Japali Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple

 The most sacred and peaceful place I have ever seen in my life-time is Japali Prasannanjaneya Swamy temple. It is situated in the Anjanadri hill of Tirumala's seven hills. For your information, Tirumala is the abode of Sri Venkateshwara Swamy and it comprises of seven hills - Seshadri, Neeladri, Garudadri, Anjanadri, Vrushabhadri, Narayanadri and Venkatadri. Sri Venkateshwara is residing on the Venkatadri hill by giving blessings to his disciples and bhaktas constantly in this kaliyuga.

Who is Jabali? and What is the story of the temple?

When Sri Rama along with Mata Sita and Lakshmana, left Ayodhya to fulfill the promise he has given to his Father - Raja Dasaratha (of making Bharatha - the King and he should live in exile for 13 years); Bharatha along with his courtiers, queens and advisors went to meet Sri Rama, who was stationed at Chitrakut. Bharatha requested Sri Rama to return to Ayodhya and take the Kingdom, since as per dharma it is the eldest son who has the right to be the king, however Sri Rama refused and said that he has to serve the promise he has given to Raja Dasaratha. Moreover, there was a brahmin in the group of people, who accompanied Bharatha - Jabali; he said that since all are born or die alone; Sri Rama should never take his oath seriously. For that Sri Rama, replied politely to Jabali saying that - fulfilling the vow given to father is the dharma of a son, hence he would not come back to Ayodhya right at that time. After this, Jabali felt sad as he had insulted Sri Rama by uttering those words. To minimize his agony and sadness, he left Ayodhya and went to a calm place in jungles around the near modern town Jabalpur. Here, he did various tapas and yagnas to minimize his sadness and agony.

Sage Jabali moved further south towards the hills of Tirumala, and finally found the place where he felt the presence of Hanuman ji in spiritual sense. Actually, the same place is where the present day temple is situated. According to the kshetra-purana, Hanuman ji's mother Sri Anjana Devi did penance to have a child. Moreover, Sri Rama, Mata Sita and Lakshmana stayed at this place during their stay in jungle. Sage Jabali did a heavy penance to Hanuman Ji, who advised him to pray for Sri Rama. Sage Jabali again did penance for Sri Rama, who has appeared along with Mata Sita and gave him water by shooting his arrow on the ground. This same water has become a pond - Ram Kund and Sita Kund, at the front and back of the temple, respectively.

Thereafter, Hanuman Ji originated at that place making it a sacred and peaceful place; and remained there since that time, for the welfare of the people.

How to Reach the Temple?

One can go to the temple, after seeking the darshanam of Sri Venkateswara swamy on Venkatadri hill. The Jabali Anjaneya swamy temple is 5 km from the Balaji temple on road. It takes half an hour drive by car or by bus. It is on the way to Papavinashanam and Akasha Ganga. Bhakta Sri Hathi Ram Babaji built the outer sanctom of the temple at Jabali Anajaneya Swamy temple. At that time, Hathi Ram Babji was the principal priest of Balaji temple. 

Coming to the route, once getting down from the car; one has to walk up to 1.5 to 2 km into the dense forest along the stone path built by TTD (Tirumala Tirupathi Devasthanam). This path is surrounded by huge trees and the place echoes the positive vibes of the swamy's presence.

Upon reaching the temple, one can see Ram Kund and Sita Kund, whose water source is not known to anyone. By taking bath in those ponds, one's sins and mistakes would be washed off by the swamy.

Thus, Jabali Prasannanjaneya Swamy Temple is the peaceful, sacred, holy and spiritual place to visit while we visit Tirumala for Sri Hari darshan. Truly, we will experience the true presence of Hanuman ji in and around the temple. Locally, it is popularly known as Japali Theertham.

Jai Sri Rama!

Jai Mata Sita!

Jai Hanuman!

Om Namo Venkateshaya!

Sources:

1. Valmiki Ramayanam

2. Kshetra Puranam of Tirumala

3. Pics Courtesy to Google.