- October 12, 2025
| Presiding Deity (Moolavar) | Lord Parthasarathy |
|---|---|
| Processional Deity (Utsavar) | Venkata Krishna with Sri Devi and Bhoo Devi |
| Consort (Thayar) | Goddess Rukmini |
| Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) | Magizham tree |
| Sacred Tank (Theertham) | Kairavini Pushkarini |
| Agama / Pooja Tradition | Vaikanasa Agama |
| Puranic Name | Brindaranya Kshetra |
| Location | Thiruvallikeni |
| District | Chennai |
According to legend, King Sumati, a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, longed to see the Lord in the form He took as Arjuna’s charioteer during the great Kurukshetra war. The Lord blessed him by appearing in that very form here. At the king’s request, He remained permanently in this temple as Parthasarathy — the divine charioteer. True to His vow during the Mahabharata war that He would not wield weapons, the Lord here holds only the conch (Shankha) in His hand, but no discus (Chakra).
Another unique feature is that His divine face still bears the scars from the arrows of Bhishma, which He bore while shielding Arjuna. Hence, devotees lovingly refer to Him as Venkata Krishna as well. The temple’s presiding deity is Parthasarathy, and in later times, the temple itself came to be called by His name.
It is believed that Sage Vyasa consecrated the deity here. The temple houses the Lord in three divine postures — standing as Venkata Krishna, seated as Sri Narasimha (Thelliya Singar), and reclining as Sri Ranganatha. Together, these forms bestow valor, knowledge, and prosperity upon devotees.
Inside the sanctum, Venkata Krishna appears with His consort Rukmini Devi, His brother Balarama, grandson Aniruddha, son Pradyumna, and warrior Satyaki — symbolizing harmony in family life.
Other shrines within the temple are dedicated to:
Notably, Parthasarathy and Narasimha have separate flag posts and entrances, making it feel like two distinct temples within one complex.
In ancient times, Sage Bhrigu performed penance here, praying for Lord Vishnu as his son-in-law. From the lotus in the sacred tank, Goddess Vedavalli emerged, and the sage raised her. When she came of age, Lord Ranganatha married her here. This celestial wedding is still celebrated grandly in the Tamil month of Masi (February–March).
Vedavalli Thayar resides in a separate shrine and never leaves the temple. However, on Fridays and on the day of Uttara Nakshatram, she gives darshan in procession within the temple premises.
The scars on His divine face remind devotees of the Mahabharata war, where He took arrows to protect Arjuna. For this reason, His offerings (naivedyam) avoid spicy dishes and include more ghee.
This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vaishnavite temples), ranked as the 61st. The main deity here stands nine feet tall with His distinct moustache — a rare form found only in this temple.
Another specialty is that while most temples conduct the Garuda Seva festival on specific days, here Garuda Seva takes place every single day of the year! This is because the Lord (in the form of Gajendra Varadar) permanently resides on Garuda. Devotees believe that a darshan of Venkata Krishna with His family here removes sins and brings happiness in life.
Great saints and scholars including Saint Thyagaraja, Subramania Bharathi, Swami Vivekananda, mathematician Ramanujan, and patriot Satyamurthi have visited and worshipped here. Poet Bharathiyar’s famous Kannan songs are said to be inspired by this deity.
Sri Jayanthi Festival
Krishna Jayanthi is celebrated uniquely here. Lord Krishna is brought out in grand alankaram (decoration), offered butter and milk, and taken in procession through the streets where devotees joyfully offer Him fruits and delicacies. At night, He returns with Lord Parthasarathy in a special chariot, accompanied by the traditional Uriyadi festival.
Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple Contact Number: +914428442462, +914428442449.
Arulmigu Parthasarathy Perumal Temple,
Narayana Krishnaraja Puram,
Triplicane,
Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600005
✨ The Parthasarathy Temple at Thiruvallikeni is not just a sacred shrine but a living legend — a temple where Krishna blesses devotees in His rare role as Arjuna’s charioteer, reminding us of courage, sacrifice, and divine grace.
