Where is the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka?

The temple is located in Colombo, Sri Lanka's largest city and commercial capital. It is accessible from most parts of Colombo and can be included in a broader city itinerary.

What does Panchamuga mean in Hinduism?

Panchamuga means 'five-faced' in Sanskrit. In this form, Hanuman (Anjaneyar) is depicted with five heads, each representing a different divine aspect — Hanuman, Narasimha, Garuda, Varaha, and Hayagriva. Worshipping this form is traditionally believed to confer protection and liberation.

When is the chariot festival at Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple?

The annual chariot festival is typically held in late December or early January, coinciding with Anjaneyar Jayanthi. The procession generally begins around 8:00 am and concludes in the evening, preceded by ten days of ritual poojas and yaga ceremonies.

Who built the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Colombo?

The temple was established by Srimath Chandrasekara Swamigal, who is credited with founding both the first Hanuman temple in Sri Lanka and launching the first Anjaneyar chariot in 1998.

What are the dress code rules for visiting the temple?

Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and legs. Footwear must be removed before entering, and hands and feet should be washed at the entrance. It is also customary to refrain from folding hands in non-Hindu gestures inside the temple.

Is the Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple part of a Ramayana tour in Sri Lanka?

Yes, the temple is one of the recognised stops on Ramayana heritage routes in Sri Lanka. The annual chariot festival even incorporates holy water and soil from Sita Eliya in Nuwara Eliya, linking the Colombo shrine to the broader landscape of Ramayana sites across the island.

Why is Hanuman called Anjaneyar by Tamil Hindus?

Tamil Hindus commonly refer to Hanuman as Anjaneyar, a name derived from his mother Anjana. This naming tradition reflects the maternal lineage emphasis in certain strands of South Indian devotional culture.

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple

Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple considered as the first Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka. Also this Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Sri Lanka which dedicated to Lord Hanuman in his Panchamuga form, meaning five faces. This temple is located Colombo Sri Lanka. It is believed that Swamy Chandrashekar built the first hanuman temple in Sri Lanka known as Sri Panchamukha Ancheneyar temple. Srimath Chandrasekara swamigal established First Temple in Sri Lanka and a first chariot in the world for Sri Rama’s beloved devotee Anjaneyar.

1998 Launched the first ever chariot for Anjaneya. After ten days yaga Pooja Anjaneyar Jayanthi festival grandly celebrated and chariot procession begins at 8:00 am and accomplished in the evening 6:00pm. Prior to chariot festival begin holy water of Sita Eliya in Nuwara Eliya soil and twig of the tree bring it offer Pooja. After that only chariot moves from the place.

When you visit this majestic site of worship, be sure to dress modestly. There are a few rules that you will have to abide by too. You have to ensure that your hands and feets have washed before you enter the temple. It is also forbidden to fold your hands when you are inside the temple.

By Tamils, Hanuman is normally called as Anjaneyar, as his mother’s name is Anjan. Its chariot festival is held annually at the end of December or in the beginning of January. According to historical Ramayana Yatra , Hanuman assisted Lord Rama to defeat the great and powerful King Ravana. Lord Shiva took the form of Hanumanji in the Ramayana epic. This is one of Ramayana tour related site in Sri Lanka.