Sri Parthasarathy Temple

Thousands of people live their life on the hope of a better tomorrow. This hope is gotten from the belief in the existence of the Supreme Power. This power, in common man’s world is God. This belief grew stronger with time and humans started giving God a physical form. These idols were placed in temples and worshipped. Some temples were great pieces of architecture and had a very fascinating story. One such temple is the Sri Parthasarathy Temple. This temple is situated in Triplicane. “Brindaranya” is the traditional Puranic name of Thiru-Alli-Keni now known as Thiruvallikeni or modern Triplicane. The presence of this temple has made Triplicane a very popular place.

HISTORY AND DEITY

It is believed that this temple was a resting place for all pilgrims travelling from Tirupati on auspicious occasions such as the solar and lunar eclipse since 5000 years. The geographical significance of this place is that it lies in direct line to Thirupathy, Thiruthani and Trivellore and the route is free from swamps.

This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams and is believed to be renovated by a King of the Pallava Dynasty. The presiding Deity of this temple is Sri Venkatakrishna Swami also known as “GEETHACHARYA”. According to Brahmanda purana, King Sumathy prayed Lord Thiruvengada of the Seven Hills to give him darshan in the form of the Charioteer (SARATHY) to PARTHA during the MAHABHARATHA WAR and rendering GEETHA. Lord Thiruvengada appeared in his dream and bade him to go to “BRINDARANYA” where he would give him Darshan in the form he wished. Meanwhile, Athreya Maharishi requested his Acharya Vedavyasa to mention to him the place fit for doing Thapas and he was directed by his Acharya to go to Brindaranya on the banks of the Kairavani Theertham overgrown with tulasi plants and where king Sumathy was doing Thapas. Saying so, Vedavyasa gave Athreya a Divya-Mangala Vigraha with a conch in his right hand and Gnana Mudra in the left hand pointing to his holy feet signifying the famous Charama Sloka of the Bhagavat Geetha.

Accordingly, Athreya Maharishi reached the Ashram of Sumathy and narrated to him in detail, the circumstances that led him to go there. Sumathy was pleased with the Divya Mangala image of Sri Parthasarathy Swamy in accordance with the desire and welcomed Athreya. He celebrated the Chaitrotsavam according to Vaikanasa Agama and worshipped him. The central figure enshrined in the sanctum sanctorum is being worshipped as “SRI VENKATAKRISHNA SWAMY”. Sri Rukmani Thayar and Satyaki, his younger brother, are installed on his right and left side respectively. His elder brother Balarama is seen on the right side of Rukmani Thayar facing north and his son Prathyumnan and his grandson Anirudhan are seen on the northern side of the Garbagraha facing south. These five warriors (Pancha Veeral) are so placed in these positions as we now worship them to keep in conformity with some incidents that took place in their life-time. Still more grandeur and inspiring is the bewitching and ever smiling UTHSAVAR Deity – Sri Parthasarathy Swami, with marks in the face caused by Bheeshma’s arrows during the Mahabharat War. The Thilagam set with diamonds with a Safire in the center resembles the full moon in the crystal clear blue sky.

PRASADAM

There is a plethora of items available as prasadam in varying quantity and rate. Every person will get an item of his/her own choice. Special prasadam are available during festivals or special occasions and are auctioned in the temple premises.

HOW TO REACH

Rail:

4 kilometers from the Chennai Central and Egmore railway Stations.

The temple can be reached by the Mass rapid Transit System too and the Tiruvallikeni MRTS station is few meters away from the temple

Air Port:

At a distance of about 25 kilometers for Meenambakam Airport.

This temple is a must visit for people believing in the Supreme.