Why Are There No Prominent Balaji and Hanuman Temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu?

The Devotion of Devotees: Lord Narayanaya and Lord Hanuman in Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Om Namo Narayanaya! There are countless temples dedicated to Lord Narayanaya (Balaji) and Lord Hanuman in both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, dating back thousands of years. To list them all would require an entire day to explain the intense devotion of the people in these regions towards these deities. Om Namo Narayanaya!

Balaji Temples in Tamil Nadu

In Tamil Nadu, the majority of Balaji temples are named Venkateswara or Srinivasa temples, following the same deity as in Tirupati. Many Hanuman temples also bear the same names. However, there are no prominent Malayalee temples in Kerala dedicated to these deities, as is the case in Tamil Nadu.

Listen to this Balaji bhajan and immerse yourself in the devotion of Lord Hanuman. Before delving into the question of the absence of major temples, ask yourself if there are any at all. Let's rephrase the query: Are there Hanuman temples in Kerala and Tamil Nadu? Of course, there are plenty. Where is Tamil Nadu? On the Moon.

Temples and Devotion in Tamil Nadu

With regards to temple names and practices, almost all Vishnu temples, known as Perumal or Thirumal, have a Rama Sannadi and Hanuman (Anjaneyar) as part of their worship.

Balaji as Venkateswara Perumal

Vishnu, known as Balaji for North Indians, is worshipped as Venkatesa Perumal. There are more than 260 Perumal temples in Tamil Nadu, and around 60 or more Ram temples like the Veeraraghavan Temple of Thiruvallur. Additionally, there are 108 Divya Desam temples in Tamil Nadu, and countless Hanuman temples, such as the Namakkal Anjaneyar Temple and the Namakkal Hanuman Temple in Alwarpet, Chennai. Hanuman Jayanthi is celebrated in December, commemorating the birth of Lord Hanuman.

Understanding the Absence of Prominent Balaji and Hanuman Temples in Kerala

One must understand that the name Balaji is another name for Vishnu or 'Perumal' as called in Tamil Nadu. Of the 108 Divyadesams or temples for Lord Vishnu, 85 are in Tamil Nadu, including well-known ones such as Srirangam, Kanchipuram, Sholingur, Shivakasi, and Thiruvellarai. Tirupati, a significant Divyadesam, was part of the Madras State in old days and now part of Andhra Pradesh. Hence, Balaji temples in Tamil Nadu are abundant.

In contrast, in Kerala, famous Vishnu temples are located in Thiruvananthapuram and Guruvayoor. Interestingly, many Shaiva temples have a Vishnu deity, reflecting the close bonhomie between Shaivites and Vaishnavites in this region.

As for Hanuman, he is known as Anjaneyar in Tamil Nadu, indicating the deep-rooted cultural connection between Lord Rama's valiant companion and these temples. Hanuman Jayanthi, the annual celebration of Lord Hanuman's birth, is celebrated in December, further emphasizing the devotion to this revered deity.

Conclusion

Therefore, while there are indeed numerous Balaji and Hanuman temples in Tamil Nadu, the presence of such prominent temples in Kerala is relatively lesser due to regional and cultural variations. This discussion underscores the rich religious heritage and diverse religious practices that make India a land of spirituality and devotion.