Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple: Chennai’s Ancient Vaishnava Divya Desam

October 18, 2025 , , , ,

 

Location

  • Place: Thiruvallikeni (Triplicane), Chennai, Tamil Nadu
  • Nearby landmarks: Marina Beach, Chepauk Stadium
  • Access: Well-connected by MRTS (Light House station), buses, and autos

Main Deity & Subshrines

Presiding Deity (Moolavar)

  • Sri Venkatakrishnan (Parthasarathy Perumal) – Lord Krishna in his role as Arjuna’s charioteer during the Mahabharata war
  • Unique feature: The deity bears a moustache and battle scars, symbolizing his role in Kurukshetra

Consort

  • Sri Vedavalli Thayar (form of Lakshmi)

Subshrines within the complex

  • Sri Ranganatha (reclining Vishnu)
  • Sri Rama with Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and Hanuman
  • Sri Narasimha
  • Sri Varadaraja Perumal
  • Sri Andal
  • Sri Ramanuja (Acharya shrine)

Temple Significance

  • Divya Desam: One of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples glorified in the Divya Prabandham by Alvars
  • Historical Roots: Built by the Pallavas in the 6th century CE, later expanded by Cholas and Vijayanagara kings
  • Name Origin: Partha = Arjuna; Sarathy = Charioteer. Krishna is worshipped here in his role as Arjuna’s charioteer
  • Architectural Style: Classic Dravidian architecture with five vimanas for the five Vishnu forms housed here
  • Cultural Hub: The temple is central to Triplicane’s identity and hosts major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, Panguni Brahmotsavam, and Rama Navami

History

  • Built in the 6th century CE by the Pallavas, the temple is one of Chennai’s oldest surviving religious structures.
  • It was later expanded by the Cholas, Vijayanagara rulers, and Nayaks, each contributing to its gopurams, mandapams, and subshrines.
  • The temple is mentioned in Alvar hymns, especially by Thirumangai Alvar and Pey Alvar, making it a Divya Desam—one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples.

Legends

  • The temple’s main deity, Sri Venkatakrishnan, is worshipped as Parthasarathy—Krishna in his role as Arjuna’s charioteer during the Mahabharata war.
  • Uniquely, the deity bears battle scars and a moustache, symbolizing his warrior aspect.
  • The temple tank, Kairavini Pushkarini, is believed to have been formed by the tears of Vishnu’s consort and is considered sacred for ritual purification.
  • The area’s name, Thiruvallikeni (Triplicane), comes from the legend of Valli, a devotee who performed penance here.

Architecture

  • The temple showcases Dravidian architecture, with towering rajagopurams, intricately carved pillared mandapams, and five distinct vimanas for the five Vishnu forms housed here.
  • The layout includes:
    • Main sanctum for Parthasarathy Perumal
    • Subshrines for Rama, Narasimha, Ranganatha, Varadaraja, and Andal
    • A separate shrine for Vedavalli Thayar
  • The temple’s east-facing gopuram is richly decorated with Vaishnavite iconography and inscriptions from various dynasties.

Daily Rituals

The temple follows the Vaikhanasa Agama tradition, with six daily pujas:

1.     Viswaroopa Darshanam – Early morning awakening of the deity

2.     Kalasanthi Pooja – Morning worship with alankaram and naivedyam

3.     Uchikala Pooja – Midday offering and arati

4.     Sayaraksha Pooja – Evening rituals

5.     Ratri Pooja – Nighttime worship before temple closure

6.     Ardha Jama Pooja – Final ritual of the day

Each puja includes abhishekam (ritual bathing), alankaram (decoration), naivedyam (food offering), and deepa aradhana (lamp waving). Fridays are special for Sri Vedavalli Thayar, with a dedicated purappadu (procession).

Major Festivals

FestivalHighlights
Panguni Brahmotsavam (Mar–Apr)10-day grand celebration with vahanam processions, including Garuda Seva
Vaikunta Ekadasi (Dec–Jan)Opening of Paramapada Vasal (gateway to Vaikuntha), massive devotee turnout
Rama NavamiCelebrates Lord Rama’s birth with special alankaram and utsavam
Narasimha JayanthiSpecial abhishekam and procession for Lord Narasimha
Ramanuja JayanthiHonors the birth of Sri Ramanuja with Veda parayanam and processions
PavitrotsavamAnnual purification ritual for correcting any lapses in daily worship

Beliefs & Devotee Faith

  • Moksha Dwaram: The temple’s Paramapada Vasal is believed to be a symbolic gateway to Vaikuntha; passing through it on Vaikunta Ekadasi is said to grant liberation.
  • Battle-scarred Deity: The main deity, Sri Parthasarathy, bears visible scars from the Mahabharata war, reinforcing his role as a protector of dharma.
  • Healing Waters: The Kairavini Pushkarini tank is believed to have healing powers and is used for ritual purification.
  • Family Harmony: Devotees pray here for marital harmony, relief from planetary afflictions, and success in endeavors, especially during the Unjal Seva and Kalyanotsavam.

Temple Timings

Session

Opening Hours

Morning Darshan

6:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Evening Darshan

4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  • Best time to visit: Early mornings (especially Fridays and Ekadasi days) for peaceful darshan and vibrant rituals.

Getting There

  • By Train:
    • Nearest MRTS station: Light House (10-minute walk)
    • Chennai Central to Light House via Park Town MRTS
  • By Bus:
    • Buses to Triplicane High Road / Ice House from major city hubs
    • Routes: 12B, 27B, 29C, 45B, etc.
  • By Auto/Taxi:
    • From Chennai Central: ~20 minutes
    • From T. Nagar: ~25 minutes
    • From Marina Beach: ~5 minutes
  • By Car:
    • Limited parking near the temple; best to park near Marina Beach or use public transport

Tips

  • Arrive early for morning darshan, especially on weekends and festival days
  • Dress modestly: traditional attire preferred (veshti/saree/salwar)
  • Carry change for archana tickets, prasadam, and footwear stand
  • Photography is restricted inside the sanctum; follow signage
  • Don’t miss the Kairavini Pushkarini (temple tank) and the Andal shrine
  • Local shops around the temple sell tulasi malas, prasadam, and religious books
  • Plan ahead during Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi—the area gets very crowded

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