Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Prasanna Veeranjaneya Temple Shettihalli

Some temples announce their presence with grandeur.
Others reveal themselves quietly — through stillness, faith, and time.
The Shettyhalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple, near Tumkur in Karnataka, belongs to the latter.
Just a few kilometers away from the bustle of the city, the road to Shettyhalli feels like a gentle transition. Tall, ancient trees line both sides, filtering sunlight and noise alike. As you approach the temple, there is a sense of calm — as if the surroundings are preparing you for what lies ahead.
At the heart of the temple stands Prasanna Veeranjaneya — Lord Hanuman in a majestic monolithic form. Carved from a single stone, the idol is believed to be about 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it one of the largest of its kind in the region. Facing south, with His tail raised and body poised like a warrior, Hanuman radiates strength. Yet, His face tells a different story — one of gentleness, assurance, and compassion.
Local legend traces the origin of this idol to King Janamejaya, from the Mahabharata epic, who is believed to have installed it before performing sacred yagnas. Over centuries, faith has wrapped itself around this stone form, turning it into a living presence for devotees.
What truly sets this Anjaneya apart is the three mangoes He holds in His hand. They are not mere ornaments, but symbols layered with meaning —
Trikarana: thought, word, and deed
Triguna: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas
Trishakti: Jnana (knowledge), Iccha (will), and Kriya (action)
In one silent gesture, the idol reminds devotees of balance — in mind, nature, and action.
There is a belief passed down through generations that the idol was growing in size, as though divinity itself could not be contained. To prevent further growth, a stone was placed on the head, and eventually, the garbhagriha was built around the idol, embracing it rather than altering it. Whether legend or faith, the story adds to the living mystique of the temple.
Devotees come here not only with prayers, but with quiet conversations — hopes, fears, gratitude. Many believe that Anjaneya fulfills sincere wishes, but even those who ask for nothing leave with something intangible: peace.
During Chaitra Masa, the temple comes alive with devotion. The grand Hanuman celebrations and Rathotsava fill the space with chants, colors, and collective faith, reminding visitors that while the idol stands unmoving, devotion flows endlessly around it.
The Shettyhalli Anjaneya Swamy Temple is not just a place to visit —
it is a place to pause.
To stand before strength that feels protective, not overpowering.
To remember that true power often carries gentleness within it.
And as you leave, the silence of the trees follows you —
as if the temple is still.
Timings
8:30 AM – 12:15 PM, 
5:00 PM – 7:15 PM.
Distance 
From Bangalore- 74 kms 
From Tumkur- 6 kms 

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