Parthasarathy Temple Chennai (Timing, History, Attractions)

Welcome to Parthasarathy Temple, an iconic and charismatic temple located in the bustling city of Chennai, India.

This historic temple dates back to the 8th century AD and is dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the most revered deities in Hinduism.

As you enter the temple premises, you’ll be greeted by the towering gopuram (entrance tower) adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.

Once inside, you’ll be transported to a world of spirituality, with the sounds of chanting, the fragrance of flowers, and the sight of devotees offering prayers.

The temple’s serene ambiance and unique architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Hinduism and the rich cultural heritage of Chennai.

History of Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple is believed to have been built by the Pallava dynasty in the 8th century AD, making it one of the oldest temples in Chennai.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is worshipped here in the form of Parthasarathy, meaning the “Charioteer of Arjuna“.

The temple also houses shrines dedicated to other deities, including Lord Rama, Lord Narasimha, Lord Varadaraja, and Lord Vedavalli.

The temple’s architecture is a mix of various styles, including Dravidian and Vijayanagara, reflecting the influence of different dynasties that ruled this region over the centuries.

The temple’s entrance tower or gopuram is an impressive structure that rises to a height of 40 meters, adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.

Also Read: Ekambareswarar Temple: A Cultural Gem in Chennai

Main God In Parthasarathy Temple

As I mentioned earlier, Parthasarathy Temple is primarily dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as the charioteer of Arjuna in the epic Mahabharata.

Lord Krishna served as the charioteer of Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war, offering him guidance and support.

The image of Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy is depicted with his four arms, holding the Sudarshana Chakra (discus), the Panchajanya (conch), the bow, and the arrow.

The temple’s sanctum sanctorum, or garbhagriha, is where the main deity is enshrined, surrounded by smaller shrines dedicated to other deities.

Best Time to Visit Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple is open from 5:30 am to 12 pm and from 4 pm to 9 pm on all days of the week.

The best time to visit the temple is during festivals and special occasions when the temple is decorated with colorful lights and flowers, creating a festive atmosphere.

The festivals celebrated at Parthasarathy Temple

Vaikunta Ekadasi

This festival is celebrated in December-January to mark the opening of the gates of Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu. Devotees throng the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings.

Brahmotsavam

This is an annual festival that lasts for ten days and is celebrated in the Tamil month of Chithirai (April-May). The festival involves various rituals and events, including a chariot procession, theerthavari (holy bath), and cultural programs.

Krishna Jayanti

This festival celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna and is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm. The temple is decorated with colorful lights, and special prayers and rituals are performed.

Other Festivals

PanguniSerthi, Pallava Utsavam, Ramanujar Utsavam, Every Friday Sri VedavalliThayar Purappadu

How To reach the Parthasarathy Temple

1. By Metro: The nearest metro station to the temple is the “Light House” station on the Green Line. From the station, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple, which is about 2 km away.
2. By Bus: There are several city buses that ply to the Parthasarathy Temple. You can look for buses that go to the “Triplicane” bus stop or the “Chintadripet” bus stop, both of which are close to the temple.
3. By Train: If you are coming from outside Chennai, you can take a train to the Chennai Central railway station or the Chennai Egmore railway station, both of which are located about 5 km away from the temple. From there, you can take an auto-rickshaw or a taxi to reach the temple.
4. By Car: If you have your own car or are hiring one, you can use Google Maps or any other navigation app to reach the temple. The temple is located in Triplicane, near Marina Beach.

What is the significance of the Parthasarathy Temple?

The temple is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Chennai and is considered to be one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred shrines) of Lord Vishnu.

How is Parthasarathy Temple different from other Krishna temples?

Parthasarathy Temple is unique in that it is dedicated specifically to Lord Krishna in his role as the charioteer of Arjuna, whereas most other Krishna temples in India are dedicated to Krishna in his childhood form or as the lover of Radha. The temple’s architecture and history also set it apart from other Krishna temples.

What are some nearby attractions to visit after visiting Parthasarathy Temple?

Parthasarathy Temple is located in the heart of Chennai, so there are many other attractions nearby. Some popular nearby attractions include the Kapaleeswarar Temple, the Marina Beach, Fort St. George, and the Government Museum.

How do I get to Parthasarathy Temple from the Chennai airport or railway station?

Parthasarathy Temple is located in the Triplicane neighborhood of Chennai, which is easily accessible by public transportation. From the Chennai airport, visitors can take a taxi or a pre-paid airport shuttle to the temple (which is about 18 kilometers away).

From the Chennai railway station, visitors can take a bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw to the temple (which is about 5 kilometers away).