Parthasarathy Temple
An 8th-century Vaishnavite temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, one of the oldest structures in Chennai.
History
The Parthasarathy Temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams (sacred Vaishnavite shrines) and is believed to have been originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century. The temple was later renovated and expanded by the Chola and Vijayanagara rulers. It is unique among Vaishnavite temples as it houses five forms of Lord Vishnu in a single complex: Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varada, Ranganatha, and Krishna as Parthasarathy (charioteer of Arjuna).
Architecture
The temple showcases a blend of Pallava, Chola, and Vijayanagara architectural styles. The main gopuram features detailed carvings, and the inner sanctum houses granite idols of the five forms of Vishnu. Stone inscriptions from different dynasties adorn the temple walls.
Visiting Information
Located in Triplicane, near Marina Beach, the temple is accessible by bus and MRTS. The annual Vaikunta Ekadasi festival (December–January) draws massive crowds.