Parthasarathy Temple: A Revered Temple For Lord Vishnu’s Devotion

Parthasarathy Temple decorated with colourful lights during Vaikunta Ekadashi

Parthasarathy Temple, located in Chennai, is a 6th-century temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Pallavas built this temple with the five forms of Vishnu known as Yoga Narasimha, Rama Gajendra, Varadharaja, Ranganatha and Krishna. It is also one of the oldest structures in Chennai. Various other shrines in this temple follow the Tenkalai tradition. There is also a sacred tank at the temple known as Kairavani that is surrounded by 5 holy Theerthams known as Indra, Soma, Agni, Meena and Vishnu, where this water is more sacred than that of the river Ganga.

Parthasarathy Temple Location

A front view of the pond at the Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons

Parthasarathy Temple is located near Thiruvallikeni, one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Chennai. This temple is one of the most significant religious sites in the city and also lies near Marina Beach. This temple is accessible from major parts of Chennai. This temple is 4.5 km away from the central railway station. This temple is surrounded by narrow streets that are busy with huge crowds of devotees and tourists. This temple and its names are the best places to explore Chennai’s culture and spiritual heritage.

How To Reach Parthasarathy Temple

Chennai Central Railway Station at a walkable Distance From Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons

By Air : the Chennai International Airport is 19.1 km away from the Parthasarathy Temple.

By Rail : Parthasarathy Temple is 4.5 km away from the Chennai Central Railway Station.

By Road : by bus, the Triplicane High Road is the nearest bus stop to Parthasarathy Temple and there are also various other taxes and buses from other cities.

Places To Visit In And Around Parthasarathy Temple

Here are a few places to visit in and around Partha Sarathi temple to explore the culture and heritage of Chennai.

1. Marina Beach

A beautiful view of the Marina Beach located near Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Vengatraman / Wikimedia Commons

Marina Beach, located in Chennai, is the longest natural urban beach in the country and the second largest in the world. It stretches out to 13 km along the way of Bengal. It has also been recorded to be one of the most crowded beaches in India. This beat is known for its white sand show with beautiful landscapes. There are many shops selling souvenirs, food stalls and many other activities for kids arranged at the beach to enjoy a cool evening.

Location: Marina Beach, Tamil Nadu
Timings: Open 24 hours
Distance From Parthasarathy Temple: 1.1 km

2. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

The inner corridor of the Kapaleeshwarar Temple near Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Sailko / Wikimedia Commons

Kapaleeshwarar Temple, located in Mylapore, Chennai, is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva that was originally built by Pallavas and it was later destroyed by the Portuguese and rebuilt in the 16th century by the Vijayanagara Kings. This temple is a must-visit place to explore Tamil religious culture and the architecture of the combination of Indian and Vijayanagara. Interestingly, a peahen and peacock are kept as pets inside the temple. The Brahmotsavam is the most celebrated festival in this temple, paying respect to the 63 idols of the poets.

Location: Kapaleeshwarar Temple, 234, Ramakrishna Mutt Rd, Vinayaka Nagar Colony, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Timings: 5 AM – 10 PM
Distance From Parthasarathy Temple: 3.6 km

3. Birla Planetarium

Entrance of the Birla Planetarium near Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Sivahari / Wikimedia Commons

Birla Planetarium, located in Kotturpuram, is in the Periyar Science and Technology Centre which is known for its virtual tours of the night sky and for hosting regular comic shows. This planetarium was founded 30 years ago, but still, it is known to be one of the modern planetariums in the country. This planetarium was established in 1983 by BM Birla, who was a great Indian industrialist. This is the perfect place for stargazing and exploring various other galleries and parks.

Location: B.M. Birla Planetarium, Gandhi Mandapam Rd, Duraisamy Nagar, Kotturpuram, Chennai
Timings: 10 AM – 5:45 PM
Distance From Parthasarathy Temple: 9.8 km

4. Santhome Church

A picture of the beautiful Santhome Church located near the Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Santhome Church is known for its great history of Christianity in India. This church was constructed as a mausoleum in the memory of Saint Thomas that has now become a basilica. This Santhome Church is one among the only 3 in the world that has the terms of one of Christ’s original disciples. This church has many centuries-old tales starting from the Christianity that came over to India in 52 AD. This church is built in the neo-gothic architectural style.

