Thiruvallikeni Sri Venkatakrishna Parathasarathy Perumal Temple- Chennai

Address

Thiruvallikeni Sri Venkatakrishna Parathasarathy Perumal Temple- Peyalwar Temple Street, Triplicane, Chennai – 600005. Landline No: 044-28447042

Deity

Parthasarathy perumal, Amman: Rukmani

Introduction

The Parthasarathy Temple is a 6th-century Hindu Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Vishnu, located in Thiruvallikeni, Chennai, India. The temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandham, the early medieval Tamil literature canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE. It is classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams dedicated to Vishnu. The name ‘Parthasarathy’ means the ‘charioteer of Arjuna,’ referring to Krishna’s role in the epic Mahabharata.

Puranic Significance

Originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th century under King Narasimhavarman I.
The temple enshrines five forms of Vishnu:
- Yoga Narasimha
- Rama
- Gajendra Varadaraja
- Ranganatha
- Krishna as Parthasarathy
One of the oldest structures in Chennai.
Important shrines in the temple complex include Vedavalli Thayar, Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadar, Narasimha, Andal, Hanuman, Alvars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal, and Vedanthachariar.
The temple follows Vaikhanasa Agama and adheres to the Thenkalai tradition.
Separate entrances and Dwajastambhas for Parthasarathy and Yoga Narasimha temples.
Gopurams (towers) and mandapas (pillars) are adorned with intricate carvings, characteristic of South Indian temple architecture.

Legends

Saptarishis (seven sages) worshipped the Panchaveeras (five divine manifestations) – Venkata Krishnaswamy, Rukmini, Satyaki, Balarama, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha.
According to the Mahabharata, during the Kurukshetra war, Krishna, serving as Arjuna’s charioteer, was struck by Bhishma’s arrows. The idol in the temple carries marks from this event.
The area was originally called Allikeni (meaning “pond of lilies”) due to its historical lily ponds.
Unique feature: This is the only temple where Vishnu is depicted with a mustache.
A Chola king, Sumati, prayed to Vishnu to see him as Parthasarathy. Vishnu directed him to this temple, originally built by sage Atreya.

Special Features

Vaikunta Ekadasi is celebrated grandly, including the opening of the Paramapada Vasal (gateway to salvation).
The temple chariot festival occurs twice a year.
Lord Parthasarathy is depicted with arrow injuries on his face, symbolizing his role in the Mahabharata.
Located in the Triplicane region of Chennai, the temple remains a revered pilgrimage site.
The temple is associated with Alvar saints, including Sri Peyalvar, Thirumazhisai Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar.

Festivals

Utsavams (festivals) are conducted year-round.
Different deities are taken on processions through the mada veethis (streets around the temple) on various vahanas (sacred mounts), including:
- Elephant
- Garuda
- Horse
- Yaali (mythical creature)
- Hamsa (swan)
- Hanuman
- Temple Rath (chariot)
Brahmotsavam for Sri Parthasarathy Swami is held in Chittirai (April–May).
Udayavar Utsavam (celebrating Sri Ramanuja) occurs in the same month.
Vaikunta Ekadasi is a major celebration, drawing thousands of devotees.
The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu and follows the Thenkalai Vaishnavite tradition.