Located about 75kms South of Madras off Padalam on the GST Highway is the Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal temple in Thirumalai Vaiyavoor. One has to climb 500steps to reach the temple. There is also a road that takes one directly to the temple.
The Story
Hanuman while carrying the Sanjeevi hill is believed to have stayed here. Without placing the hill on the ground, he transferred mountain from his right hand to left. Hence this place is referred to as ‘Vaiyaa’ ‘Oor’.
Lord Srinivasa is seen in a standing posture with Adisesha atop him. After defeating Asura Hiranya, Lord Vishnu in his Varaha Avatar asked Garuda to bring from Vaikuntam a mountain where he could play and enjoy himself. Garuda went all the way to Vaikuntam and while on his way back, a piece fell on the banks of Paali river. Garuda placed the mountain on the banks of Swarnmukhi river. It is here that Garuda had Vishwaroopa darshan of the Lord.
Construction
King Thondaiman is said to have built the temple as a thanking gesture to the Lord, who helped him win his battle. 500years ago, Vijayanagar kind Thodarmal contributed to renovations at the temple and initiated festivals at this temple.
Ramanuja’s stay
Prior to his Pancha Samskaram at Eri Kaatha Rama temple at Madurantakam, Ramanuja is believed to have stayed here in a Yogic Posture before making the trip south wards to Madurantakam.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Prasanna Venkatesan East Facing standing posture
Thaayar: Alarmel Mangai
Temple Time: 8am-12noon and 4pm-7pm
Priest: Devaraja Bhattar@ 94432 39005
Festivals
Puratasi and Chitrai Brahmotsavam
Sravana Theerthavari
Thai Utsavam
How to reach
One can take the Chennai-Tindivanam/Villupuram express bus and get down at Padalam. Share autos /Autos from Padalam to this temple
There are direct buses from Chengalpet.
