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Monday, February 26, 2018

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Perumalmalai, Thuraiyur – The Temple

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Perumalmalai, Thuraiyur – The Temple
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. This temple is said to be constructed by the grandson of Karikal Chozhan. The kings are later named as Karuppannar and Veerappa Swamy and are worshipped in the temple. Govinda Raja Perumal in Sayana Kolam located at the Adivaram of the Hills just like Thiruppathy.



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.


Presiding Deity is having Sengol, given by Karikala. For those who could not climb the hill, the foot print of the Perumal is installed at the base of the hill in a mandapam along with Garudan in a standing posture. It is said that having a Dharshan of this Perumal’s footprint is equivalent to having a Dharshan of the Perumal at the hill top. Mother is called as Alamelumangai Thayar and housed in separate shrine on the Hills facing east located on the right side of the Lord’s shrine.



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.


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.