Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thirumalai Vaiyavoor [Then Tirupati]

Thirumalai Vaiyavoor Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple

Nestled amidst the lush green fields of Tamil Nadu and the beauty of the highways, Thirumalai Vaiyavoor is located about 4 km from the Chennai-Trichy National Highway (GST Road). After passing Chengalpattu and traveling via Padalam toward Vedanthangal, you reach this spiritual wonder. This site is not just a shrine; it is revered as Then Tirupati (Tirupati of the South).

The Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is located at an altitude of approximately 130 meters above sea level. There are about 514 steps to reach the Thirumalai Vaiyavoor Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple; a road is also available for vehicles.

With its towering gopuram atop the hill, rituals similar to those in Tirupati, and the sacred footprints of the Varaha avatar, the temple offers a divine peace that captivates the hearts of devotees. Let us delve deeper into the history, sthala purana (temple legend), and the significance of this famous pilgrimage site. It is a beacon of hope where devotees believe that by the grace of Lord Venkatesa, all obstacles—including marriage delays and childlessness—will be resolved.

History of Then Tirupati Temple

The antiquity of this temple is intertwined with a divine experience of King Thondaiman. After seeking victory in war, the king wished to offer thanks to the Lord for his success. The Lord appeared before him on this hill in a royal pose (Raja Kolam), holding a scepter (Sengol) in His hand. Deeply moved by this “appearance” (Prasanna), the king named the deity Prasanna Venkatesar. He constructed a beautiful temple on this spot and dedicated it to Lord Venkatachalapathy. Over time, during the Chola and Pallava eras, the temple underwent several renovations. While it is not listed among the 108 Divya Desams, its spiritual significance remains etched in the hearts of Vaishnavite devotees.

Temple Legend

The legend of Thirumalai Vaiyavoor is linked to the Varaha avatar. It is said that Garuda (the Lord’s mount) once felt deeply saddened because he could not witness the Lord as Varaha at Tirupati. Responding to Garuda’s sincere prayers, Lord Vishnu appeared here in His Varaha avatar, fulfilling Garuda’s devotion. Consequently, this site is considered equal in sanctity to Tirupati. The beauty of the hill and the temple at its summit remind devotees of the Lord’s divine reclining posture, bringing immense peace.

Deities and Special Features

• Moolavar (Main Deity): Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal – He blesses devotees in a royal form, holding a scepter. He bears Goddess Mahalakshmi on both sides of His chest and is adorned with the Ashtalakshmi waistband, Dashavatara belt, and Sahasranama garlands. The Thiruvasi (ornamental arch) is beautifully decorated with Adi Sesha.
• Goddess (Thayar): Lakshmi Devi – Seen in the Varaha darshan, being embraced by the Lord on His lap.
• Sub-Deity: Varaha Swamy – He is depicted with His right foot on Adi Sesha’s tail and His left foot on the head, holding Goddess Lakshmi on His lap. Following the Tirupati tradition, one must worship Varaha Swamy first before visiting the main Perumal shrine.

Unique Feature: Every Thursday, the Lord grants Nethra Darshan (vision of His eyes) without any ornaments—a rare and soul-stirring experience.

Festivals and Prayers

• Thiruvonam Star: This is celebrated grandly every month. An “Ona Deepam” is lit, and the Lord presides over the Yaga Mandapam for morning rituals including Yagam, Thirumanjanam (holy bath), and Thirukalyanam (divine wedding).
• Special Prayer: Lighting a large ghee lamp and placing it at the Lord’s feet is considered highly auspicious. It is a long-standing belief that those born under the Thiruvonam star or those facing marriage and progeny issues will see their problems vanish if they offer ghee and witness the lamp darshan.
• Annual Festivals: Panguni and Chithirai Brahmotsavams and Vaikunda Ekadashi are celebrated with great fervor.

Thirumalai Vaiyavoor Temple Timings

• Morning: 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM
• Evening: 04:30 PM to 07:00 PM (Timings may vary during festival days)

Contact Numbers: +91 9443239005, +91 9994095187

Thirumalai Vaiyavoor Temple Address

Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Thirumalai Vaiyavoor, Chengalpattu District, Pincode: 603314.

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Umamaheswari Sivanesan

Vanakkam! I'm Uma, currently living in Chennai. I hold a Master’s degree in Chemistry (M.Sc.), but my true passion lies in spirituality and the rich cultural heritage of Tamil traditions.

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