Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Perumalmalai

Vaishnavite Temples, Thiruchirapalli District

God

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy with Sreedevi and Bhoodevi in wedding posture, facing east

Goddess

Alamelu Mangai Thaayar, facing east on the right side of the Lord’s shrine

Other Deities

Karuppannar, Padmavathy Thaayar, Alwars, Senai Mudalvar, Govindaraja Perumal at the base of the hill, Garuda

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple, Perumalmalai is at an altitude of about 960 feet and can be reached by about 1500 steps. A road also goes up the hill. The temple has some wonderful sculptures of Lord Vishnu’s Dasavathara. Another interesting feature is the Sapthaswara Pillars. There is also a Girivalam path around the hill. Recently created large and beautiful statues of Garuda and Panchavati can be seen at the base of the hill.

Holy Water (Theertham) – No information

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – No information

History

Prasanna Venkatasalapathi Temple is said to be constructed by the grandson of Karikala Chola.

Mythology

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 Karuppannar.

Directions

Perumalmalai is about 4 kilometers east of Thuraiyur in the Perambalur road.

Stay and Food

None locally. Closest is Thuraiyur.

Vaishnavite Temples

Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, Perumalmalai