Parthasarathy Temple
History and Significance: The Parthasarathy Temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai, dating back to the 8th century built by the Pallavas, and later expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings. It is a Divya Desam, one of the 108 holy abodes of Lord Vishnu revered by the Alvars. The temp le is primarily dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, the charioteer (Partha means Arjuna, Sarathy means charioteer) of Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata. A unique feature is the main deity, Parthasarathy, depicted with a prominent moustache and a scar on his face, which is said to be from the arrows he sustained during the Kurukshetra War while protecting Arjuna. The temple complex is vast, housing separate shrines for five forms of Vishnu—Narasimha, Rama, Varaha, Ranganatha, and Gajendra Varadaraja—making it religiously significant for the Vaishnavite community. It is a living temple, constantly buzzing with ritual and devotional activities. Triplicane, the locality, gets its name from "Thiruvallikeni," meaning a sacred lily pond, referring to the temple tank (Kairavini Pushkarani). The centuries of tradition, the intricate rituals, and its central role in Tamil Vaishnavism make it a cornerstone of Chennai's cultural identity, reflecting the city's deep-rooted spiritual heritage. This temple is an active place of worship, not just a historical monument.Divine Incarnations: The presence of multiple major forms of Vishnu in one complex is rare.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1. 5 to 2 hours (For a complete Darshan and a walk around the tank)Place Type:
Religious/Historical Temple (Divya Desam)Entry Fees:
Temple Entry Fee: Entry to the main temple complex for Darshan is Free for all visitors. This is standard for most working Hindu temples in India.
Pooja/Service Fees: There are charges for special Pujas (Archanai, Abhishekam) and offerings ...Temple Entry Fee: Entry to the main temple complex for Darshan is Free for all visitors. This is standard for most working Hindu temples in India.
Pooja/Service Fees: There are charges for special Pujas (Archanai, Abhishekam) and offerings (Prasadam) or for special Darshan (quick access) lines during peak festivals, which can range from Rs.10 to Rs.500 depending on the service.
Parking Fee: Parking for vehicles may incur a nominal fee (Rs.20-Rs.50).
Camera Fee: Photography inside the main sanctums is often prohibited, but there is no fee for cameras/phones in the outer courtyard.
Footwear Storage: A small fee (Rs.5-Rs.10) is typically charged for storing footwear at the designated counter.
Donation: Donations are voluntary and welcome but not mandatory.Timing:
Regular Timings:
The temple is open daily in two main slots:
Morning: Approx. 4:00 AM to 12:
30 PM and Evening: Approx. 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Timings are subject to change base...Regular Timings:
The temple is open daily in two main slots:
Morning: Approx. 4:00 AM to 12:
30 PM and Evening: Approx. 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Timings are subject to change based on the daily ritual calendar (Panchangam).
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is either in the early morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) for a serene Darshan before the major crowds, or in the late evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) to witness the evening rituals and the temple lights. Avoid the midday heat and the period between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM when the temple is closed.
Peak Festival Timings: During major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi, the temple remains open for extended hours, but the queues are extremely long.
Best Day: Visiting on a weekday, especially Tuesday or Thursday, often means fewer crowds than on a weekend.
Closure: Closed between the afternoon and evening hours.Special Events:
Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December/January), this is the most important festival, where the gates of the "Paramapada Vasal" (Gateway to Heaven) are opened, attracting huge crowds.
Brahmotsavam: The annual m...Vaikunta Ekadasi: Celebrated in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December/January), this is the most important festival, where the gates of the "Paramapada Vasal" (Gateway to Heaven) are opened, attracting huge crowds.
Brahmotsavam: The annual major festival, typically held in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April/May), featuring grand processions of the deity on various vahanas (vehicles).
Float Festival (Theppotsavam): Conducted in the temple tank, Kairavini Pushkarani, typically during February/March, involving a spectacular procession of the deities on a decorated float.
Panguni Uthiram: Another important festival celebrated in the month of Panguni (March/April).
Sri Jayanti (Krishna Janmashtami): The birthday of Lord Krishna is celebrated with special pujas and festivities.Best Photo Spots:
The Main Gopuram: The massive, colorful entrance tower is the most iconic photo spot. The best time to photograph it is either at sunrise or sunset to catch the light and the vivid stucco work.
Reflection in Pushkarani: The view of the temp...The Main Gopuram: The massive, colorful entrance tower is the most iconic photo spot. The best time to photograph it is either at sunrise or sunset to catch the light and the vivid stucco work.
Reflection in Pushkarani: The view of the temple reflected in the waters of the Kairavini Pushkarani (temple tank) is a classic shot, best taken in the early morning for still water.
