshan and photographs.
By Car or Bike: The temple is about 9 to 10 km north of Jaffna city on a good main road, so it makes an easy self-drive or scooter trip. There is roadside space near the statue, but KKS Road is busy, so take care when stopping or crossing, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays when more devotees arrive.
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