Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai

Deity

Vishnu as Parthasarathy (Krishna)

Built

Pallava period, around the 8th century

Timings

6 am–12:30 pm, 4–9 pm

Nearest railway station

Chennai Central (about 4 km)

Distance from Chennai airport

About 17 km

History

The temple dates back to the Pallava period, around the eighth century, and was enlarged by later dynasties, notably the Vijayanagara rulers, whose additions include halls and gopurams. Inscriptions in Tamil and Telugu record gifts over many centuries. Tradition holds that the goddess Vedavalli Thayar appeared on a lily leaf in the temple tank.

What to see

The main image shows Krishna as Venkatakrishnan, with a moustache and battle marks on his face from the Kurukshetra war, standing with his family. The temple is unusual for having shrines to five forms of Vishnu: Parthasarathy, Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadar and Ranganathar. There are also shrines for Vedavalli Thayar and Andal, and a large temple tank opposite the entrance.

• Venkatakrishnan (Parthasarathy)
• Yoga Narasimha
• Rama with Sita and Lakshmana
• Gajendra Varadar
• Ranganathar
• Vedavalli Thayar and Andal

Festivals

Two Brahmotsavams are held, one for Parthasarathy and one for Narasimha. Vaikunta Ekadasi draws very large crowds for the opening of the Paramapada Vasal. Krishna Jayanthi, the float festival on the tank and utsavams for Ramanuja and Manavala Mamunigal are also celebrated.

Timings and dress

The temple opens at 6 am and closes at 12:30 pm, reopening from 4 until 9 pm. Traditional clothing is preferred: for men a dhoti, or trousers worn with a shoulder cloth, and saree, churidar or salwar kameez with dupatta for women.

How to reach

Chennai Central is about 4 km away and the airport about 17 km, which can take an hour in traffic. Local buses and taxis reach Triplicane easily, and Marina Beach is a short walk east. We can include the temple in a Chennai city tour.

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