Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple

I was fortunate to make my first visit to this magnificient temple on Saturday, 4th Feb,2006. It is about 2 kms from the beach road. A small lane after police quarters leads to the temple pond first.

The temple surroundings surprisingly retains the traditional look, much like Mylapore. There is enough parking place for vehicles and good shoe store.

The temple has an ancient feel to it. Its origin is dated back to 700AD. A foray pillared on both sides, leads to the main gate. Behind the gate is the main hall, which hosts the kumbam and some small shops for cassette and photo sales.It also has provisions for drinking water and places to sit and rest.

Another gate, much like the first one, leads to the main devastanam. Though you cannot see the shrine or its architecture from there, you know you are near and a sense of excitement captures your steps.

There are 2 lanes to the main shrine, a darma darshan, and paid line. These 2 lanes, leads to another room, which hosts the main shrine.

As you enter the room through the bell door you face the the Lord VenkataKrishna.But since people, esp. the guards urge you to move on, you follow the curved line which takes you away from the sight of Lord, but takes you to other shrines.

There is a shrine of Sri Ramar with Sita and Lakshman, and also a miniature of Sri. Ranganathar.

The main shrine of Lord.VenkataKrishna stands about 10 feet tall, and is grandly decorated in a war like costume. The Lord with mushtache and a smiling face, has counch on his right hand and his left hand points to his feet.The couch denotes knowledge and the hand position denotes that HE is above all else.There is a sword to his left and also a small knife tucked in his belt.His brother stands besides Him, on HIS left side and to his right is the idol ofAndal, very well decorated.

Thulasi is offered as prasad, and the return path is lighned up with idols of alwars, and ends with Lord Anjaneya, facing the statue of Lord Rama, I mentioned earlier.

The outer circumference is covered by many more idols, including Andal, Krishnar, Anjaneyar etc.

This is one of the ancient temples of the three:
1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore.
2. Parthasarathy Temple in Triplicane.
3. Murugar Temple in Vadapalani.

The main lord is called VenkataKrishnar, because a king (Sorry for my ignorance of not knowing his name or complete details) wanted Lord.Venkatesa of Tirupathi, to give him darshan as Krishna, who was Parthasarathy(Partha- Arjuna, Sarathy-charioteer) in the battle of Kurushetra in Mahabharata.

THE END.