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Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane
Krishna (Parthasarathy) · Chennai, Tamil Nadu
॥ ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय ॥
The Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane is among the oldest shrines of Chennai, an 8th-century Pallava foundation dedicated to Krishna as Parthasarathy — “the charioteer of Arjuna,” the form the lord took in the Mahabharata war. The main image is shown with the scars of battle on his face, a Divya Desam beside the great Triplicane tank in the heart of the city.
The charioteer of the Gita
Krishna stands here as Parthasarathy, the charioteer who drove Arjuna (Partha) and spoke the Bhagavad Gita on the field of Kurukshetra. In keeping with that role the lord bears no weapon but holds a conch, and his face carries marks said to be the scars of the arrows of the war — a rare and moving depiction unique to this shrine.
Five forms in one temple
The temple enshrines five forms of Vishnu — Krishna as Parthasarathy with his kin, alongside Narasimha, Rama, Varadaraja and Ranganatha — making it a gathering of the lord’s avataras under one roof. Triplicane, from the old name Thiruvallikeni (“sacred lily tank”), grew around the great temple tank that still fronts the shrine.
A Pallava temple in the city
Founded by the Pallavas in the 8th century and expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings, the temple is one of the few ancient Divya Desams set within a modern metropolis. Vaikunta Ekadashi in December–January brings vast crowds through the Paramapada Vasal, the “gate of heaven,” and the float festival fills the tank with lamps.
How to reach the temple
- By road/metro: the temple is at Triplicane in central Chennai, near Marina Beach; the Chennai Metro and city buses serve the area.
- By train: Chennai Egmore and Chennai Central are within a few kilometres.
- By air: Chennai International Airport is about 15 km away.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Parthasarathy?
Parthasarathy is Krishna as the charioteer of Arjuna (Partha) in the Mahabharata, who spoke the Bhagavad Gita. The Triplicane image shows him without a weapon, bearing the scars of the war on his face.
How old is the Triplicane temple?
It was founded by the Pallavas in the 8th century, making it one of the oldest temples in Chennai, later expanded by the Cholas and Vijayanagara rulers.
Is Triplicane the same as Thiruvallikeni?
Yes — Triplicane is the anglicised form of Thiruvallikeni, “the sacred lily tank,” named for the great temple tank that fronts the shrine.
Which forms of Vishnu are worshipped here?
The temple enshrines five forms — Krishna as Parthasarathy with his kin, along with Narasimha, Rama, Varadaraja and Ranganatha.
What is the main festival?
Vaikunta Ekadashi (December–January) is the grandest, when devotees pass through the Paramapada Vasal; the annual float festival on the tank is also famous.
How do I reach the Parthasarathy Temple?
It is at Triplicane in central Chennai near Marina Beach. Chennai Egmore and Central stations are a few kilometres away, and the airport is about 15 km.
॥ जय श्री कृष्ण ॥ • Bhaktiras.net Temple Guide
| Deity | Krishna as Parthasarathy (Arjuna’s charioteer) |
| Significance | Divya Desam; one of Chennai’s oldest temples |
| Built | 8th c, Pallava dynasty |
| Special | Image bears the scars of the Mahabharata war |
| Forms | Five forms of Vishnu enshrined |
| Main Festival | Vaikunta Ekadashi |