Chennai is a testament to Tamil Nadu’s spiritual heritage. Even before the British arrived in India, our ancestors built huge temples to nurture spirituality and contribute to the growth of Hinduism. Triplicane Parthasarathy temple is an example that showcases the rich culture and religious values that Tamil people carry to this day. Let’s explore the deep history associated with the temple and understand why it is a popular place of worship in the city.
Triplicane specialities
Triplicane is a vibrant neighbourhood in Chennai, India, known for its rich spiritual as well as cultural heritage combined with traditional charm. The streets of Triplicane, also called the mada veedhi in Tamil, are steeped in history and are home to the famous Parthasarthy Temple, a sacred site for devotees and a must-visit for tourists. This area, which was one of the first villages acquired by the English in 1676, boasts a unique blend of old-world charm and modern urban living. Triplicane, situated in the Chennai district of Tamil Nadu, spans approximately 4.28 square kilometers and is home to a population of 99467, with a balance of male and female residents, 51815 and 47652 respectively. The neighborhood is also conveniently connected to the rest of Chennai through the underground metro station of Government Estate, allowing easy access to nearby areas such as Chepauk and Chintadripet. Whether you’re drawn to its spiritual significance, historical appeal, or bustling urban atmosphere, Triplicane has something special to offer to every visitor.
The history
The Parthasarathy temple in Triplicane, Chennai is a sacred site built during the Pallava Kingdom’s regime over 2000 years ago. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, thetemple houses icons of five forms of Vishnu, including Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja,Ranganatha, and Krishna as Parthasarathy. The main deity, Lord Venkata Krishna, is worshipped along with his family at this ancient and historically significant temple.
The name “Parthasarathy” signifies Lord Krishna’s role as the charioteer of Arjuna, and the temple remains a revered place of worship for devotees of Vishnu and Krishna. The temple stands as one of the oldest and most famous temples to visit in Chennai. Located near Marina Beach, this impressive architectural marvel from the 8th century is worth considering to visit. The temple is dominated by an elaborate pyramid-shaped Raja gopuram (dome) and is a prominent attraction of the architecture. History says that the British struggled to pronounce the original name of the place Thiriallikeni, and thus renamed it to Triplicane.
The story
The Parthasarathy Perumal Temple is a famous ancient and heritage site in Chennai dedicated to Lord Krishna. The 9-foot-tall deity of Sri Parthasarathy Swamy, adorned with a moustache, is a symbol of dignity andwisdom and is also fondly known as Meesai-Perumal in Tamil. The central figure enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum is worshipped as “SRI VENKATAKRISHNA SWAMY.” According to the temple’s history, the sculptor of the deity was so concerned about the depiction of Venkatakrishnar’s facialinjuries.
One day, he was visitedby Venkatakrishnar in a dream. The deity reassured the sculptor that the injuries were just a reminder of the wounds he received in the Mahabharata war. That explains the Parthasarathy Temple history for us. Originally built by the Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 6th century CE, the Vijayanagara kings later renovated the temple in the 15th century.
The Brahmotsavam festival
The temple, one of the oldest structures in Chennai, hosts grand annual brahmotsavams (big festivals) to honor Lord Parthasarathy. This temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows the Tenkalai tradition. The Brahmotsavam in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April–May) includes the spectacular Udayavar utsavam. During this time, the Lord presides over the main temple after a procession and is bathed with herbal water in a ceremony known as Snapanam. Pilgrims and tourists from all over India and the world come to witness this grand celebration. The Brahmotsavam is a significant cleansing ceremony, and the one at Parthasarathy Temple is renowned for its grandeur and splendour associated with it. You can find Best Family Resort in chennai and visit the festival.
The Food Walk
A food walk was organized by the Madras Inherited team recently and was led by Shri Ashmitha Athreya. The participants had the opportunity to explore the culinary heritage of Triplicane, Chennai. The walk included visits to renowned food outlets, where a variety of delicious treats such as sweet halwa, spicy pakodas, idlis, masala milk, and filter coffee were sampled. In addition to tasting these delights, participants also learned about the cultural importance of the food and the stories behind these famous food outlets. Interestingly the Tamilnadu Tourism Development Corporation (TTDC) shows interest in organizing similar heritage walks through TTDC on a monthly basis and is a pleasant surprise to the locals living around Triplicane. Budget Resort in Chennai guides you through such fun and fruitful events organized in the city if you choose them for your stay with family and friends.
Other tourist attractions in Triplicane
Triplicane, located in Chennai, is a vibrant area known for its top tourist attractions. Visitors flock to Marina Beach, one among the longest beaches in the world, to enjoy the stunning coastline and vibrant atmosphere. Top Resorts In Chennai allows tours within the city for its customers to enjoy many attractions. The Egmore Museum, MGR Memorial and Chennai Marina Lighthouse are also popular destinations, offering visitors a chance to understand the rich history and culture of the area. Dr. J Jayalalitha Memorial, Namma Chennai Selfie Spot, Victory War Memorial, Labour Statue, and Arignar Anna Statue are other noteworthy attractions that showcase the heritage and diversity of Triplicane. From historical landmarks to picturesque beaches, Triplicane offers a delightful mix of attractions for tourists to explore.
Chennai’s rich cultural heritage is beautifully represented by the Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane. With its deep historical roots dating back over 2000 years, the temple stands as a proof of Tamil Nadu’s spiritual legacy. Dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple’s grand architectural wonder and the annual Brahmotsavam festival attract pilgrims and tourists from all across the world. The temple not only enriches the spiritual lives of its devotees but also contributes to the vibrant tapestry of Chennai’s cultural vibe. Its significance as a place of worship and its place in the history of the region make it an essential place to visit for anyone eager to explore Chennai in detail. Best Resorts Near Chennai will help you stay comfortably and visit this iconic temple with your friends and family.