Parthasarathy Swami Temple

Introduction

Parthasarathy Swami Temple is one of the most famous places of worship in Chennai city. This abode of Vishnu is also a celebrated Divyadesam that has been glorified by the Azhwar saints in their Divya Prabhandham compositions. Located in the Triplicane area of Chennai, this is considered one of the oldest temples in the city. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, perhaps the most popular incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna remained the ‘Sarathy,’ the charioteer of prince Arjuna or Partha during the Mahabharatha war, and hence, the Lord got the name Partha Sarathy. And true to his name, Lord Parthasarathy is having only the conch and is without the discus here, the way he remained on the battlefield, and is also sporting a mustache! Though Lord Venkatakrishna, as the presiding deity is known here, is the main deity here, this temple has separate shrines for four more Avatars of Lord Vishnu- Narasimha, Rama, Ranganatha, and Gajendra Varadaraja. This temple attracts thousands of devotees from far and wide, all round the year.

Temple Legends

The legend is closely linked with the great epic Mahabharatha. Krishna played a unique role in the war that was fought between the cousins Pandavas and Kauravas. Krishna performed the function of the charioteer of the Pandava prince Arjuna. And without himself wielding any weapon and fighting the war, he guided the course of the fierce battle and ensured the victory of the righteous Pandavas. And as Parthasarathy, he also gave to the world a great piece of wisdom in the form of ‘Bhagavad Gita.’

It is also said that king Sumati wanted to worship Krishna as Parthasarathy, and was sent to this place by sage Veda Vyasa, with an idol of Parthasarathy. When the king reached this place, he found sage Atreya also doing penance for the same purpose. It is said that they built the temple for Parthasarathy, out of their ardent devotion.

As per another story, the Saptarshis, the seven famous sages, worshipped the Panchaveeras, the five warriors – Venkatakrishna or Parthasarathy, brother Balarama, cousin Satyaki, son Pradyumna, and grandson Aniruddha, and Goddess Rukmini, here.

The History and Architecture of Parthasarathy Swami Temple, Chennai

The temple belonged to the 8th century CE and was built originally by the Pallava kings, with generous later additions by the Cholas and the Vijayanagar kings. There are several inscriptions here, to this effect. The temple surrounded by granite walls has an imposing Raja Gopuram, the entrance tower with many stucco images. The Mandapams or the pillared halls have several sculptures and carvings. The 9-foot tall image of Lord Venkatakrishna or Parthasarathy, standing tall and majestic, adorns the sanctum, where he is surrounded by Rukmini, Balarama, Satyaki, Pradyumna, and Aniruddha. The face of the processional deity Parthasarathy is full of scars said to have been inflicted by Bheeshma’s arrows in the great war.

Apart from Parthasarathy, and Narasimha, Rama, Ranganatha, and Gajendra Varadaraja, there are separate shrines for Goddess Vedavalli Thayar and the saint-poet and divine incarnation Andal. Many of the Azhwars and Acharyas are also housed separately here. The temple tank Kairaveni Pushkarani said to have been built on 5 sacred wells, is opposite to the temple.

Temple Festivals

The 10-day Brahmotsavam during Chittirai (April-May) and the Vaikunta Ekadasi during Margazhi (December-January) are celebrated with immense piety and enthusiasm here, drawing thousands of devotees. The float festival conducted during Masi (February-March) is also quite famous. These apart, many other festivals are also celebrated for Parthasarathy Swami and other Gods, Azhwars, and Acharyas here, almost throughout the year.

Benefits of worshipping Lord Parthasarathy and other Deities

Lord Krishna demonstrated that he values only true love and devotion, and for the sake of his devotees, he is prepared even the play the role of a charioteer, as Parthasarathy. The Lord can bestow immense blessings on those who pray to him with sincerity. It is believed that he can remove Maya, the illusion, and help people rise to greater levels of intelligence and wisdom. People also pray to the deities of this temple for a cure from diseases, early marriage, child boon, education, sound finances, and overall wellbeing.