Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam – The
Temple
The
Temple covers an area of about 1.45 acres. The Temple has a three-tier Rajagopuram
with two Prakarams. The temple bears absolutely no resemblance to what it was a
quarter of a century ago. With devotees contribution, the hereditary trustees
have transformed the temple to reflect modern day architecture. New paintings
and photographs adorn the temple, with modern flooring. There is written
documentation that the temple should be renovated in the 5000th year
of Kaliyuga. The renovation was accordingly done.
The
central shrine of the temple houses the presiding deity Prasanna
Venkatachalapathy in standing posture. The image is depicted with four hands -
one showing Abhaya mudra, one carrying the weapon Gatha, one carrying conch and other carrying the Chakra. As in the case of Lord Srinivasa of Tirumala,
Padmavathy Thayar adorns His chest here. The Lakshmi Sahasranama and Salagrama
Harams (garlands) adorn his chest.
Besides
Sudarsana and Panchajanya, the Lord holds the sceptre in his right lower hand
and this weapon helps cure thousands of persons afflicted by mental and
physical ailments. Tirumanjanam is performed to the presiding deity daily. The
abishek water and the sandal applied to the Lord are given as Prasad to the
devotees. There are two gates in front of the main shrine on both sides, known
as Utharayana and Dakshinayana. There are delicate glassworks in the Palliyarai
around the sanctum.
Procession
deity Srinivasa graces with His consorts Sridevi and Bhoodevi wearing the
Salagrama garland. The conical vimana above the central shrine is called Trinetra vimana
as it has three tiers. There are stucco sculptures on the vimana depicting
Narasimha on eagle vahana Garuda and an image of Vishnu with Shanku and Chakra. As
the prominence is for Lord alone in the temple, there is no shrine for Mother
Goddess or any co-deities (Parivara Devathas).
The
temple has a shrine for Viganasar, the founder of Vaikanasa Aagamam. Legend
says he was given Brahminhood by Venkateshwara himself alongside Brahma, the god of creation. Viganasar is taken in procession
on the Guru Puja festival on Aavani Tiruvonam in August-September. Sri Anjaneya
is sculpted in the Deepa Sthamba – light post.
Around
the flag post (Kodimaram) are Govardana Krishna, Kalinga Nardana, Nardana
Kannan, Abhayahastha Krishna and around the compound wall (Goshta) are
Navaneetha Krishna, Narasimha, Varaha, Yagna Narayana. Theertham associated
with this Temple are Cauvery and Papavinasam. The Papavinasam Theertham is
opposite to this temple. The renovation works in the temple were inaugurated
some years back under instructions from Sri Jayendra Saraswathi Swamigal and
Sri Sankara Vijayendra Saraswathi Swamigal of the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam.
Mental Health Rehabilitation Centre:
Locals
strongly believe that the presiding deity, Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, has
powers to cure those suffering from mental illness or any other malady.
Mentally challenged people are brought here and kept on the premises for 48
days to go through the healing process. This has given the temple its name as
Gunaseelam (Tamil: Gunam-cure; Seelam-place), a place where illnesses are cured.
In addition to the complete reconstruction of the Gunaseelam temple, the
trustees have also set up a mental health rehabilitation centre that has the
official stamp of the Tamil Nadu Government license.
The
centre is equipped with individual rooms and toilet facilities. A psychiatrist
visits the centre once every week. There are volunteers who take care of these
mentally challenged people on a daily basis. Sacred water is splashed on these
mentally challenged people each day during Uchi Kaalam (noon) and Artha Jamam
(night) for 48 days. Belief is that one will get cured if they sincerely offer
their prayers to the Lord and follow this process. It is today a blend of faith
and modern treatment.
