The Divine Glory of Bedi Anjaneya Swamy
The divine glory of Sri Anjaneya Swamy, who lives as an aspect of Lord Shiva and whose very breath is the chanting of 'Rama Nama', is beyond description.
Hanuman is not merely a deity; He is a 'Sthitaprajna' (a person of steady wisdom). His greatness lies in the fact that despite possessing immense power, He remains humble, and despite having infinite intellect, He remains immersed in devotion.
Although He is the son of Anjana Devi, His birth encompasses the aspect of Lord Shiva, the blessings of Vayu Deva (the Wind God), and the Payasam (divine nectar) given by Agni Deva (as the fruit of Dasharatha's Yajna). This is why He is considered the embodiment of all the gods.
"Ashta Siddhi Nava Nidhi ke Data | Asa bara deenha Janaki Mata ||" Mother Janaki (Sita) blessed Hanuman with the Ashta Siddhis (the eight supernatural powers: Anima, Mahima, Garima, Laghima, Prapti, Prakamya, Ishitva, and Vashitva). It was through these powers that He was able to leap across the ocean, assume a microscopic form, and carry the Sanjeevani mountain.
In the Tirumala Kshetram, the deity of Anjaneya Swamy, seen with shackles on His hands opposite the Lord’s temple, is known as 'Bedi Anjaneya Swamy'. There is a fascinating story behind this:
As a child, Hanuman was incredibly restless. It is said that once, He tried to leave the Tirumala hills without informing anyone, intending to go elsewhere, leaving His mother Anjana Devi behind.
To prevent Him from leaving and to ensure He remained by the side of Lord Srinivasa for the welfare of the world, Anjana Devi placed shackles (Bedi) on His hands and ordered Him to stay there.
Since that day, He has been enshrined there as the protector of the temple and the savior of all devotees. It is a tradition to offer the first Naivedyam (food offering) of Lord Srinivasa to Bedi Anjaneya Swamy.
The presence of Anjaneya Swamy in the Sri Bhu Sametha Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple at Dokiparru is of paramount importance. Here, He is not just a secondary deity but is enshrined as an 'Abhaya Hasta' (the hand of fearlessness) that resolves the hardships of devotees.
Following the Tirumala tradition, He stands here as a protective shield for Lord Srinivasa as Sri Bedi Anjaneya Swamy.
Devotees believe that those suffering from the effects of Saturn (Shani Dosha or Elinati Shani) gain immediate relief by performing Aku Puja (worship with betel leaves) or Sindhura Puja to Anjaneya Swamy at Dokiparru.
Bringing children who suffer from mental anxiety or extreme fear to this temple for the Lord's darshan provides them with a divine 'Raksha' (protection).
Thousands of devotees participate in the Hanuman Jayanti celebrations held here, expressing their deep devotion.
Worshipping Anjaneya Swamy grants not only devotion but also overall personality development:
Bestows the wisdom to make the right decisions in complex situations.
Grants respect in society and the courageous heart that remains unshakeable in times of crisis.
For those suffering from the fear of death or enemies, the Hanumat Kavacham acts as a powerful weapon.
Manojavam Maruta-tulya-vegam Jitendriyam Buddhimatam Varishtham |
Vatatmajam Vanarayuthamukhyam Sriramadutam Saranam Prapadye ||
Meaning: "I surrender to the messenger of Sri Rama, who is swift as the mind, faster than the wind, the master of His senses, the wisest among the intelligent, the son of the Wind God, and the chief of the monkey army."