Thuraiyur Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Temple, Trichy

Address

Thuraiyur Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Temple, Thuraiyur Bypass, Thuraiyur, Trichy district, Tamil Nadu 621010. Phone: +91 4327 245 677 / 244 806 Mobile: +91 94867 27797 / 94439 57839 / 94866 37054 /

Deity

Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Amman: Sridevi and Bhoodevi

Introduction

Location: Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple is situated at Perumalmalai Hills near Thuraiyur in Trichy District, Tamil Nadu.
Elevation: The temple is located 960 feet above ground level in the Pachaimalai hills, accessible via 1532 steps or a 5 km motorable road.
Age: The temple is believed to be around 1000 years old, constructed by the grandson of Karikal Chozhan.

Puranic Significance

Darshan to Karikala Chola: The temple is on a small hill in the Pachaimalai range, where Karikala Chola prayed for darshan of Thirumala Venkatachalapathy.
- Lord Vishnu appeared in Kalyana Kolam with His consorts.
- Lord Vishnu left his footprints (Perumal Paadham) near the Thayar shrine.
Construction by Grandson of Karikala Chola: The temple was built by the grandson of Karikala Chola, a prominent king of the Early Chola Dynasty.
Then Thiruppathy: The temple is known as Then Thiruppathy, similar to Thirumala Tirupathi, where Lord Venkatachalapathy gave darshan in Kalyana Kolam.
Karuppanna Swamy: The king performed penance under an Elanthai tree, leading to the idol of Karuppanna Swamy being present in the temple.
Historical Significance: The area was ruled by zamindars, giving rise to the name Thuraiyur.

Beliefs

Holy Theerthams: Holy Tulsi Theertham is offered at the Sannidhis of Perumal and Thayar, while Vibhuti (holy ash) is given at the Karuppanna Swamy Sannidhi.

Special Features

Temple Structure:
- Located on Perumalmalai with 1532 steps leading to the temple.
- Features a huge, colorful Sudhai Hanuman statue at the base of the hill.
Deity Representation:
- Presiding deity Prasanna Venkatachalapathy is depicted in Kalyana Kolam with Thaayars Sridevi and Bhoodevi.
Artistic Elements:
- Artha Mandapam adorned with Dasavatara sculptures.
- Unique depiction of Lord Narasimha with 12 hands and Hiranyakasipu.
Girivalam Path:
- A path for circumambulation around the hill, attracting hundreds of devotees, especially on full-moon days.
Sacred Imprints:
- Footprints of Venkatesa Perumal and an idol of Karikala Cholan near Thaayar Sannathi.
Musical Stone:
- A stone hanging that produces ‘sapthasvaras’ (seven notes of music).
Kshetrabaalakar:
- Known as Malai Karuppanna Swamy or Veerappa Swamy, depicted on a horse.
Nearby Temple:
- Yatindra Desikan temple featuring Lakshmi Narasimhar and Hayagriva idols.

Festivals

Puratasi Month: All Saturdays of the Tamil month Puratasi (September – October) are celebrated with large gatherings of devotees.
Full Moon Days: Girivalam procession around Perumalmalai hillock attracts numerous participants.
Specific Festivals:
- Chithirai: Special Abhishekam on the first day.
- Vaikasi: Thiruvona Nakshatra – Sravana Urchavam – Thiru Kalyanam (holy marriage).
- Karthigai: Lighting of deepas at the top of the hill.
- Margazhi: Vaikunda Ekadashi – Urchavar appears at Ekadasi Mandapam.
- Thai: Full Moon day – Garuda Seva celebrated with much fanfare.