Tue Dec 31 06:37:05 UTC 2024: ## Massive Hanuman Jayanti Celebrations Mark 18-Foot Tall Deity’s Festival

**Salem, Tamil Nadu, India – December 31, 2024** – The Hanuman temple in Namakkal, near Salem, Tamil Nadu, witnessed grand celebrations for Hanuman Jayanti on Monday. The festivities centered around the temple’s towering 18-foot-tall, single-stone statue of Lord Hanuman, believed to date back to the 5th century and considered one of the tallest in India.

The day began with special pujas and the offering of a massive garland made of 100,080 vadais (savory lentil doughnuts) to the deity. The temple was adorned with flowers, and devotees thronged the site to offer their prayers. The temple, built in the Dravidian style by Pandya rulers, uniquely lacks a ceiling in the sanctum sanctorum. The statue depicts Hanuman holding a mala (garland) made of Saligrama stones and a sword at his waist.

The unique offering of the vada mala holds significance. Legend states that after a young Hanuman impressed Rahu by defeating him in a race to the sun, Rahu bestowed a blessing: those who offer minapappu (split pigeon pea) offerings shaped like snakes would be relieved of Rahu dosha (astrological affliction). The vadais, shaped like small snakes, are a fulfillment of this blessing.

The celebrations included special abhishekam (sacred bath) with coconut oil, milk, curd, sandalwood, chickpea flour, and panchamrita in the afternoon, followed by a special alankaram (decoration) in the evening. The event underscored the deep religious significance of this unique Hanuman statue and the temple’s annual Hanuman Jayanti celebrations.

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