161 feet Panchamukhi Anjaneya Swamy Temple, Bidanagere, Kunigal, Tumakur

The 161 feet tall Anjaneya statue is believed to be highest Hanuman statue in Asia. This place is majorly tourism spot than pilgrimage.  The temple has been built in recent years and major focus is on the 161 feel tall panchamukhi anjaneya statue over temple. The Hanuman god with five faces denotes the strengths in five forms. The place is major tourist attraction nowadays thanks to the giant statue depicting the might of Lord Hanuman with five faces. Not much to brag about the place and mythologically not significant. Perhaps the statue was built out of tourism focus than devotion I felt.

Primary deity is Lord Hanuman himself. Apart from this, there is also a Shani temple located nearby where special offerings are made every Saturday.  The temple servers free meal everyday but with limited timings.  It is possible to climb up the temple to get closer look of the sculpted statue. The entry to base of statue bears a nominal entry ticket fee as well. Of course, one has to leave footwear at the temple entrance itself. But the best view is still from the ground a distance where you can experience the ferocity of Lord Hanuman.

The temple sells variety prasad. We bought coconut burfi and savoured after reaching home

 

Place is extremely easy to reach. One has to take deviation towards Kunigal town and map guides you neatly! There also seem to be direct deviation from middle of Kunigal. Large flexes guide and welcome you to the temple from kunigal bypass. The temple has huge parking area to accommodate large number of vehicles. It would be surprising if you don't find any vacant space :-)

Here is video capture of our visit