“Why is that monkey god looking so intently at Sri Rama?” I once wondered while visiting Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Sannadhi of Sri Prasanna venkatesa perumal temple. Prepare to step into a realm where history and devotion intertwine. We are standing before the sacred Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Sannadhi of Sri Prasanna venkatesa perumal temple. It is a testament to Chennai’s rich cultural heritage.
Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is in Saidapet Chennai. It is dedicated to Venkateswara an incarnation of Vishnu. The temple’s history stretches back centuries. Some elements date back over 1000 years. The temple was constructed during the Vijayanagara Empire.
Local legend says Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha is incarnated with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. They face east in the Garbha Graha. The Balija Chetty community built this temple. They served Vijayanagara monarchs like Krishnadeva Raya. These kings were devotees of Venkateswara at Tirumala. They ruled until the 16th century CE. Many Venkatesa Perumal temples were built in Tamil region then. The Ramanuja Vijaya Vilasam hall near the temple was built in 1901. It is now known as Ramanuja Koodam.
The temple has a 36-feet-tall wooden chariot. It is used in procession during the annual festival. A Thanjavur painting of Rama Pattabhisekam is worshipped here.
Originally, the temple was dedicated to Sri Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana. There was no shrine for Hanuman then. A separate Hanuman temple existed half a kilometer away. People brought the Hanuman idol from that temple. They re-installed it in a shrine within the Perumal temple. This is the Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Sannadhi.
The temple underwent renovation 700 years ago. Idols of Alarmel Mangai and Perumal were found during excavation. People frequently traveled to Tirupati and Sholinghur. They worshipped Venkatachalapathi and Narasimha. They installed the new idols. They named them Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal.
The temple faces east with a five-tiered Rajagopuram. The Moolavar Venkatesa Perumal stands with Sridevi and Bhoodevi in the sanctum. The outer corridor has shrines for Alarmel Mangai Thayar and Andal. Chakkarathazhwar and Yoga Narasimhar are also present. Sri Rama’s shrine is in the Artha Mandapam with Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyar in front.
Sri Anjaneyar, Sennai Mudaliar, and Alwars have separate shrines. The Thala Vriksham is Shenbagam. The Pushkarni lies to the south. Madaipalli prepares sacred food offered to all irrespective of caste.
Devotees offer prayers to realize their wishes. They perform Thirumanjanam and offer Vastras. Worshipping Chakkarathazhwar on Wednesdays and Saturdays is auspicious. It is believed to bring blessings. By worshipping here, one combines worship of Venkateswara and Narasimha.
The temple celebrates many festivals. These include Narasimha Jayanthi and Sri Rama Navami. Chithirai Brahmmotsavam and Krishna Jayanthi are also celebrated. The Brahmmotsavam starts on Tamil New Year’s Day. It lasts ten days with special rituals.
Visiting Sri Bhaktha Anjaneyar Sannadhi within Sri Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple is more than a tour. It is a journey through time. It connects us to the devotion of generations past.