Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple is in Saidapet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Bhagvan Venkateswara, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Vishnu. Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha is incarnated with his divine consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi, facing east, in the Garbha Graha (sanctum sanctorum) of the temple.
In this temple Lord Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal appears in standing position (known as nindra thirukolam in Tamil) along with Sridevi and Bhudevi. There is a Narasimha statue made of five Metals (pancha lohas) under the feet of the main deity, known as’Azhagiya singar (means beautiful lion, as the Bhagvan Narasimha is lion faced). All the poojas done to the main deity are done to Bhagvan Narasimha also. One can see the murtis of tweleve Alwars on the sides of the main Sannidhi mandapam. Alwars were the 12 Tamil poet-saints of South India who espoused bhakti (devotion) to the Hindu deity Vishnu, in their songs of longing, ecstasy, and service. The collection of their hymns is known as the Naalayira Divya Prabandham (Anthology of 4000 verses). According to modern historians Alwars lived between 5th century to 9th century CE but traditionally Alwars are considered to have lived between 4200 BCE and 2700 BCE.
Legend & History
As per legends, several years ago, there was a small temple for Sri Rama (with Sita and Lakshman) here which was known as Raghunathapuram in those days. One night Bhagvan Venkateswara appeared in the dream of his staunch devotee and asked him to build a temple for him. Since the Lord appeared (in Tamil Prasannam means to appear) in the devotee’s dream and then the temple was built, the Bhagvan was named ‘Prasanna Venkatesha’. There is a Yoga Narasimha deity in this temple. Hence, the temple may have been named as “Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Narasimha Perumal” temple. As per inscriptions the murtis of Bhagvan Venkateswara and Thaayar Alarmel were found in the year 1421 AD, while digging a pond during the renovation of the temple. As per records it is seen that this temple was later built by Balija Chettiars who were serving under King of Vijayanagara during 15th Century.
Other deities
Sri Rama Sannidhi is in the Arthamandapam and Hanuman deity is in front of Sri Rama Sannidhi.Next to Sri Rama Sannidhi Sri Ramanuja and Sri Manavala Mamuni Sannidhis can be seen. While coming out from the main temple, one can see the Sannidhi of Thayar Alarmelmangai on the left side. Before entering this Sannidhi there is a Sannidhi that has Sri Chakratazhwar, and on the rear side Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi. Vahana mantapam is located near to Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi. There is a separate Sannidhi for Andaal. All these Sannidhis are facing south and situated on northern side of the sanctum sanctorum, whereas, Alarmelu Mangai Thayar Sannidhi and Andal Sannidhi are facing east.
There is an murti of Aadi Sesha in this temple, which is believed to relieve people from the fear of snakes (Sarpa Dosha). There are also separate shrines for Sri Senai Mudaliar (Vishvaksena, the commander in chief of Bhagvan Vishnu), saints Namazhwar, Thirumangai Azhwar, in the temple.
The Temple has 5 tier Rajagopuram of 80 feet height. The Dwajasthambam, Balipetham, flagstaff and Garudalwar Sannidhi can be seen after entering the Rajagopuram.
The sthala Vriksham (i.e., the tree of the temple) of the temple is Shenbagam (Champak). To the south of the temple is the Pushkarni (holy tank). At the entrance on the southern side is the Madaipalli, where the Thaligai Prasadam (sacred food) for the God and Goddess is prepared. The Prasadam is distributed to everyone irrespective of caste or religion. The 20th January 1896 year inscription records the construction of Madaipalli. As per this inscription, this place was called Raghunathapuram alias Saidapettai and the main deity was called as Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Swami.
Adjacent to madaipalli there is a mandapam where music and dance performances are carried out for Lord Venkata Narasimha Perumal during festival seasons at a grand scale.
Poojas & Festivals Apart from the daily poojas four times, there are other festivals celebrated here. During the month of February, Utsava Moorthi Parthsarathy Perumal (from Parthasarathi Swamy Temple, Triplicane) is brought here. Sri Adhi Kesava Perumal Utsava Moorthi from Mylapore is brought here during Thotta Utsavam (February). Brahmostavam is celebrated for 10 days.
The Brahmostavam starts on Tamil New Year’s Day and lasts for ten days. The temple celebrates the event on a grand scale with special poojas, archanas, and processions daily. Apart from Brahmostavam other festival celebrations like-Pavitra utsavam, Annakooda utsavam, Davana utsavam, Krishna Jayanthi, Sri Rama Navami, Vasanthostavam, Navarathiri festival, Radha sapthami, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Margazi Pagal patthu (the first 10 days of Vaikunta Ekadashi) and Ra Patthu (next 10 days of Vaikunta Ekadashi) also take place, with good number of devotees attending these festivals.
The temple is located in the heart of Chennai city and around 2 KMs from Saidapet suburban railway station.
