Sri Parthasarathy Temple , Thiruvallikkeni (Triplicane, Chennai)
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📍 Thiruvallikkeni, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
International SignificanceThe 57th Divya Desam at Triplicane in Chennai is the ancient 8th-century temple of Parthasarathy, the mustache-bearing charioteer Krishna enshrined with His entire family (Rukmini, Balarama, Pradyumna, Aniruddha, Satyaki).
🕒 Practical Information
🕉️ Spiritual Details
Sri Venkatakrishnan / Parthasarathy (Nindra Kolam with mustache)
Moolavar: Sri Venkatakrishnan / Parthasarathy (Nindra Kolam / Standing 9-foot posture facing East sporting a royal mustache, with scars of Bhishma's arrows on face, holding conch with no weapon); Utsavar: Parthasarathy; Thayar: Vedavalli Thayar (Padi Thandatha Pathini); Vimanam: Anantha Vimanam; Theertham: Kairavini Pushkarini; Pratyaksham: King Sumathi, Sage Athreya, Sage Bhrigu.
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Venkatakrishnan / Parthasarathy (Nindra Kolam with mustache)
Car St, Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Spiritual Highlights
UNVERIFIED
The moolavar idol does not bear the Sudarshana Chakra because Krishna vowed not to wield weapons in the Kurukshetra war.
Offering sweet Pongal, entering through the western Yoga Narasimha gopuram, reciting the Bhagavad Gita.
UNVERIFIED
About Sri Parthasarathy Temple , Thiruvallikkeni (Triplicane, Chennai)
Sri Parthasarathy Temple in Thiruvallikkeni (Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu) is the 57th Divya Desam. Glorified in 12 pasurams by Peyalvar, Thirumalisai Alvar, and Thirumangai Alvar, it is the most ancient temple in Chennai, constructed in the 8th century by Pallava King Dantivarman.
The presiding deity is Parthasarathy (the Divine Charioteer of Arjuna), standing an impressive 9 feet tall. Because Krishna vowed not to take up weapons in the Mahabharata war, He carries only His divine conch (Panchajanya) in His right hand, holding no discus. His divine face is unique in the Hindu world: it bears a distinguished royal mustache, and upon close inspection, small pitted scars from the arrows of Bhishma are visible on His cheeks! He is flanked by His entire divine family: Queen Rukmini on His right, elder brother Balarama on His left, son Pradyumna, grandson Aniruddha, and commander Satyaki.
The temple also uniquely enshrines four other incarnations of Vishnu in separate sanctums: Sri Ranganatha (reclining on Adisesha), Sri Yoga Narasimha (facing West), Sri Rama (with Sita, Lakshmana, and Bharata), and Sri Gajendra Varadar, making it a fivefold divine pilgrimage center in Chennai.
Architecture & Heritage
Dravidian Pallava-Chola-Vijayanagara Architecture (Pallava monarch Dantivarman inscription (8th century CE); extensive Vijayanagara expansions (16th ce)
Dual entrances and two primary flagstaffs (Dwajasthambams) for Parthasarathy and Yoga Narasimhar, Anantha Vimanam, Kairavini Pushkarini, Pallava stone inscriptions.
8th-century stone inscription of Pallava Dantivarman, processional bronze of Parthasarathy bearing battle arrow scars.
Rituals & Traditions
Six daily kalas per Vaikanasa Agama; grand Chithirai Brahmotsavam.
Chithirai Brahmotsavam featuring the historic Silver Chariot and the Teppotsavam (float festival) in Kairavini tank.
Triplicane Ghee Pongal, Puliyodarai, Laddu, Murukku.
Visitor Guidelines
Traditional Hindu dress code strictly enforced: Dhoti/Kurta for men; Saree or Salwar with Dupatta for women. Shorts and casual wear prohibited.
Wide granite stone courtyards with smooth ramps across all entrances; wheelchair assistance available.
Frequently Asked Questions
🕉️ Divine Snapshot
Sri Venkatakrishnan / Parthasarathy (Nindra Kolam with mustache)
Vedavalli Thayar Sannidhi (Padi Thandatha Pathini), Sri Yoga Narasimha Sannidhi (Facing West with separate entrance), Sri Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna Sannidhi, Sri Ranganatha (Reclining Sayana Sannidhi), Sri Varadaraja Swamy Sannidhi, Andal Sannidhi, Chakrathazhwar Sannidhi, Sri Ramanuja Sannidhi (Home of Mudhal Ramanuja), Alvars Sannidhi
Car St, Narayana Krishnaraja Puram, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
How to Reach
Chennai International Airport (MAA) (approx 16 km)
Thiruvallikeni MRTS Station (approx 0.8 km)
Triplicane Bus Stop (approx 0.3 km)
