Nallur Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple, Thiruvannamalai

Address

Nallur village, Thiruvannamalai district,

Tamil Nadu 604 406.

Phone: +91 4183 243 157, 94452 32457

Moolavar

Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal

Amman

Sundaravalli

Introduction

The Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple, located in the tranquil village of Nallur, is a significant Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu. Known for its divine energy and serene ambiance, the temple is a spiritual landmark with deep historical and puranic importance. The presiding deity, Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal, is worshipped alongside Goddess Sundaravalli. The temple is revered for its unique iconography and special features that highlight its rich spiritual heritage.

Puranic Significance

According to legend, a group of Brahmins on a pilgrimage set up an idol of Lord Vishnu at this sacred site for worship. When they attempted to continue their journey, they found the idol immovable. The Lord appeared to them and expressed His desire to remain there. Overjoyed, the Brahmins constructed a temple in His honor. Though the original temple became dilapidated over time, a new temple was later erected to preserve the legacy of the Lord, referred to as Sundara Varadarajar, meaning “the Handsome Lord.”

Special Features

The temple is renowned for its rare and unique architectural and spiritual features:

Prime Deity in Separate Sanctum:
The deity from the old temple is housed in a separate sanctum and receives the first pooja during festivals. The idol is carved from a single stone, with intricate details including a prayoga chakra, valampuri shanku, and a staff.
Garudaalvaar’s Unique Posture:
- One Garudaalvaar kneels near the Lord’s feet in an extraordinary gesture of devotion, with the Lord blessing him.
- Another Garudaalvaar, located opposite the sanctum, is seen ready for service with wings spread and a posture of readiness, symbolizing his role as a divine messenger. He is revered as “Parinduraikkum Garudazhwar” or “Recommending Garudaalvaar,” believed to represent devotees’ grievances to the Lord.
Lord Anjaneya’s Unique Icon:
Lord Anjaneya is depicted in a separate sanctum, facing north with the Sanjeevi Parvatha in hand, in a dynamic pose as though about to begin his journey.
Sacred Tree and Ritual Significance:
The temple’s sacred tree, the Vilwa Tree, typically associated with Lord Shiva, adds a unique aspect to this Vishnu temple. The presence of a yaagasaalai sthupi near the temple indicates the site’s ritualistic importance, where many ancient yagas were performed.

Beliefs

The temple is particularly popular among devotees seeking:

Blessings for Progeny: Couples desirous of children offer special prayers.
Fulfillment of Wishes: Offerings such as new clothes for the deities, special poojas, and donations for temple renovations are common acts of gratitude.

The faith in Garudaalvaar as a mediator between devotees and the Lord is profound, with many believing that he carries their prayers directly to Vishnu.