The idol of the main deity, Parthasarathy, uniquely features facial scars, symbolizing the wounds received from Bhishma's arrows during the Kurukshetra war.
It is the only temple among the 108 Divya Desams where the deity is depicted with a mustache.
The temple contains an ancient inscription dating back to the reign of the Pallava king Dantivarman.
The deity's consort, Vedavalli Thayar, is worshipped in a separate, highly revered shrine within the complex.
The temple is one of the oldest surviving structures in Chennai, pre-dating the colonial establishment of the city.
It hosts a special ritual where the deity is adorned in distinct costumes to represent various avatars of Vishnu.
Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswamy Temple is a 8th-century Vaishnavite temple located in Triplicane, Chennai, dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as the charioteer (Parthasarathy) to Arjuna. Constructed by the Pallava dynasty, it houses one of the Pancha Narasimha shrines in the region. The temple architecture features intricate gopurams and stone carvings characteristic of Dravidian style. It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the most sacred abodes of Lord Vishnu mentioned in the works of the Alvars. The sanctum sanctorum houses a unique idol of Lord Parthasarathy with a mustache and visible scars from arrows sustained during the Mahabharata war. The complex includes separate shrines for various manifestations of Vishnu, including Rama, Ranganatha, Gajendra Varadaraja, and Yoga Narasimha. The temple is managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
The main Rajagopuram (entrance tower) from the Car Street side offers the most detailed architectural view.
Visit the temple office to inquire about 'special entry' queues if you prefer to bypass standard lines during peak festival days.
Observe the specific 'pradakshina' (circumambulation) path advised by temple priests to ensure you visit all sub-shrines in the traditional order.
Carry a bag for your footwear, as you must leave it outside the temple complex.
Avoid visiting during the height of the summer afternoon when the temple floor becomes physically painful to walk on barefoot. Do not take photographs inside the inner sanctum.
The temple remains open throughout the year but experiences significantly higher crowds during the Vaikunta Ekadashi and Brahmotsavam festivals.
Traditional Indian attire is recommended; modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is mandatory. Remove footwear before entering the temple precincts. Maintain silence inside the inner sanctum.
