Anantapur: The Hanumam temple circuit is becoming increasingly popular with devotees, especially during Shravanamasam in the district.
Three Hanumam temples — Nettikanti Kasapuram, Nemakal and Murudi – though located separately, are of immense attachment to devotees who want to have darshan of all three in one single day during Shravanamasam.
All the three temples were consecrated by Vyasaraja Swamy, Rajguru and also king of Vijayanagar Empire during 1509-1530.
Krishnadevaraya’s guru advised the temples to clear Kuhu dosha for the king. He also consecrated 732 Hanuman idols across South India, a majority of them closer to summer capital Penukonda.
Each of these three temples has its distinct style of structure and also systems that attract devotees. Holy shravaranamasam is marked with great fervour in these three temples
The Nettikanti Hanuman temple, one of the biggest temples in the district is located at Kasapuram of Guntakal mandal while Muradi and Nemakal temples are located in D. Hirehal mandal of Rayadurgam area in the district. Nettikanti Hanuman temple is maintained by the Endowments department which provides facilities for the devotees. Cottages and guesthouses are located closer to temple.
According to history, Vyasaraja installed the statue and a precious stone was embedded in one of eyes.
Interestingly, every year a devotee gets a pair of shoes prepared by a cobbler for Hanuman. The day after the shoes are presented, one can see them a little worn out with thorns. It is believed even to this day that Lord Hanuman goes out in the night wearing them. Slippers are changed frequently, temple authorities said.
Muradi has also historic feature as the name was that Hanuman statue was of ‘three feet’ (Muradi in Kannada).
K. Venugopal from Anantapur, said he has been covering the temple circuit, visiting all the three temples in one day for the past decades. At least four buses are plied for the purposed on one Saturday in the month. The APSRTC provides special services to complete the circuit.
