Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple Tiruvallikeni, Chennai

Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple Tiruvallikeni, located in Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is one of the oldest temples in Chennai and is a significant Dravidian architectural landmark. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy, which means “charioteer of Arjuna”). It is distinctive because the god is depicted with wounds and a mustache, signifying his involvement in the Mahabharata conflict. The temple complex is a famous Vaishnavite pilgrimage site, with several temples devoted to various manifestations of Lord Vishnu, including Varaha, Rama, and Narasimha. Originally built by the Pallavas in the eighth century, the temple saw expansions during the Chola and Vijayanagara empires, culminating in its current opulent form. A significant number of devotees attend the temple’s yearly Brahmotsavam event. Because of its elaborate design, colorful festivals, and lengthy history, the temple is considered a spiritual and cultural landmark in Tamil Nadu.

Attraction

The Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple is a place of great spiritual and cultural importance. The primary deity of the temple, Lord Parthasarathy, is a rare representation of Krishna that bears battle wounds and a mustache, signifying his function as Arjuna’s charioteer in the Mahabharata. Additionally, the temple is home to shrines to other manifestations of Vishnu, such as Varaha, Rama, and Narasimha, each of whom is revered with unique customs and meanings. The temple’s architecture combines elements of the Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara periods with the Dravidian style in an amazing way. With their representations of figures and incidents from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, the elaborate carvings, elaborate stone sculptures, and imposing gopurams (towers) narrate stories from Hindu mythology. The sacred tank at the center of the complex is the Kairavini Pushkarani. This sizable body of water, which is close to the main gate, is a significant component of the temple’s festivals and is utilized for ceremonial ablutions. Thousands of devotees flock to the tank area, which is lavishly decorated and the site of several rituals and events during important festivals, especially Brahmotsavam. A major draw is the temple’s festival calendar, which includes lavish celebrations of Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Pavithrotsavam, and Sri Jayanthi (Krishna Janmashtami). Intricate processions and cultural events are held at the temple during these holidays, providing guests with a lively window into Tamil customs and religion. Visitors can find (food offerings) and a range of regional foods from local merchants all around the temple. A lively yet spiritual ambiance is provided by the temple’s surroundings, especially the Tiruvallikeni neighborhood. Visitors can easily enjoy a peaceful beach visit following a spiritually enlightening experience at the temple because Marina Beach is close by. Deep ties to Tamil Nadu’s history, spirituality, and cultural legacy may be found in the Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathy Perumal Temple.

History

Sri Parthasarathy Perumal temple is particularly significant since it is home to Lord Vishnu in the avatar of Parthasarathy. In Sanskrit, the words Sarathy and Partha denote charioteer and Arjuna, respectively. In the Mahabharata’s Kurukshetra conflict, Arjuna rode in Lord Krishna’s chariot. Built by the Pallavas in the eighth century, the building was revived by the Vijayanagara Kings in the eleventh century. It is said that the temple’s foundation was laid by the Pallava dynasty’s revered art enthusiast, King Narasimhavarman I, also called Mahamalla. Since the area reportedly had multiple lily ponds and was formerly a Tulsi forest, the temple is situated in what is known as Alikeni, which translates to “pond of lily.”King Sumati is said to have traveled to Tirupathi in order to visit Lord Vishnu in the form of Parthasarathy, who then led him to this hallowed shrine. At Vaikunta Ekadashi, when 4,000 poems honoring the god are performed, the temple, which is maintained by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu, attracts a sizable throng.

Inside/Outside Views

Visitors are welcomed by the temple’s exquisite architectural elements and very spiritual ambiance as soon as they enter. In the main sanctuary, Lord Parthasarathy is portrayed in a distinctive way that symbolizes his position as Arjuna’s charioteer, complete with a mustache and battle scars. The interior passageways are embellished with elaborate sculptures and carvings that depict episodes from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other Vishnu avatars, Narasimha, Rama, and Varaha, also have shrines, each with unique sanctums and decorations. In order to create an aura of devotion, the deity’s representations are elaborately adorned with silk clothes and traditional jewelry, and daily rituals include lamps, incense offerings, and chanting. The temple’s spiritual atmosphere is enhanced by the central mandapam, which is used as a meeting spot for devotees and ceremonies.The temple’s imposing gopurams, or entry towers, are adorned with colorful carvings of mythical characters, animals, and deities that draw the eye. Traditional Dravidian architectural grandeur is symbolized by these lofty, finely detailed gopurams. Rituals are also conducted at the Kairavini Pushkarani, a sizable temple tank close to the entrance, especially during festivals. A vibrant ambiance is created by the busy kiosks surrounding the temple that sell flowers and traditional offerings. Beautiful stone carvings adorn the temple’s outer walls, which are also festooned with rangoli during festivals. The serene setting of the temple grounds and the architectural brilliance of the edifice are frequently admired by visitors.

How to Reach

By Air: There are frequent flights to Chennai from all around the nation and the world. Domestic flights depart from the Anna Terminal, while international flights depart from the Kamaraj Terminal.

By Rail: Chennai Central Station is the daily departure point for trains to major Indian cities, whereas Chennai Egmore Station is the border for trains linking Chennai with other cities in the state.

By Road: Travelers from other cities can easily access Chennai because of the city’s excellent bus transportation system. The Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminal is where passengers can board buses operated by both government and commercial companies.

FAQ

Que-01: Is this place safe to visit?

Ans: Yes, this place is safe.

Que-02: Is photography allowed?

Ans: No, photography is not allowed inside.

Que-03: How old is Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple?

Ans: Sri Parthasarathy temple, situated at Triplicane (anglicized), is more than 2000 years old and was built during the times of the Pallava Kingdom.

Que-04: Which god is in Parthasarathy Temple?

Ans: The 6th century Hindu Vaishnavite temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Parthasarathy.

Que-05: Why does Parthasarathy Perumal have a mustache?

Ans: Parthasarathy Swamy is worshipped as a 9 feet tall deity. As a charioteer, the Lord adorned with a mustache (as a symbol of dignity and wisdom). So he is also known as Meesai-Perumal (God with a mustache) in Tamil.