Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thiruparkadal – The Temple

Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thiruparkadal – The Temple

The Rajagopuram of this temple is in dilapidated state. Next to it is, Kodimaram, Pundarika Pushkarani and an altar, small mandapam and Maharishi Gopuram. The Temple follows Vaikanasa Agamam. There is another mandapam in the entrance of Sanctum Sanctorum which has also Shrines for Thumbikkai Azhwar, Nammalwar, Madhurakavi Azhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, and Boothathazhar. Presiding Deity is called as Prasanna Venkateswara Perumal.

The presiding deity stands on Avudaiyar (Siva lingam) with Abhaya Mutra. This temple is considered to be testimony for the unity of Shaivism and Vaishnavism. Hence, Pradosham related to Shiva also is devoutly observed in this temple. There are carvings of Krishna Devaraya, Dalavai Naicker, Rani Mangammal, Aranganayagam and Aranganayaki, all in praying pose. This temple was patronized by Krishna Devaraya, and an idol of him is placed inside the sanctum.

Atop the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Sannidhi on each side of the Pundarika Vimanam are interesting postures - Dakshinamurthy (on the Southern side), Lakshmi Narasimha (on the Western side), Brahmma (on the Northern side) and Gajendra Varadan on the elephant (on the Eastern side).

Also, we see a Sorgavasal separately in all Perumal temples through which Perumal is taken on procession on Vaikunda Ekadasi day. There is no one such in this temple. Instead, there are three entrances through which the devotee can have the darshan of the Lord in the sanctum itself on the day. This is a very rare structure in a Perumal temple.

Mother is called as Alarmel Mangai. She is housed in a separate shrine. She is holding lotus flower in her hand. Srichakkram is installed at her feet. Unmarried girls seeking marriage alliance offer garlands to the Goddess on Fridays. There is a Shrine for Andal in the prakaram. Her Shrine is situated to to the left of the sanctum.

There is a Nagaraja shrine in the prakaram. Seven Idols are found on this shrine and stucco image Lord Krishna dancing over Kalinga can be found at the top of this Shrine. This shrine is frequented by unmarried girls seeking marriage alliance. They used to light nine lamps made from the lemon peel on Tuesday and do nine circumambulations around the shrine.

There is also a Shrine for Navaneetha Krishnan. He is gracing the devotees with Bhama and Rukmini. He is having a ball of butter in one hand and one leg is raised as if he is dancing. Garudalvar in this temple wears nine serpents as ornaments. Hence, he is called as Naga Abarana Bhooshana Garudalvar. Devotees worship him during Aadi Swathi to be be blessed with childbirth.

There is also a shrine for Bhakta Anjaneya in the temple premises. The sacred spring Pundarika Theertham is just opposite the temple. Sthala Vrikshams are Vilwa and Tulsi. The temple is under the administration of Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowment Board.