The Vahanas: During the Brahmotsavam or other procession days, the beautifully decorated wooden vahanas (vehicles) are exceptional subjects for cultural photography.
Pillared Mandapams: The intricate carvings and architectural depth of the interior mandapams offer great opportunities for detailed and mood-setting close-ups.
Traditional Triplicane Streets: The narrow, traditional streets surrounding the temple, filled with flower sellers and local life, provide excellent street photography subjects.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Offer Prayer and Darshan: The primary activity is to participate in the daily rituals (pujas) and have a Darshan of Lord Parthasarathy and the other Vishnu forms. There are specific timings for the morning, midday, and evening services.
Explore Dravidian Architecture: Spend time examining the intricate carvings on the multiple gopurams and the pillars of the various mandapams. Look for depictions of the Dasavatharam (Ten Incarnations of Vishnu).
Circumambulate the Pushkarani: Take a ritual walk (pradakshina) around the sacred Kairavini Pushkarani (temple tank), which offers numerous scenic photography opportunities.
Witness Temple Festivals: Plan a visit during major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi (December/January) and the Brahmotsavam (April/May) to see the ...Offer Prayer and Darshan: The primary activity is to participate in the daily rituals (pujas) and have a Darshan of Lord Parthasarathy and the other Vishnu forms. There are specific timings for the morning, midday, and evening services.
Explore Dravidian Architecture: Spend time examining the intricate carvings on the multiple gopurams and the pillars of the various mandapams. Look for depictions of the Dasavatharam (Ten Incarnations of Vishnu).
Circumambulate the Pushkarani: Take a ritual walk (pradakshina) around the sacred Kairavini Pushkarani (temple tank), which offers numerous scenic photography opportunities.
Witness Temple Festivals: Plan a visit during major festivals like Vaikunta Ekadasi (December/January) and the Brahmotsavam (April/May) to see the deity carried in grand processions.
Seek Narasimha's Blessing: Visit the adjacent, older shrine of Lord Narasimha, which is highly revered and predates the main Parthasarathy shrine.
Listen to Nadaswaram Music: If possible, attend the morning or evening hours to listen to the traditional devotional music (Nadaswaram and Thavil) played during the rituals.
Engage with the Local Culture: After the temple visit, explore the bustling, traditional streets of Triplicane, known for its historical Vaishnavite community, flower vendors, and traditional eateries. This includes sampling the famous local filter coffee and traditional Tamil snacks.
Buy Prasadam and Souvenirs: Purchase the blessed food (Prasadam) and religious souvenirs from the temple shops.
Find Ancient Inscriptions: Look for the historical inscriptions on the temple walls that record grants and historical details.
Attend a Theerthavari Ceremony: On specific days, witness the ceremony where the deity is taken to the temple tank for a holy dip.
Meditate and Reflect: Find a quiet spot in one of the outer mandapams for peaceful meditation and spiritual reflection away from the main shrine.
Learn Temple History: Hire a knowledgeable local guide (if available) to explain the complex mythology and history associated with the temple's multiple deities.
Take Part in Bhajan Sessions: Sometimes, local groups conduct devotional song (bhajan) sessions in the outer halls.
Observe the Temple Art: Study the intricate work on the ceiling paintings in the smaller shrines and halls.
Photograph the Gopurams: Capture the detailed, colorful tiers of the main entrance gopuram and the reflection of the structure in the Pushkarani.
Walk to Marina Beach: The temple is close to the southern end of Marina Beach, so a post-temple evening walk on the beach is highly recommended.
Enjoy Traditional Meals: Dine at one of the authentic South Indian vegetarian restaurants surrounding the temple.
Information
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Why Famous:
Home of Parthasarathy: It is famous as the only temple where the main deity, Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, is depicted with a moustache and scars from battle, reflecting his role as Arjuna's charioteer.
A Divya Desam: It is a globally rever...Home of Parthasarathy: It is famous as the only temple where the main deity, Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, is depicted with a moustache and scars from battle, reflecting his role as Arjuna's charioteer.
A Divya Desam: It is a globally revered site for Vaishnavites as one of the 108 Divya Desams.
Architectural Marvel: Its rich Dravidian architecture showcases the art of three major dynasties: Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara.
