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 /

Diety

Prasanna Venkatachalapathi Amman: Sridevi and Bhoodevi

Introduction

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu located at Perumalmalai Hills near Thuraiyur in Trichy District of Tamilnadu. The Temple lies on top of Perumalmalai 960 feet above ground level in Pachaimalai hills and has 1532 steps. There is also a motorable road of about 5 kms till the top. It will take about 15 minutes in vehicle and about an hour in walking through steps. The Temple is believed to be 1000 years old. This temple is said to be constructed by the grandson of Karikal Chozhan.

Puranic Significance

Lord gave darshan to Karikala Chola: It is on top of a small hill in the Pachaimalai hill range. It is believed that Karikal Chozhan wanted to have darshan of Thirumala Venkatachalapathy. As he could not visit the Seven Hills, he prayed the Lord who gave darshan on this hill in Kalyana Kolam with His consorts. At the request of the King, Perumal left his foot prints (Perumal Paadham) near the Thayar shrine. The King was also believed to have given his sceptre (Sengol) to the Lord and hence we find it in the hands of the Perumal. Grandson of Karikala Chola built this Temple: Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple is said to be constructed by the grandson of Karikala Chola, one of the prominent king of Early Chola Dynasty. Then Thiruppathy: This place is known as Then Thiruppathy, Thirumala Balaji himself gave darshan in Kalyana Kolam with his consorts to Karikala Cholan. Kings Idol as Karuppannar: A King, grandson of Karikala Chola, is believed to have performed a penance under an Elanthai (Zizyphus) tree to have the lord’s vision. Lord Vishnu pleased with his sincerity is said to have appeared in his wedding posture and blessed the king who wished to be next to him always. Thus, the king’s idol is present here in the form of Karuppanna Swamy / Veerappa Swamy. Thuraiyur: This place was earlier ruled by zamindars that in colloquial Tamil were called Thurai Maar and the place where they ruled was called Thuraimaar Oor which later became Thuraiyur. This temple is believed to be ‘Then Thirupathi’ of Trichy as many similarities existing with the glorious Thirumala Tirupathi. There are seven hillocks to cross; Alarmelmangai Thayar is having a separate shrine; Govindharaja Perumal in lying posture is having a temple at the foot hill; and there is a village known as Nagalapuram 5 kms away. This temple is present as a symbol of Shaiva Vaishnava unison – while Thulasi is being given as prasadam in the Perumal shrine, Vibhoothi (holy ash) is being as prasadam in the Karuppannar shrine

Beliefs

Holy Tulsi Theertham is offered at the Sannidhis of Perumal and Thayar. Vibhuti (holy ash) Prasad is offered at the Karuppanna Swamy Sannidhi.

Special Features

• The Temple lies on top of Perumalmalai 960 feet above ground level in Pachaimalai hills and has 1532 steps. • There is a Huge Sudhai Hanuman beautiful & colourful at the start of the Hill climb. Presiding Deity is called as Prasanna Venkatachalapathy and is facing east. The Perumal giving darshan in Kalyana Kolam with Thaayars Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the Temple. • There is a Artha Mandapam with Dasaavathaarams in the Pillars in a beautiful manner. Lord Narasimha with 12 hands and with Hiranyakasipu on his lap and tearing his intestines in a fiercing tone. • There is also a Girivalam path around the hill. Hundreds of devotees take part in the Girivalam around this hillock on full-moon days. Recently created large and beautiful statues of Garuda and Panchavati can be seen at the base of the hill. As per the request of Karikala Chola, Venkatesa Perumal left his footprints (Perumal Paatham) and The Paatham Imprints are near Thaayar Sannathi. Near the Perumal Paatham, Karikala Cholan himself (as Blessed by Venkatesa Perumal) is blessing the devotees. • The temple has a stone hanging that is said to produce ‘sapthasvaras’. The Kshetrabaalakar is known as Malai Karuppanna Swamy alias Veerappa Swamy. Swami appearing on a horse with a spare horse by side. In this Sannathi Vibhoothi prasadam is given as prasadam. Yatindra Desikan temple with Lakshmi Narasimhar & Hayagriva Idols can be found in the Adivaram of the Hills.

Festivals

All the Saturdays of Tamil month of ‘Puratasi’ (September – October) are celebrated in a grand manner. Large nos. of devotees comes from nearby places to have darshan of Perumal on the hill. Hundreds of devotees are taking part in the Girivalam procession around the Perumalmalai hillock on all full-moon days. Chithirai – First day special Abhishekam, Vaikasi – Thiruvona Nakshatra – Sravana Urchavam – Thiru Kalyanam (holy marriage), Karthigai – Deepa is lit at top the hill, Margazhi – Vaikunda Ekadashi – Urchavar appears at Ekadasi Mandapam and Thai – Full Moon day – Garuda Seva are the festivals celebrated with much fanfare