The Hill of Hanuman's Birth
Anjanadri Hill rises above the Tungabhadra river near Hampi in Karnataka and is revered by countless devotees as the birthplace of Hanuman. The hill takes its name from Anjana, Hanuman's mother, an apsara who is said to have taken birth on earth and performed long tapasya here in devotion to Lord Shiva.
A modest white temple crowns the hill today, and pilgrims climb hundreds of steps to reach it, drawn by the belief that they are walking towards the very spot connected with Hanuman's earthly origin.
The Katha of Anjana's Tapasya
Tradition holds that Anjana performed intense penance on this hill for years, seeking the blessing of a son, and Lord Shiva was moved by her devotion. It is said that around the same period, King Dasharatha of Ayodhya was performing the Putrakameshti yagna, and a portion of the divine payasam from that yagna reached Anjana through the wind god Vayu, leading to the birth of Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva's own ansh.
This is why Hanuman is called Anjaneya, son of Anjana, and Vayuputra, son of the wind god, and Hampi's Anjanadri Hill remains one of the few sites in India directly linked to this cherished birth katha.
Significance for Devotees
For devotees, visiting the believed birthplace of Hanuman is considered especially auspicious, a way of honouring the deity's earliest connection to this world before his great deeds in the Ramayana. Many devotees feel that a pilgrimage here strengthens devotion and brings blessings of strength, humility and unwavering faith, the very qualities Hanuman embodies.
- Pilgrims seek blessings for physical and mental strength
- The site is associated with beginnings, making it popular for new ventures
- Devotees offer prayers for steadfast devotion, following Hanuman's example
- Many visit as part of a wider Hampi pilgrimage covering Virupaksha and other shrines
Darshan Guide and Best Time to Visit
The hilltop temple is generally open through daylight hours, and devotees are advised to begin the climb in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the harsh midday sun of this dry region. The steps, while numerous, offer sweeping views of the Hampi ruins and Tungabhadra river along the way, making the climb itself a memorable part of the pilgrimage.
Hanuman Jayanti draws the largest crowds here, along with a steady stream of devotees throughout the year who combine this visit with darshan at Hampi's other renowned temples.
How to Reach Anjanadri Hill
Anjanadri Hill lies across the Tungabhadra river from the main Hampi ruins, near Anegundi village, and can be reached by a coracle ride or road route from Hampi. The nearest railway station is Hospet, well connected to major cities, while the nearest airport with wider connectivity is at Hubballi or Bengaluru.
Most pilgrims base themselves in Hampi or Hospet and take a short trip across to Anegundi to begin the climb up the hill.
Mantra and the Takeaway
Pilgrims climbing Anjanadri often chant Jai Anjani Putra, Jai Pavan Kumar (victory to Anjana's son, victory to the son of the wind) as they ascend, connecting each step to the devotion that shaped Hanuman's own birth. The simple Om Hanumate Namah is also widely recited at the summit shrine.
Anjanadri reminds devotees that even the greatest of deities began with a mother's patient, unwavering tapasya. Worship here is an act of faith and love, not a transaction, and a reminder that devotion itself can bring about extraordinary blessings.
Quick Answers
Why is Anjanadri Hill considered Hanuman's birthplace?+
Tradition holds that Anjana, Hanuman's mother, performed long tapasya on this hill, and Hanuman was born here as a divine blessing, making Anjanadri one of the sites most closely associated with his earthly birth.
How many steps does one need to climb to reach the temple?+
The temple sits atop a hill reached by several hundred steps. It is a moderately strenuous climb, best attempted in the cooler hours of early morning or late afternoon.
Can Anjanadri Hill be visited along with Hampi's other temples?+
Yes, most pilgrims combine a visit to Anjanadri with darshan at Hampi's Virupaksha temple and other heritage sites, as the hill lies just across the river from the main ruins.
About the author
Pandit Ravindra Sharma · Vedic Rituals & Bhakti, 22+ years
Pandit Ravindra is the Vandnaa editorial team's resident specialist on aarti, chalisa, and daily devotion. He has performed home and temple pujas across Varanasi and Delhi for over two decades and contributes the bhakti-focused articles on this site.
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