Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple

Overview

Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is located in Nallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu, India.

About The Temple

The Prime Deity of the old temple is in the separate sanctum. He receives the first pooja during the festivals and pooja time. His icon is sculpted wonderfully in a single stone. He appears with the ‘pryoga chakram’, ‘valampuri chanku’ and with a staff in the lower left arm. To worship Him makes a person good in his studies is the belief. The parents worship here before they send their children to school. Lord Aanjaneya sits with bent knee in the Lord’s peetam surrounded by the rishis in tapasya – this is a significant feature. On the dome are seen the gandharvas.

Garudaalvaar is seen in the Perumal temples, opposite to the Lord in the worshipping posture. Rarely is he seen near the Lord in a few holy places like Srivilliputtur. But, in this temple Garudaalvaar is seen in the posture of worshipping the Lord’s feet. He is seen kneeling and worshipping the feet of Sundaravaradarajar and the Lord above him blesses him with His right arm – this looks quite distinct. Another Garudaalvaar stands in the worshipping posture opposite to the prime sanctum. Both his wings are spread as though he is about to take his flight. His left leg is bent and with his right leg erect, he seems to be ready for service of the Lord when He calls him. It is believed that he brings remedy to the devotees by recommending their causes to the Lord – hence he is called “Recommending Garudaalvaar”. Srideve and Bhudevi Thaayars are near the Lord. The Prime Thaayaar Sundaravalli is in separate sanctum. The Bael Tree considered as desirable to Lord Siva, is the sacred tree of this place. Many yaagas had been performed here several thousand years ago. The ‘yaagasaalai sthupi’ is near the temple. The legendary name of this place is ‘chaturvetimangalam’.

Legend and Stories

Once upon a time a few Brahmins who had gone on pilgrimage stayed in this holy place. They set up the Perumal icon they had brought and performed worship. The next day when they resumed their journey, they could not lift the statue from that place. Lord Vishnu appeared before them and said that He wished to stay in that place. The happy Brahmins erected a temple for Him. Later, that temple became dilapidated and a new temple was erected. The Lord looks handsome and beautiful; so He is called ‘Sundara Varadarajar’.

Festivals

Vaikunda Ekadasi in December-January, Navarathri in September-October, Azhwars’ birth star pujas, all Saturdays in September-October (Purattasi month) and Garuda Seva on Vaikasi Visakam day (May-June) are the festivals very grandly celebrated in the temple.

Significance

Those who are desirous of issues pray here in large numbers.

Thanks Giving

The offerings include donning the Lord and Thaayar with new clothes, performing special poojas and also donating to the temple renovation.

How To Reach Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple, Nallur

Air

The nearest airport is at Chennai Airport.

Rail

The nearest railway station is at Melmaruvathur Railway Station.

Road

To reach Nallur, we have to go to Vandavaasi, 40 kms from Melmaruvathur and from there travel about 13 kms in the town buses. There are only limited bus services at the stipulated time from Vandavaasi; so it is better to hire a taxi and travel.

Temple Address

Sri Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal Temple,
Nallur, Tiruvannamalai District,
Tamil Nadu.