Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple Office Address Phone Number

The Sri Parthasarathy Temple at Triplicane (Thiruvallikeni), Chennai is one of the most revered Vaishnavite shrines in Tamil Nadu — a 108 Divya Desam dedicated to Lord Krishna in his form as Parthasarathy, the charioteer of Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war. This guide is a plain, informational overview for visitors: what the temple is, who the deities are, the usual darshan timings, its spiritual significance, and how to reach Triplicane. The temple is administered by the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department, and any darshan, ticket or festival details should be confirmed only through the temple’s official HR&CE channel.

Quick reference: Sri Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane

Why the temple is called “Parthasarathy”

The name Parthasarathy means “the charioteer (sarathy) of Partha (Arjuna).” It recalls Krishna’s role in the Mahabharata, where he drove Arjuna’s chariot and delivered the Bhagavad Gita on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Because of this, the presiding deity is also honoured as Geethacharya — the teacher of the Gita.

A striking feature sets this deity apart: the main idol of Krishna is depicted with a moustache, marking him as a charioteer and warrior-guide rather than the flute-playing cowherd seen in many Krishna temples. In keeping with his vow to remain unarmed during the war, the presiding form holds only the conch (shankha) and does not carry the discus (chakra). The processional (utsava) idol is traditionally described as bearing marks said to represent arrow scars from the battle — a detail devotees associate with Krishna’s protective role for Arjuna.

The deities of the sanctum

Thiruvallikeni is unusual in that Krishna is worshipped here with his extended family in a single sanctum. Alongside the presiding Sri Venkata Krishnaswamy, the sanctum houses his consort Rukmini, his elder brother Balarama, his son Pradyumna, his grandson Aniruddha, and Satyaki. This grouping of the Vrishni clan is considered rare among Vishnu temples.

The wider temple complex is associated with five forms of Vishnu — Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Ranganatha and Krishna — which is why the sthala tradition holds that the Saptarishi (seven celestial sages) worshipped here. The goddess Vedavalli Thayar has her own shrine within the complex; by tradition she is a padi thanda patni, meaning she does not cross the shrine’s threshold and is not taken out in procession even during festivals.

History and significance

Triplicane is a corruption of Thiru-Alli-Keni (“sacred lily pond”), and the older Puranic name of the area is Brindaranya. The temple is regarded as one of Chennai’s oldest surviving structures. Its founding is commonly attributed to the Pallava monarch Narasimhavarman I in the 8th century CE, with later additions and renovations by Pallava, Chola and Vijayanagara-era patrons.

As a Divya Desam, the temple holds a special place in the Sri Vaishnava tradition: it is one of the 108 shrines of Vishnu praised in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the collected hymns of the Alvar saints (roughly 6th–9th century CE). Being sung by the Alvars gives the temple its sanctified status among pilgrims who follow the Divya Desam circuit.

The temple tank — Kairavini Pushkarini

The temple’s sacred tank is the Kairavini Pushkarini, named after the Kairavini lotus. Sthala tradition also records several theerthams (sacred waters) associated with the site, including Agni, Soma, Meena, Indra and Vishnu theerthams. The tank is central to many ritual observances and to the temple’s identity as “the sacred lily pond.”

Major festivals

Two observances draw especially large crowds:

• Brahmotsavam — a ten-day festival celebrated with grandeur during the Tamil month of Chithirai (April–May), featuring processions of the utsava deities on various vahanas (mounts).
• Vaikunta Ekadasi — observed in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January), when the Paramapada Vasal (the “gateway to Vaikunta”) is opened and devotees pass through it. This period includes the Pagalpathu and Raapathu utsavams, with very heavy footfall.

Exact dates shift each year with the lunar and solar calendar, so pilgrims planning around a specific festival should verify the schedule on the official HR&CE channel before travelling.

How to reach Triplicane

The temple sits in the heart of Triplicane, close to the Marina Beach, and is easy to reach from anywhere in Chennai:

• By train: Chennai Central is roughly 4–5 km away; Chennai Egmore is similarly close. From either, autos, taxis and buses run to Triplicane.
• By metro / bus: Triplicane is well served by MTC city buses; the Chennai Metro network and app-based cabs also connect the area conveniently.
• By air: Chennai International Airport is about 15–18 km away, from where taxis and buses are readily available.

Because Triplicane is a dense, historic neighbourhood, many visitors find it easiest to arrive by public transport or a metered auto rather than a private car.

Visitor notes

As with most traditional Vishnu temples in Tamil Nadu, modest and traditional attire is expected, and photography inside the sanctum is generally not permitted. Footwear is removed before entering. Darshan queues lengthen considerably during Vaikunta Ekadasi and Brahmotsavam, so allow extra time on festival days.

Frequently asked questions

Is Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple a Divya Desam?

Yes. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams — the Vishnu temples celebrated in the Alvars’ Nalayira Divya Prabandham — and is among the most important Krishna shrines in Chennai.

Who is the presiding deity?

The presiding deity is Sri Venkata Krishnaswamy, worshipped as Parthasarathy (Krishna the charioteer) and as Geethacharya. He is depicted with a moustache and holds a conch, without the discus, reflecting his vow to stay unarmed in the Kurukshetra war.

What are the usual darshan timings?

The temple is generally open in the morning from around 5:50–6:00 AM to about 12:00–12:30 PM, and in the evening from about 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Timings can change on festival days, so confirm the current schedule on the official HR&CE portal.

Which goddess is worshipped here?

The goddess is Sri Vedavalli Thayar, who has a dedicated shrine within the complex. By tradition she is a padi thanda patni and is not taken out in procession.

What is the temple tank called?

The sacred tank is the Kairavini Pushkarini, named after the Kairavini lotus — the origin of the name “Thiru-Alli-Keni” (sacred lily pond), from which “Triplicane” is derived.

When are the main festivals?

The Brahmotsavam is celebrated over ten days in Chithirai (April–May), and Vaikunta Ekadasi falls in Margazhi (December–January), when the Paramapada Vasal is opened. Dates vary yearly by the Hindu calendar.

Sources & last verified (July 2026)

• Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department — official temple administration: tnhrce.gov.in
• Wikipedia — Parthasarathy Temple, Chennai: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthasarathy_Temple,_Chennai
• Divyadesam.com — Kairavini Pushkarini & Thiruvallikeni sthala details
• Live Chennai — Sri Parthasarathy Swami Temple key facts and darshan timings
• Aanmeegam.org — Triplicane Parthasarathy Perumal temple history, timings & festivals

Note: tirumalatirupationline.com is an independent pilgrim-information guide. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to the Sri Parthasarathy Temple, the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Department, or any temple or government body. Timings, festival dates and rituals can change — please verify current details through the temple’s official HR&CE channel before planning your visit.

Last reviewed: July 7, 2026