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The
Second peak is associated with Anjana Devi, the revered mother of Hanuman, the
peerless Rambhakta of Tretayuga. His mother did penance for seven thousand
years. There was an eminent Siva bhakta by name Kesari in the Tretayuga. He
performed penance for centuries for the boon of a son. Gratified with his
tapascharya, Lord Siva appearing before him said that he was distained to get a
daughter instead of son, but that daughter would present to the world an
illustrious son, who leaves behind a rare specimen of remarkable bhakta of
immortal fame.
Satisfied
with the pre-ordained, Kesari brought up his daughter, naming her Anjani, with
such care and affection that she surpassed her father in devotion. And she was
exceedingly beautiful, besides devout to the extent of enkindling emulation of
bhakti in the beholders. This Anjana was wedded to a mighty Vanara by name
Kesari, who was living near Prabhasa thirtha. According to the epic Ramayana,
this Kesari fought singlehanded against Sankha and Sabhala, the two formidable
demons in elephant forms that were subjecting the asramavasis to untold
suffering. Bharadwaja, one of the distinguished sages appreciating his mighty
humanist action asked him to name a boon that he would grant it anon. Kesari
then asked for a son of unsurpassable physical might, and a Kamarupi - capable
of taking any form at will. It was granted. The result was, the birth of
Hanuman, the redoubtable hero among the Vanaras. For the birth
of
such Valorous hero as son, Anjana Devi too did tapas. Its back ground too is quite awesome. She was not blessed with a
child for long, though her pati was assured with a son by Sage Bharadwaja. To the despairing
Anjana, Dharmadevata advised her to do penance. She began it at once and did for seven
thousand years, fed on only a single fruit given to her everyday by the God of Wind. Satisfied with her penance, Lord
Siva granted the boon of a celebrated son Hanuman, a by-word for Prabhubhakti. This
occurred on this sacred hill, on the banks of Akasa Ganga. Hence this hill is called Anjanachala and
became doubly holy for its association with Anjanadevi and
Hanuman. It happened in the Tretayuga. Anjanachala, the hill acquired the name of
Seshachala in Dwaparayuga and its origin also is quite queer and evokes astonishment.
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