Men and women, the young and the old, people of all ages and of all professions worship Anjenaiyar. Students pray to him for intelligence and soldiers for strength. In olden days there used to be temples of Anjenaiyar at the gates of forts.

Every human being has good qualities and bad qualities. But, people believe God has no bad qualities.Our ancestors have taught that every one should develop his good qualities and go nearer God. Divinity or being God is only being full of noble qualities. In our country some men and women have later come to be honored as divine beings, winning the reverence, the devotion and the love of the common people. Anjenaiyar is one such great soul.

The great poet Valmiki who wrote the 'Ramayana' has said that Anjenaiyar belongs to the tribe of 'Vaanaras'. This would mean he was one of the animals living on trees. Many believe that Anjenaiyar and his companions were in reality human beings. Generally, Hindus have thought of Anjenaiyar as a monkey. Anjenaiyar has become another name for intelligence, physical strength, pleasing speech, tact and discretion.

According to legend, Anjenaiyar is the son of the Wind God. Air sustains all living beings. One can exist without food, spend days without water; but it is impossible to exist even for a short time without air. Air is life. Therefore, Anjenaiyar is also called 'Pranadeva or the God of Life. Some people believe that Bheema and the philosopher-teacher Shri Madhwacharya were incarnations of Anjenaiyar.

Anjenaiyar was a master of music. He was also an expert in dance and drama. So musicians and actors worship him with love and devotion. He was also a great yogi or mystic. He became holy by his service to Lord Shri Rama and was blessed with Rama's embrace.He was one of the greatest of God's devotees.

Anjenaiyar was a great Indian who was born and grew up in Kishkindha in the south; he flew from Lanka to the Himalayas several times; then settled down in Ayodhya. Thus he is a symbol of India's unity.That is why he is worshipped in every nook & corner of India from Rameshwara in the southern tip to the Himalayas on the north.

Anjenaiyar is also believed to have the ability to remove obstacles from his devotees. Pillaiyar is called Aathi Prabhu while Anjenaiyar is called the Antha Prabhu. Toghether they are called Aathiantha Prabhu.

Copyright © 2002 [R.Shiva Raj]. All rights reserved.
Revised: November 13, 2002 11:31 PM