Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple Singarayakonda – Visiting Guide, Timings & Story
Discover the heritage of the Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple Singarayakonda, its legend, how to reach there, daily pooja timings and what to expect during your darshan.
Contents
Brief Summary
- Temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman at the foot of Singarayakonda hill in Prakasam district, Andhra Pradesh
- Unique south-facing idol and a couple of interesting legendary origins
- Darshan timings: Morning 7:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Afternoon 2:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m.
- Daily pooja schedule including abhishekam, archana, pancha-harathi, pradoshakalarchana
- Accessibility: Near Singarayakonda railway station and bus routes from Ongole, Addanki
- Ideal visit tips for devotees, best days, dress code, what to expect
Nestled at the base of the picturesque hill in the town of Singarayakonda in the Prakasam district of Andhra Pradesh, the Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple is a serene and spiritually charged destination for devotees of Hanuman. The temple is considered special both for its unique idol orientation—facing south—and for legends that tie Hanuman’s journey and a yogi’s miracle to its establishment. This guide gives you everything you need for a meaningful visit: the story, timings, how to reach, and practical tips.
The Legend & Significance
According to local tradition, there are two main stories associated with the temple:
- It is said that during his epic journey to locate Mata Sita, Hanuman took a brief rest at the foot of Singarayakonda hill. After staying there for a day, he continued his mission, and this spot became sanctified.
- A second version holds that around the end of the 17th century, during the installation of the flag-post (Dwajasthambham) at the nearby Narasimha Swamy Temple, a saintly yogi placed the idol of Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy near the Bhavanasi tank at the base of the hill and then vanished. This occurrence immediately attracted widespread devotion.
Because of these associations, the temple not only attracts Hanuman devotees but also visitors with an interest in local spiritual history and terrain-linked myths.
What Makes It Unique
- The main idol of Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy is oriented facing south, which is uncommon for Hanuman temples.
- Its position at the foot of a hill makes it part of a broader temple-cluster experience in the Singarayakonda region.
- On the day of Hanuman Jayanthi the temple witnesses a large influx of devotees and special bhajan programmes.
Temple Timings & Daily Pooja Schedule
The temple’s darshan and pooja schedule is structured to accommodate early morning and afternoon visits.
Darshan / Timings:
- Morning: 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- Afternoon: 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- On Tuesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, expect heavier crowds and slightly longer darshan times (≈ 20-30 minutes) compared to a typical weekday (≈ 15-20 minutes).
- Dress code: “Anything tasteful” is recommended.
Daily Pooja Insights:
- 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. – Morning abhishekam (ritual bathing of deity)
- 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. – Darshan, archana and “Aaku” pooja (offering of leaves)
- 1:00 p.m. – Pancha Harathi (five-element light offering)
- 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – Afternoon session: Darshan, archana, Aaku pooja
- 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. – Pradoshakalarchana (evening ritual)
How to Reach the Temple
By Rail: The nearest railway station is in Singarayakonda, about 2.9 km from the temple.
By Road / Bus:
- From Kandukur, there are direct buses to Singarayakonda; the temple is about 15.6 km from Kandukur via bus.
- From Ongole, the bus station to temple distance is about 37.3 km.
By Air: - The closest large airport is in Vijayawada around 200 km away.
- Another option is Tirupati, about 220 km away.
Visiting Tips & Ideal Times
- Best time to go: Early morning (just after 7 a.m.) to avoid crowds and enjoy peace.
- Dress modestly: While “anything tasteful” is acceptable, traditional attire is always respectful.
- Photography: Check for signage regarding photography within the sanctum.
- Combine with nearby temple: The temple is next to the larger Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple – you can plan a combined visit to both sites.
- Crowds: On weekends, especially Tuesday, Saturday, Sunday, and festivals like Hanuman Jayanthi, expect more devotees and longer waiting times for darshan (~20-30 minutes).
- Refreshments & errands: Carry water and light snacks; amenities around smaller town temples may be basic.
- Respect the mountain terrain: The hill foot location may involve some climbing or uneven paths. Comfortable footwear helps.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is there any entry fee or darshan fee at the temple?
A1: The information accessed does not mention any entry fee => it appears darshan is freely accessible.
Q2: Can I do special poojas or offerings at the temple?
A2: Yes—the daily schedule lists archana, Aaku pooja, Pancha Harathi, etc. Visitors may contact the temple office on-site for special offerings.
Q3: Is the temple accessible for the elderly or differently-abled?
A3: Since the temple lies at the foot of a hill and may involve some terrain, visitors should check access paths. No explicit info about ramps or special assistance is listed.
Q4: What is the significance of the idol facing south?
A4: Most Hanuman temples face east or north; a south-facing Hanuman is less common and signifies a special aspect of his mission (in some traditions south may denote direction of Lanka or service). The legend reinforces this uniqueness.
Key Takeaways
- The Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Singarayakonda is a spiritually rich, accessible temple with unique orientation and legend.
- Morning (7:00 a.m.) and afternoon (after 2:00 p.m.) sessions provide ample opportunity for a calm darshan.
- Plan your visit around quieter weekday hours if you prefer peace, and allow extra time on busy days.
- Combine your trip with nearby temples, comfortable transportation from Singarayakonda station, and bring appropriate attire and footwear.
Whether you’re a devotee of Hanuman, a lover of temple heritage, or a tourist seeking the sacred in Andhra’s scenic landscapes, the Prasanna Anjaneya Swamy Temple at Singarayakonda offers a memorable experience. With its south-facing idol, rich legend, and tranquil setting at the hill’s base, visiting here can be both spiritually uplifting and culturally engaging. Pack your camera, wear respectful attire, arrive early, and soak in the ambience of devotion and history.
Author: Vijaya Durga Pemmasani
References & Helpful Links:
Related Articles:
- Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy Temple Singarayakonda – Details & Timings
- Hanuman Temples in Andhra Pradesh – A Pilgrim’s Guide
