Sri O.T.C Hanuman Swamy Temple

Sree O.T.C. Hanuman Swami Temple, Vikas Bhavan, PMG Junction, Near Palayam
                                                                                  

Sri O.T.C. Hanuman Swami Temple, Trivandrum

The Sree O.T.C. Hanuman Swami Temple is one of the most prominent and deeply revered Anjaneya shrines in Kerala. Centrally located in Thiruvananthapuram between PMG Junction and Palayam—right near the Kerala Legislative Assembly Complex and opposite the University  Stadium—it draws thousands of devotees, particularly on Thursdays.

The abbreviation "O.T.C." stands for Officers Training Camp, reflecting the temple's unique historical roots tied to the military cantonment. ("Palayam" itself translates to cantonment in Malayalam).

Deities Worshípped

  • Main Deity: Lord Hanuman (Sri Anjaneya), depicted in a striking five-foot-tall standing posture. His pleasant face is slightly turned leftward, adorned with a silver crown, glowing eyes expressing profound compassion (karuna), protruding teeth (gorapal) that add to his divine grace, and holding a mace near His left thigh.
  • Sub-Deities: Lord Shiva, Lord Ganapathy, Yogeeswaran, and Naga Devatas.

Temple Timings

  • Morning: 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • Evening: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

(Note: Thursdays are considered especially auspicious, drawing heavier crowds for special poojas and offerings like butter (navaneetam), vadamala, and vettamala.)

History and Origins

The history of the temple dates back to the expansion and shifting of the Travancore kingdom's administrative and military apparatus. Following the era of King Marthanda Varma, the state capital was moved from Padmanabhapuram to Thiruvananthapuram.

As part of this transition, the headquarters of the state's military unit—known historically as the Nair Brigade—was relocated to the new capital. The military columns and cavalry brought along several protective deities worshipped by the regiment. While deities like Lord Ganesha were installed at Pazhavangady and Palayam, the soldiers of the brigade brought and consecrated the idol of Lord Hanuman at the military camp grounds, giving birth to the O.T.C. Hanuman Temple.

The temple is built according to traditional Kerala architectural styles, featuring a welcoming east-facing entrance arch, a sacred peepal tree in place of a standard flag post, and a spacious precinct featuring a grand punnai (Alexandrian laurel) tree. The ritualistic administration (Tantram) of the temple is traditionally held by the esteemed Thazhamon Madhom.

Location and Contact Information

  • Address:

Sree O.T.C. Hanuman Swami Temple,

Vikas Bhavan, PMG Junction,

Palayam, Thiruvananthapuram,

Kerala – 695033

  • Phone Number: 0471 - 2303333 / 0471 - 2315837
  • Administration: Travancore Devaswom Board
  • Transportation:
    • Nearest Railway Station: Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station (approx. 5 km away)
    • Nearest Airport: Trivandrum International Airport (approx. 8 km away)