Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple - Gunaseelam, Tiruchirappalli - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings

About Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

At a distance of 19 Km from Srirangam and 26 Km from Trichy, Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathi temple is a famous Hindu temple situated in Gunaseelam. Located on the banks of River Cauvery, the temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is classified as one among the 108 Abhimana Kshethram of Vaishnavate tradition, and among the most famous pilgrimage sites near Trichy.

Gunaseelam Temple is renowned for its healing practices aimed at individuals with mental challenges. Devotees bring the mentally challenged people to the temple, where they remain on the premises for duration of 48 days. It is believed that, through the grace of Lord Prasanna Venkatachalapathi, their ailments are alleviated by the conclusion of this period. Hence, the name of the place Gunaseelam where Gunam meaning cure, and Seelam meaning place. The temple has established a mental health rehabilitation center, which is officially licensed by the Tamil Nadu Government, marking it as the first of its kind in the state.

History & Mythology of Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

According to legend, upon their return, Gunaseela Rishi chose to remain in Tirupathi, captivated by Lord Venkatachalapathy, and desired for the Lord to manifest in Gunaseelam to bless the devotees. He returned, and engaged in rigorous penance at his ashram in Gunaseelam. Moved by his devotion, the Lord appeared before him, and assured him of His presence until the conclusion of Kali Yuga. Delighted by the vision of Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, Gunaseela Maharishi continued to perform daily rituals to the LOrd in the ashram. At the end of the Dwapara Yuga, Gunaseela Maharishi's Guru instructed him to travel to Naimisaaranyam. He entrusted his young disciple with the responsibility of maintaining the daily rituals. However, due to floods in the Cauvery River and the presence of wild animals in the forest, the disciple abandoned the task, leading to the interruption of the poojas. In response, the Lord chose to immerse Himself in a pit.

Years later, King Nyana Varma of the Chola dynasty, who ruled from Uraiyur, frequently visited Gunaseelam. Each day, cowherds would draw milk from cows near the pit and transport it to the royal court. One day, to everyone's astonishment, the milk in the pot suddenly disappeared. An unseen voice instructed the king to fill the pit with milk. The king mobilized his army and poured thousands of liters of milk into the pit. Satisfied with this offering, Lord Vishnu manifested before the king as Prasanna Venkatesan. In accordance with the king's request, the Lord consented to remain in the area until the end of Kali Yuga, promising to fulfill the prayers of all devotees who visited the temple. Subsequently, the king relocated his capital from Uraiyur to Kallur, near Gunaseelam, and constructed the magnificent Gunaseelam temple, allocating extensive land and resources for the daily rituals.

Architecture of Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

The Sri Prasanna Venkatachalapathy Temple in Gunaseelam showcases contemporary architectural elements, featuring a central shrine, niches, and a conical vimana. The temple's central shrine enshrines the principal deity, Prasanna Venkatachalapathy, depicted in a standing position with four hands - one hand displaying the Abhaya mudra, while the others hold a Gatha, a conch, and a Chakra. Surrounding the sanctum are intricate carvings representing Narasimha, Navaneetha Krishna, Varaha, Sridevi, and Bhudevi. The conical vimana, known as Trinetra vimana, is distinguished by its three tiers and is adorned with stucco sculptures illustrating Narasimha on Garuda, as well as an image of Vishnu wielding the Shanka and Chakra.

Additionally, the temple includes a shrine dedicated to Vikhasana Maharishi, the namesake of the Vaiganasa Agama within Vaishnavism. Outside the temple, there is a mandapa and a water tank. A rehabilitation center is also present for patients, who are invited to sit in the shrine during the afternoon and evening pujas. During these rituals, the abishek theertha is poured over their faces.

Festivals of Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated in the Tamil month of Puratasi (September - October) for 11 days which attracts thousands of devotees. Chitrai Theppotsavam (March - April) and the Pavitrotsavam during the Tamil month of Aavani are other festivals celebrated here.

Dress Code & Other Restrictions of Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

Visitors to the Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple are required to follow a conservative dress code, which mandates that both legs and shoulders be covered. Men may choose to wear dhotis or long trousers along with shirts, while women are advised to don Sarees, Salwar Kameez, or other forms of traditional clothing. It is recommended to refrain from wearing Western attire such as shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.

Access to the sanctum sanctorum of Gunaseelam Temple is typically restricted for non-Hindus, as it is a Hindu place of worship. However, they are permitted to admire the temple's architecture from the exterior.

Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple Timings

Monday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Thursday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Friday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Saturday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM
Sunday: 6 AM - 12:30 PM & 4 PM - 8:30 PM

Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple Entry Fee

General Entry is Free
Special Darshan available for Rs. 5

Best Time to Visit Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

The best time to visit Gunaseelam Temple is during the winter months specifically from October to March, when the climate is agreeable and suitable for exploration. For an enriched spiritual and cultural experience, the most favorable time to visit is between October - April, aligning with the lively celebrations of Brahmotsavam and the Chitrai Theppotsavam, during which the temple is filled with vibrant activities. However, if you are looking to avoid the crowd and enjoy a more tranquil darshan, it would be advisable to plan a visit between July and September. It is recommended to avoid the summer months due to the excessive heat and humidity.

How to Reach Sri Prasanna Venkatachlapathy Temple

Approximately 26 kilometers away, Trichy is the closest city to the Gunaseelam Temple, offering excellent flight, train, and bus connections to all major cities in Tamil Nadu and across India. Visitors can access Gunaseelam by taking a bus or by hiring a taxi from Trichy.