Bengaluru, 27th June 2022: In Karnataka, the state government has ordered the authorities to build a grand Hanuman temple on the Anjeyanadri mountain, where Hanuman is believed to have been born. It is being said that this temple will be built on the lines of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Significantly, in Karnataka, the assembly elections are going to be held before May 2023. It is clear that BJP would like to take advantage of this temple in the elections.

Tussle between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh 

This announcement has come at a time when there is a ruckus between Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh over the real birthplace of Hanuman. Karnataka claims that Hanuman was born on the Anjeyanandri hill in Kishkindha near Hampi in the northern part of the state. The BJP government of Karnataka wants to connect the Ram temple in Ayodhya with the Hanuman temple through a tourism corridor. For this reason, they are planning to make this Hanuman temple grander. This temple is situated on the banks of the Tungabhadra River and is just 20 km away from World Heritage site of Hampi. It is believed that Hampi is the Kishkindha of Ramayana, a kingdom of monkeys.

Farmers’ land will have to be taken

According to the order issued in this regard on Saturday, 60 acres of land will be required for the project which includes 58 acres of private land owned by farmers. It has also been said in the order that the land must be taken by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board with the consent of the farmers. Chief Minister Bommai himself is taking a personal interest in this project and has held meetings several times. The Chief Minister said that after July 15, he would visit this place for another review meeting.

What Andhra Pradesh claims

 In December 2020, an expert panel was formed by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam, which oversees various temples in Andhra Pradesh. It also included Vedic scholars, archaeologists and an ISRO scientist. Later in April 2021, the committee claimed that Hanuman was born on Anjanadri mountain in Andhra Pradesh. Astrological and scientific evidence were also given along with the beliefs behind it.

What Karnataka Claims

On the other hand, various ministers of Karnataka have said that the Anjeyanadri mountain found near Hampi is mentioned in the Ramayana. According to Ramayana, Rama and Lakshman met Hanuman at this place. And there is also an idol of Ram, Sita and Anjana Devi along with Hanuman here.