Iduganpalayam Anchineyar Temple - A Sacred Haven for Hanuman Devotees
No scriptIduganpalayam Anchineyar Temple: A Sacred Haven for Hanuman Devotees
The Iduganpalayam Anchineyar Temple - officially Arulmigu Anumantharayar Temple, and also known as the Jayamangala Anjaneyar Temple - stands in the village of Idugampalayam on the Sirumugai Road near Mettupalayam, in Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. It is a revered temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya or Anchineyar) and is under the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department.
Devotees come from Coimbatore, Mettupalayam and beyond, especially on Saturdays. According to HR&CE, people pray here especially for children, marriage and property.
Location and Access
- Location: Idugampalayam, on the Mettupalayam-Sirumugai Road, Coimbatore District (PIN 641302). Temple guides put it about 16 km from Mettupalayam via Sirumugai; Mettupalayam itself is about 35 km north of Coimbatore city.
- By Bus: Take a bus from Coimbatore (Gandhipuram / Mettupalayam Road) to Mettupalayam, then a Sirumugai-bound bus to Idugampalayam.
- By Car: Drive to Mettupalayam on Mettupalayam Road, then turn towards Sirumugai. Allow about 1.5 hours from central Coimbatore, more on weekends.
- By Train: Mettupalayam railway station is the nearest; from there, take a bus or taxi.
Temple Highlights
- Main Deity: The presiding deity is Lord Hanuman, worshipped as Anumantharaya Swamy. HR&CE describes the idol as about six feet high, carved on an eight-foot natural (swayambu) rock.
- Facing Forward: Temple guides note that, unlike many Anjaneya idols shown in profile, the deity here looks straight ahead at the devotee.
- Carving: HR&CE mentions the fine sculptural details of the idol, such as the lotus-like feet.
History and Tradition
Tradition attributes the idol to Sri Vyasaraya (Vyasa Theertha), the Madhva saint who was the guru of the Vijayanagara emperor Krishnadevaraya. Vyasaraya is traditionally credited with consecrating many Hanuman idols across South India. Sources disagree on the temple’s exact age, so we do not give a figure here.
Festivals and Special Days
- Hanuman Jayanti: One of the main celebrations, with special abhishekam and alangaram.
- Saturdays: Saturdays draw the biggest crowds; temple guides report longer darshan hours on Saturdays.
- Purattasi: The Tamil month of Purattasi (September-October), sacred to Perumal, is also a busy time at Vaishnava shrines such as this one.
Rituals and Worship
- Daily Pujas: The temple performs pujas through the day, with alangaram (decoration), deeparathanai (lamp offering) and archanai to Lord Hanuman.
- Offerings: Devotees commonly offer vadai malai (a garland of vadai), betel-leaf garlands and butter, as at many Hanuman temples; ask at the counter what is available.
Visiting Information
- Timings: As of October 2026, the HR&CE listing gives the temple as open from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, through the day. Timings can change on festival days - check before you go.
- Archanai and special pujas: Ask at the temple counter for the current tickets and rates.
- Facilities: Shops near the temple sell puja items. Facilities in the village are basic, so plan meals in Mettupalayam.
Combine Your Trip
- Mettupalayam: The town is the gateway to the Nilgiris; many visitors combine the temple with a trip up to Ooty. See our Coimbatore to Ooty day trip guide.
- Other temples: For more temples in and around the city, see our guide to famous temples in Coimbatore.
Visitor Tips
- Visit on a weekday morning if you want a quiet darshan; come on a Saturday for the festive atmosphere, but expect crowds.
- Maintain silence and reverence within the temple premises.
- Start early from Coimbatore to avoid the traffic on Mettupalayam Road.
The Iduganpalayam Anchineyar Temple is one of the best-known Hanuman temples in the Coimbatore region, with a striking idol carved on a natural rock and a tradition linked to Sri Vyasaraya. Whether you come to pray or on the way to the Nilgiris, it is well worth the detour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is the Iduganpalayam Anjaneyar temple?
In Idugampalayam on the Mettupalayam-Sirumugai Road, Coimbatore district - about 16 km from Mettupalayam via Sirumugai.
What are the Idugampalayam Anjaneyar temple timings?
As of October 2026, HR&CE lists 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, open through the day. Timings can change on festival days.
What is special about the idol?
HR&CE describes it as a six-foot Hanuman carved on an eight-foot natural (swayambu) rock; temple guides note that the deity faces the devotee directly.
How do I reach Idugampalayam from Coimbatore?
Go to Mettupalayam by bus, car or train, then take a Sirumugai-bound bus or a taxi to Idugampalayam.