Prasanna Venkatesa perumal temple

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal temple is situated in the heart of Chennai, in Western Saidapet.Though the exact date could not be determined this temple could be 700 to 1000 years old.

As per legends,several years ago, there was a small temple for Sri Rama here which was known as Raghunathapuram in those days. One night Lord Venkateswara appeared in the dream of a staunch devotee of Lord Venkateswara and asked him to build a temple for him. Since the Lord appeared (Prasannam - to appear in Tamil) in the devotee’s dream and then the temple was built, the Lord was named ‘Prasanna Venkatesha’. There is a Yoga Narasimha in this temple.Hence the temple may have been named as “Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Narasimha Perumal" temple. As per inscriptions the idols of Lord Venkateswara and Thaayar Alarmel were found during the year 1421, while digging a pond during the renovation of the temple. Hence we can calculate that the temple could be in existence for more than 700 years. As per records it is seen that this temple was later built by Balija Chettiars who were serving under King of Vijayanagarm.

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple inside

The Temple: The entrance to this temple has a five tiered Rajagopuram about 80 feet in height. As you enter you can the sannidhi of Sri Rama facing south to your left, which was the only sannidhi of this temple during the olden days. Sri Rama appears with Sita and Lakshmana. There is a Hanuman sannidhi opposite to this, beleived to be built at a later date. There is a old granite 'deepa sthupam' (lamp post),bali peedam and a flagstaff seen in front of the main sannidhi.
As you enter into the main sannidhi of Prasanna Venkata Narasimha perumal, you can see the moolavar in a nindra thirukolam( standing posture) with SriDevi and Bhoo devi.You can see the pancha loga idol of Narasimhar with human face called 'Azhagiya singar'. All the pooja done to the moolavar is done to this Narasimhar also. You can see the idols of tweleve alwars on the sides of the sannidhi mandapam.

As you come out, you can see the sannidhi of Thayar Alarmelmangai on the left side. Before you enter the sannidhi, there is a sannidhi that has Sri Chakratazhwar, and on the rear side Yoga Narasimhar. The utsavar of Thayyar's face is speckled and tarnished,probabably because it was buried in the soil before discovered. They say that sincere prayers to Thaayar Alarmelmangai is always answered. They pray here for marriages,child birth and health related issues.
As you come out and circumbulate (clockwise direction) you can see a seperate sannidhi for Andaal.

Utsavar in front of Aandaal sannidhi

SpecialitiesAs both Lord Venkatesa and Lord Narasimha are seen in the same precinct,it is equivalent to visiting Lord Venkatesa in Tirupathi and Lord Narasimha in Sholingar.

Pooja & Festivals Apart from the daily poojas four times, there are other fetivals celeberated here.During the month of February, Utsavar Parthsarathy perumal visit here. Mylapore Sri Adhi Kesava perumal utsavar visit here during Thotta utsavam.Bramostavam for 10 days, Pavitra utsavam,Annakooda utsavam,Davana utsavam,Krishna Jayanthi,Sri Rama Navami,Vasanthostavam,Navarathiri festival,Radha sabdhami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Margazi Pagal patthu and Ra Patthu are celeberated with good number of devotees attending the festivals.

Temple location It is situated in the heart of Chennai city in West Saidapet near the Saidapet suburban railway station.

Temple Timings The temple is open from 5:30 AM till 11:30 am and from 4:30 pm till 8:00 pm.

How to reach? It is situated in the heart of city in Saidapet with good road access and suburban train access. Plenty of local buses go near this place.

Where to Stay? Chennai has many star hotels,deluxe,semi deluxe and economy hotels.

Contact Arulmigu Prasanna Venkatesa Narasimha Perumal Tirukkoil
West Saidapet, Chennai 600015.
Phone: +91- 93811 63501

Useful data
State: Tamil Nadu
District: Chennai
Famous for: Pilgrimage
Languages:Tamil,English, Telugu
Best Season: Throughout the year. Summer( from May to July) could be very sultry when the mercury shoots to 40 degree celsius.
Weather: Summer 33-42°C, Winter 16-28°C
Altitude: Sea level