Prasanna Venkatachalapathy temple is a famous Vishnu temple in Tamil Nadu. The Papavinasam theertham is opposite to this temple. There is no shrine for Goddess or co-deities in the temple since all the importance is attached to Lord alone. Tirumanjanam is performed to the presiding deity daily with rituals. Garudaseva is followed on every Tiruvo in this temple.
History of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple
As per the legends, Thirumalai Naicker, King of Madurai used to pray to Lord Venkatachalapathi of Tirupathi from his palace everyday. He used to take food only after offering his prayers to the lord. He built some Mandaps from the temple up to his palace with bells ringing to know the timings of the puja taking place in the temple. As soon as the Puja used to commenced in the hills the bells starts to ring one by one reaching the palace. One day no bell rang. The shocked king mounted on his horse and proceeded to the Mandap. His horse suddenly stopped at a place where once an orchard of Homogranate existed. The king found an idol of Lord Anjaneya on that orchard. He also heard a voice of Lord Venkatachalapathy advising him to build a temple at the very place. Therefore, the temple was built here by the king as directed.
Significance of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple
Around the year it attracts lot of pilgrims. It is believed that one who worships the deity of this temple gets relief from his mental illness. Pilgrims, especially those suffering from impaired vision, physical disabilities, depression and mental problems stay here for about 48 days, worship God and take the prasad from the temple to get relief from their problems.
Prayer to Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathy ensures removal of obstacles in education, marriage affairs etc. Offering Agathikeerai (palak) to the Gomatha (cow) in the temple helps in fulfillment of aspirations of the devotee. Devotees also offer garlands made with Vada (a south indian dish) to Lord Anjaneya, Tulsi leaves and betel leaves.
Some of the important festivals that are celebrated in the temple are Tamil New Year Day, Adi Pooram, Purattasi Brammotsavam, Vaikunda Ekadasi, Pongal, Rappathu and Chithirai Thiruvizha. Boat festival (Teppa Tiruvizha) on Chitra Poornima day in April-May is one of the main attraction of the temple.