Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Perumalmalai,
Thuraiyur – Legends
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 a
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 who in colloquial Tamil were called Thurai
Maar and the place where they ruled was called Thuraimaar Oor which later
became Thuraiyur.