Srinivasa Perumal temple in Semmanacheri

Prarthana Sthalam for the 'unmarried' and 'childless couples'
Belief is that one can regain lost vision by offering sincere prayers at this temple

Located about 30kms South of Madras on the Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) just after Infosys campus and Sathyabhama University is an ancient East Facing Srinivasa Perumal temple, in Semmanacheri, that has been recently renovated and wears a new look.

History
Belief is that the temple may be over 1500 years old and may have been built by the Pallavas, who were also responsible for the construction of several Divya Desams in this region including Thiru Kadal Mallai at Mahabalipuram (Maamallapuram. Later on, renovation work at this temple is said to have been undertaken by Nayak Kings and Chettiars.

The experts from Archeological Survey of India (ASI) believe that the temple in its current form and structure may be about 500 years old.

The Story

The story goes that once upon a time, there was famine at this place and the Pallava king, Narasimha Pallava, invoked the blessings of Srinivasa Perumal to help relieve the pains of the people. Pleased with his prayers, Lord Srinivasa is said to have appeared before the king and brought rains to this region.

As a result, the belief is that the Lord fulfils the wishes of all devotes who come here and offer prayers, with sincerity, at this temple.

Prarthana Sthalam
The temple is said to be a prarthana sthalam for unmarried people and childless couples. There is a tank half a km east of the temple. Those (with eye problems) who take bath in the sacred tank and offer sincere prayers to Srinivasa Perumal are said to regain their (lost) eye sight.

Interesting Sculptures

One finds several interesting sculptures on the Western side of the temple including an a single stone sculptures of Shiva, Lingam, Mahalakshmi and Ganesha, said to be a 1000years old. This can now be found adjacent to the Thaayar Sannidhi.

Agni Devan, who is said to be present only in very ancient temples is seen here with 2 heads and 3 legs, on the Southern side of the tower above the Sanctum.

There is a separate sannidhi for Thaayar and for Kaalinga Narthanar on the western side of the temple.

Festivals: Aadi Friday, Aadi Pooram, Puratasi, Margazhi Utsavam and Krishna Jayanthi.

Quick Facts

Moolavar : Srinivasa Perumal East Facing Standing Posture with Sri and Bhoo Devi
Thaayar : Alar Mel Mangai Thaayar
Other Sannidhis: Kaalinga Narthanam, Andal, Anjaneya

Temple Time : 7am-11am and 4pm-8pm

Priest : Balaji Bhattar @ 97908 79760

Contact : T. Gnana Sundaram @ 98415 66481 (a local resident who takes care of the daily functioning at the temple)

How to reach:
Several buses from T.Nagar(119G), Saidapet(19G) and Tiruvanmiyur
Private taxi(to and fro) will charge about 400-500/-

One can combine a visit to this temple with Nithya Kalyana Perumal(Divya Desam) on ECR(East Coast Road) and Thiru Kadal Mallai(Maamallapuram Divya Desam)