Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Temple, Saidapet

Sri Prasanna Venkata Narasimha Perumal Temple in Saidapet, Chennai, is dedicated to Venkateswara, a form of Vishnu, who stands facing east in the sanctum with his consorts Sridevi and Bhudevi. Its history is told in different ways: it is said to date from the 12th century, inscriptions hint at elements older still, and it is also linked to the Vijayanagara period, when many Venkatesa temples went up in Tamil country. The Balija Chetty community is believed to have built it.

There are shrines to Alarmelmangai Thayar on the south side and Andal on the north, with images of Rama, Bhakta Anjaneyar, Nammalvar, Thirumangai Alvar, Ramanujar and other teachers, and a temple tank nearby. A Thanjavur painting of Rama's coronation is worshipped here. The 36-foot wooden chariot comes out for the annual festival, and during the Thotta Utsavam in February, Parthasarathy of Triplicane pays a visit. Ramanuja Koodam, a hall beside the temple, was built in 1901.