Thiruvallikeni Sri Venkatakrishna Parathasarathy Perumal Temple- Chennai

Address

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

Diety

Parthasarathy perumal, Amman: Rukmani

Introduction

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

Puranic Significance

It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th century by king Narasimhavarman I. The temple has icons of five forms of Vishnu: Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha and Krishna as Parthasarathy.The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai. There are shrines for Vedavalli Thayar, Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadar, Narasimha, Andal, Hanuman, Alvars, Ramanuja, Swami Manavala Mamunigal and Vedanthachariar. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition. There are separate entrances and Dwajastambhas for the Parthasarathy and Yoga Narasimha temples. The gopuram (towers) and mandapas (pillars) are decorated with elaborate carvings, a standard feature of South Indian Temple Architecture. As per Hindu legend, Saptarishis, the seven sages worshipped five deities Panchaveeras, namely, Venkata Krishnaswamy, Rukmini, Satyaki, Balarama, Pradyumna and Aniruddha. As per Mahabharatha, Vishnu, in his avatar as Krishna was acting as charioteer for Arjuna, the Pandava prince during the war with Kauravas. Krishna did not take any weapons during the war. During the fight between Arjuna and Bhishma, Krishna was injured by the arrow from Bhishma. The mark in the image in the temple is believed to follow the legend.[10] The place is called Allikeni, meaning a pond of lily as it is believed that historically the place was full of lily ponds. The place is the only place where the presiding deity is sported with a mustache.[11] As per another legend, the place was once a Tulsi forest. A Chola king named Sumati wanted to see Vishnu in the form of Parthasarathi and prayed at Srinivasa temple in Tirupathi. Srinivasa directed the king to visit the temple here built by sage Atreya and worshipped with another sage called Sumati.

Special Features

Lord Shiva Parthasarathy Swamy Day is one of the most famous saints in the temple. It will be followed by the opening of the Vaikunta Ekadasi Parasavas. The chariot will be held twice a year. It is not only that, but the blessings of Lord Sri Parthasarathy Swamy and Yoga Narsimar are performed. Arulmuku Parthasarathi Perumal has completed the Bharat Bhatra and has been on the face with the arrow injuries on his face. The place is in the north of the city of Triplicane and is a part of the modern city of Triplicane. It is one of the 108 Thirupathi temples performed by the devotees Sri Peylawar, Thirumazhisai Aalvar and Thirumangaimannar King trials.

Festivals

Utsavams take place around the year in Parthasarathy temple. Urchavams (or utsavams), as these are termed, take place for a particular god at a particular period of time in the year. It is a religious practise to carry the different gods of the temple through the mada veethis of triplicane during some of these festivals. The Gods will move in different religiously built temple vehicles (vaghanams, as these are termed in Tamil), like Elephant, Garuda, Horse, Yaali (a mythical animal), Hamsa (Swan), Hanuman, temple Rath (ther in Tamil, chariot or Ratham, alternative terms), etc. The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.[9] The temple follows the traditions of the Thenkalai sect of Vaishnavite tradition and follows vaikanasa aagama. The temple has grand brahmotsavams (big festival) for Sri Parthasarathy swami during the Tamil month of Chittirai (April–May), on the same month Udayavar uthsavam is also celebrated. Parthasarathy Temple during Shri Vaikunda Ekaadasi festival The following are the various festivals or urchavams or utsavams or utsav in Parthasarathy temple in different parts of the Tamil Calendar year. During festival days the place is given a new look and accompanied by various traditional rites.