Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane

Parthasarathy Temple stands on Parthasarathy Swamy Sannadhi Street in Triplicane (Thiruvallikeni), a dense and lively quarter of Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. The shrine dates to the 8th century Pallava period and was enlarged by later dynasties, notably the Vijayanagara rulers. It is dedicated to Krishna as the charioteer (Parthasarathy) of Arjuna and is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the holiest Vishnu temples in the Vaishnavite tradition.

The temple's distinctive gopuram rises above a busy bazaar street of flower sellers, sweet shops and religious stores, and the contrast between the quiet interior and the market outside is part of the experience. Inside, a large rectangular tank lies beside the complex, and the courtyard contains separate shrines to Venkata Krishna, Rama, Narasimha and other forms of Vishnu. Unlike most Vishnu temples, the main deity here is shown with a moustache and holding a conch, which makes the image unusual. Carved pillars, painted ceilings and long corridors reward a slow walk.

A visit generally takes 45 minutes to one hour. The temple opens daily in the early morning until noon and again from late afternoon to about 8:30PM. Early morning is the most peaceful time, with devotees performing rituals and the air scented with incense and jasmine. Evening crowds build up around the closing aarti. The busiest time of the year is Vaikunta Ekadasi in December-January, when very large queues form and the northern gate opens for worshippers. Entry is free, although a special-darshan ticket of a few rupees is available to shorten waiting time in busy periods.

Visitors should dress modestly, remove footwear at the stand outside, and expect strict control on photography inside the sanctum. The sanctum itself is generally reserved for Hindu worshippers, while other visitors can enjoy the courtyards and halls. The temple is about one kilometre from Tiruvallikeni (Triplicane) suburban station and a ten-minute walk from the Marina, so it pairs well with a morning at the beach.