Cultural Hub: Located in Triplicane, it is a center for classical music and traditional arts. -
Architecture:
Dravidian Temple Architecture: The temple is a stellar example of the Dravidian style, reflecting contributions from Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara eras. The temple complex is entered through a grand, multi-tiered gopuram (temple tower), adorned with thousands of vibrant ...Dravidian Temple Architecture: The temple is a stellar example of the Dravidian style, reflecting contributions from Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara eras. The temple complex is entered through a grand, multi-tiered gopuram (temple tower), adorned with thousands of vibrant stucco figures depicting various mythological stories and deities. The central shrine's vimanam (tower over the sanctum) is simpler, showcasing earlier Pallava elements. The temple features several mandapams (halls), including a richly carved Raja-Gopuram and the Dwajasthambam (flag mast). The temple structure is built on a spacious rectangular plan, with high surrounding walls. The inner walls and pillars are covered with intricate carvings and inscriptions detailing the temple's history and patronage. The Kairavini Pushkarani, the sacred tank, is a large, central feature. The main gopuram is about 75 feet high. The complex showcases the distinctive temple building techniques using granite and laterite stone, characteristic of South Indian temples, emphasizing the progression of Dravidian artistic tradition over a thousand years.
Dimension Highlights: The main gopuram stands tall at approximately 75 ft; the temple tank (Pushkarani) is a large, square-shaped water body central to the complex. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), approx. 17 KMs away. From the airport, take a prepaid taxi, an Ola/Uber, or the Metro Rail (Blue Line) to LIC Metro Station or Government Estate Metro Station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw or taxi rid...By Air: The nearest airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), approx. 17 KMs away. From the airport, take a prepaid taxi, an Ola/Uber, or the Metro Rail (Blue Line) to LIC Metro Station or Government Estate Metro Station, followed by a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride.
By Train: The nearest major railway station is Chennai Central (MAS), approx. 4. 5 KMs away, and Chennai Egmore (MS), approx. 3 KMs away. From either station, take an auto-rickshaw or taxi directly to the temple. The nearest MRTS station is Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane), which is a short walk away.
By Road: The temple is well-connected by city buses from all major parts of Chennai. Bus numbers 27B, 29C, and others run through or near Triplicane. Auto-rickshaws and app-based taxis (Ola/Uber) are readily available throughout the city for a direct route.
By Local Transport: The MRTS (Mass Rapid Transit System) train to Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane) station is the most efficient local transport option, being just a 5-10 minute walk from the temple. The nearest Metro stations (Blue Line) are also a feasible option, followed by an auto. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Different Seasons: Winter (October to March) is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is cool and pleasant, making outdoor walking comfortable. The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot and humid, making mid-day visits very uncomfortable. The monsoon (July to S...Different Seasons: Winter (October to March) is the ideal time to visit, as the weather is cool and pleasant, making outdoor walking comfortable. The summer months (April to June) are extremely hot and humid, making mid-day visits very uncomfortable. The monsoon (July to September) brings relief from the heat but can disrupt travel and temple visits due to heavy rain.
Different Parts of the Day: Early Morning (6:00 AM to 8:00 AM) is the most spiritual and comfortable time to visit, offering a quick Darshan and a peaceful atmosphere. Evening (6:00 PM to 8:00 PM) is also excellent for enjoying the temple lights and the closing rituals. Avoid the mid-day closure and heat.
Festival Time: The Margazhi month (December/January) is the most auspicious time, though it is the most crowded. -
Near Tourist Places:
Marina Beach (2 KMs) Vivekananda House (2 KMs) San Thome Basilica (5 KMs) Kapaleeshwarar Temple (5 KMs) Madras High Court (3. 5 KMs) Fort St. George (4 KMs) Government Museum (Egmore) (4 KMs) Ripon Building (4. 5 KMs) MGR Memorial (2. 5 KMs) Light House (3 KMs)
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Dress code requires modest attire (covered shoulders and legs) for all, especially women. Remove footwear before entering. Be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals. Carry water, especially in summer. Keep valuables secure.
Read MoreHealth & Safety: Dress code requires modest attire (covered shoulders and legs) for all, especially women. Remove footwear before entering. Be prepared for crowds, especially during festivals. Carry water, especially in summer. Keep valuables secure.
Packing: Carry a small bag for essentials. No photography in the main sanctums—respect this rule. Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove sandals or slip-ons for convenience. Carry cash for small offerings or prasadam.
Accommodation: Hotels are abundant in the nearby Triplicane and Mylapore areas, catering to all budgets, including traditional Indian guest houses and modern hotels. Consider staying in Triplicane for a truly traditional experience.
Other Tips: Hire an official guide if available to understand the complex mythology. Combine the visit with a walk to Marina Beach, which is close by. Be patient during peak hours. Respect the temple's daily closure timings. Be mindful of the Dravidian rituals and traditions. Try the local food.Reviews
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