Introduction

Dating back to the 8th century, Sri Parthasarathy Temple is one of the 108 sacred Vishnu temples, which are popularly known as Divya Desams in Southern India. Located in the Triplicane area of Chennai, close to Marina Beach, this temple is dedicated to the five incarnations of Lord Vishnu and is one of the two most important pilgrimage places in the city (the other is the Kapaleeshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva in Mylapore).

The temple derives its name ‘Sri Parthasarathy’ from its main presiding deity, Sri Parthasarathy or Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. In the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna, on Arjuna’s request, becomes his sarathy or charioteer and guide. Arjuna is referred to as parth or brave warrior. Hence, Lord Krishna is also referred to as Parthasarathy or Arjuna’s charioteer.

As a charioteer, Lord Krishna goes to the battleground disarmed, and at the end of the war is seen holding a divine conch in his right hand and his left hand is seen pointing to his divine feet. Lord Krishna is depicted in this pose at this temple. His face is marked by wounds left by arrows shot by Bhishma during the Mahabharata.

Accompanying Lord Krishna in the inner sanctum are his family members including his consort, Sri Rukmini Thayar, his brothers, son and grandson. His elder brother, Balarama is depicted standing to the right of Lord Krishna’s consort facing North and younger brother Sathyaki is to Lord Krishna’s left facing east. His son, Pradyumnan and grandson, Anirudhan are on the northern side and face south. Such a depiction of Lord Krishna with his entire family is believed to be a rarity.

You will also find a shrine of Lord Rama, another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, alongside his consort Sita, brother Lakshman, Shatrugna, Bharat and his devotee Lord Hanuman. In another shrine, Lord Vishnu is depicted as Varadarajan seated in his vahan, Garuda. Other shrines depict Lord Vishnu in a reclining pose as Ranganathar and in a seated pose as Narasimhar. This includes a separate shrine for Andal, one of his 12 azhars or poet saints who sang praises of Lord Vishnu.

The temple comes alive during the annual festivities such as Brahmotsavam, Thiru Aadi Pooram and Neerattu Utsavam. Brahmotsavam, a nine-day festival is held during the Tamil month of Chiththirai (April-May); during this festival the idols of Lord Vishnu and his consorts are taken out in a procession in their vahanas around the temple.

Legend goes on to say that Lord Brahma initiated this festival to wash away the sins of Lord Indira, when he killed a Brahmin with demonic characteristics. As killing a Brahmin is considered a sin of a very high order, Lord Brahma carried Lord Vishnu on his head during the special bath ritual. From then on, this festival is celebrated to wash away the sins of the community as a whole and hence a large number of devotees come to the temple on all nine days.

During the Aadi month (July-August), the festival of Thiru Aadi Pooram is celebrated in honor of Goddess Andal, one of the 12 azhars of Lord Vishnu. According to mythology, Andal was the adopted child of a priest and she used to wear the garland before offering it to Lord Vishnu. Her father upon seeing this one day, offered a fresh garland to the Lord, but He refused to accept it. Since then Goddess Andal began to be worshipped as an incarnation of Mahalakshmi, his consort.

Special Attributes

An important pilgrimage point in South India and one of the 108 Vishnu temples.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Avoid wearing short or revealing clothes as it is a religious site

Connectivity

Cars, Buses, Auto-rickshaws, Metro trains

Enjoyed by

People interested in religion and mythology

Exposure

A visit to the temple includes walking barefeet on the pathway which heats up at noon.

Avoidable Season

Open through the year

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

Footwear, cigarettes

Tip

Plan your visit early in the morning or evening to avoid the harsh sunshine.

Type of site

Place of worship/temple