Parthasarathy Kovil is an 8th century Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna located at Triplicane, Chennai, India. It is one of the major Vaishnavite temples in South India and one of the 108 divyadesams, the holiest abodes of Lord Vishnu. Parthasarathy means the chariotter of Arjuna and is one of the thousands of holy names of Vishnu. The temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai and is very close to the famous Marina beach, one of the largest beaches in the world (both in terms of width and length).

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History

The temple of Sri Parthasarathyswamy at Triplicane, chennai is one of the famous and ancient temples in Tamilnadu state. 'Thiru-Alli-Keni' now known as Thiruvallikeni or modern Triplicane, situated on the sea-shore. It is about 4 K.M. from the central station and about the same distance from Fort St. George. King Sumathy prayed to Lord Thiruvengada of the Seven Hills, Thirupathy to give him darshan as the Charioteer (Sarathy) to Partha in the Maha Bharatha War discoursing on Geetha. He appeared in the dream of King Sumathy and bade him go to 'Brindaranya' where he would give him Darshan in the form he wished. So the Moolavar is known as VenkataKrishnan.
 

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Mythology

In the Kurukshetra war Krishna served as the Charioteer (Sarathy) to Arjuna. To remind this, his right hand represents the 'Panchajanyam Rishikeso' and left hand vaikunda hastham pointing to the feet indicates Dhanamuthra.The Moolavar 'Sri VenkataKrishnan', his consort 'Sri Rukmini Thayar' both facing east, his elder brother Balarama on the right side of Rukmini Thayar facing north, younger brother 'Sathyaki' at the left side of the moolavar, facing east and son Pradyumnan, the grandson Anirudhan on the northern side facing south in the Garbagraham. This is a very rare congregation of the entire family of Sri Krishna in one Sannathi known as 'Maanusha Vasudeva', as per the Agama. Still more grandeour and inspiring, is the bewitching and eversmiling Utsava Deity - Sri Parthasarathyswamy with marks in the face caused by the arrows of Bhishma at Kurukshetra war. Hence, the utsavar is called 'Sri Parthasarathyswamy' and the temple in the same name.  Sri VenkataKrishnan idol was presented by Veda Vasya to Athreya Munivar, who installed the vigraha in accordance with the Vaikanasa Agamam.
 

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The Temple Architecture

Separate Sannathi is there for Sri Vedhavalli Thayar facing east on the right side of the Sri Parthasarathyswamy Sannathi. Festivals are performed to Sri Vedhavalli Thayar on fridays and taken in procession within the precincts of the temple.

Five Vaishnava Temples

Separate sannathi's exist for all the five Deities of SriRangam, Thirumalai, Kanchipuram, Aghobilam and Ayodya in this temple. Utsavams for all these God's are performed individually. Throughout the year, festivals and processions are being performed for one or other of the Deities, Azhawar's and Acharyas.The Brahmothsavam is celebrated every year in the month of Chithirai (April-May) for Sri Parthasarathyswamy and for Sri Narasimhaswamy in the month of Ani (June-July). Separate Thuvajasthambaml are here for these Gods. This is the special feature in this temple. The festivals includes Vasanthothsavam in Chithirai (April-May), Pavithrouthsavam in Avani, Adhyayana Utsavam in Markazhi, Floating festival, Davanauthsavam in Masi (March-April), for Sri Gajendra Varadharajar in Vaikasi (May-June), for Sri Ranganathar, Sri Ramar in Panguni, for Andal in Adi, for Vethavalli Thayar in Purattasi (September-October), for Ramanujar in Chithirai (April-May) and Sri Manavalama Munigal in Ippasi (celebrated for 10 days).
'Vaikunda Egathesi' is an unique festival, in the month of margazhi (Dec-Jan). During this festival Four Thousand Tamil Pasurams of Alwar's and Vedas are recited for 21 days in the presence Sri Parthasarathyswamy, Alwar's and the Acharyas. This is in accordance with the 'Thennacharya Sambradayam', founded by Sri Manavalamamunigal.

Vimanam
 
Ananda Nilaya Vimanam.

Pushkarani (Tank)
 
The tank in front of the temple is known as 'Kairavini', which means white lily considered to be most sacred for the places of worship. Kairavini Pushkarani has five theerthams (Indhra, Soma, Meena, Agni and Vishnu).
 

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 Festival

The annual Bhrammotsavam is celebrated in the month of Chittirai. Vaikuntha Ekadasi celebrated in Margazhi is one of the important festivals. The float festival is held in the month of Feb-Mar. There is a beautiful glass palanquin. The Utsavar is Parthasarathy. The image of Krishna bears the scars from Bheeshma's arrows.
 

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