Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Gunaseelam – Worship
& Festivals
The
temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 6:30 a.m.,
Kalasanthi at 8:30 a.m., Uchikalam at 12:30 p.m., Thirumalvadai at
5:30 p.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 8:30 p.m.
Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), naivethanam (food offering)
and deepa aradanai. Since Tirupathi Lord himself appeared before Gunaseela
Maharishi, it is believed that those who are not able to go to Tirupathi can
visit Gunaseelam and all their wishes are said to be fulfilled here. During the
Uchikalam and Arthajamam, water is sprinkled on devotees, which is believed to
expel evil diseases and mental diseases.
The
major festival of the temple, Brahmotsavam, is celebrated in the Tamil month of
Puratasi (September - October) for 11 days that includes a nine-day chariot
festival. The Chitrai Theppotsavam festival is the float festival celebrated
during the Tamil month of Chittirai (March - April). The Pavitrotsavam is a
three-day festival celebrated during the Tamil month of Aavani, Srirama Navami
(Rama’s birthday) in Panguni (March-April) and Gokulastami (Krishna’s birthday)
in Aavani (August-September). Unlike other Vishnu temples where Thirumanjanam (ablution)
is performed one in a week, the temple has Thirumanjanam performed
daily to the central deity.
The Lord
appears on his eagle vehicle Garuda on each Tiruvonam star day. Special pujas
are performed on Vaikasi Visakam day. Mentally ill people stay here to become
normal. During the Uchi Kala Pooja (11:30 AM to 12:30 PM) and Artha Jama Pooja
(8:30 PM) the holy water is sprinkled on the devotees which is said to be
expiating all kinds of evils effects and mind diseases like depression. This is
a Prarthana Sthalam and people wanting to get good marriage and childhood come
here and get their wishes sanctioned. The temple is maintained by a hereditary
executive trustee.