Location: Santhome Cathedral Basilica, 12, Rosary Church Road, Santhome, Mylapore, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600004
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Distance From Parthasarathy Temple: 2.7 km

5. Vivekananda House

A view of the Vivekananda House near the Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Aleksandr Zykov / Wikimedia Commons

Vivekanand House, also known as the Ice House, is a pilgrimage centre and a shrine for the admirals and the followers of Swami Vivekananda. This was the place where Swami Vivekananda stayed for 6 weeks in 1900. This is a two-story Victorian architecture building with detailed designs. The bedroom where Vivekananda spent his 6 weeks is now made into a room for people who want to meditate. This place is amazing for people who want to attain peace and know more about the lifestyle of Swami Vivekananda.

Location: Vivekananda House, VIVEKANANDA HOUSE, Kamaraj Salai, Marina Beach Road, Triplicane, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600005
Timings: 10 AM – 12:30 PM and 3 PM – 7:15 PM
Distance From Parthasarathy Temple: 850 m

Where To Stay

Hotel rooms with all the amenities provided in Chennai

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

There are many popular hotels near the Parthasarathy Temple with all the safety measures and hygienic facilities for visitors. These hotels provide facilities like premium rooms, dining areas, free wifi and other amenities. There are hotels like Ambassador Pallava, The Park Chennai, Bezz Park, Raj Park, Beverly Hotel, Harrisons Hotel, Sea Shell Residency and many more. There are hotels at also budget-friendly prices.

Where To Eat

A huge delicious thali provided at the Ponnusamy Hotel in Chennai

Photo: Aakash B / Wikimedia Commons

There are many restaurants and hotels near the Parthasarathy Temple with many vegetarian options and many more local cuisine options available in a hygienic environment. There are restaurants like Hotel Sri Parthasarathy, Ratna Cafe, Triplicane Bharathi Mess, Hotel Sagar, Firdouse Restaurant, Ponnusamy Hotel, Kasi Vinayaga Mess and many more.

Best Time To Visit

Detailed carvings on the gopuram of the Parthasarathy Temple

Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons

Parthasarathy Temple is open from 5:30 AM – 12 PM and 4 PM – 9 PM The best time to visit this temple is between the months of November to February because the climate is ideal to explore many more places around. Between the months of April to May, the Theppotsavam festival is celebrated, which is also the best time to visit this temple to enjoy the grand and colourful celebrations.

Other Factors To Consider

Depiction of Krishna, the charioteer of Arjuna, according to the legend in the temple

Photo: Destination8infinity / Wikimedia Commons

Here are a few factors to consider while you plan your trip to the Parthasarathy Temple.

Average Cost Of The Trip:
There are special darshan tickets available at the temple that cost Rs. 50 and Rs. 100. Taking into account the hotel stay, dining and visiting temple costs from a range of Rs. 400 to Rs. 1500 depending on the time of stay.

Tips For Travellers

  • Take a walk around the shops near the temple for religious books, flowers and fruits
  • Visit the historic library across from the temple
  • Observe the architecture and sculptures to learn many stories about the temple
  • Participate in the pooja or make offerings for a divine experience

Parthasarathy Temple is also one of the oldest temples in Chennai. With a long history, this is a must-visit place to learn about South Indian architecture with its detailed carvings, sculptures and inscriptions that tell many stories. This is also the perfect place to learn about Chennai’s heritage and culture, along with a touch of divine experience. The time spent here is memorable indeed. To know more about this temple and for further information, visit TripXL.

Cover Photo: Kartshutterarts / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit the Parthasarathy Temple is between the months of November to May because during these months the weather is ideal to room around and also between the months of April and May the Theppotsavam festival is celebrated.
There are many places to visit near Parthasarathy Temple, like Vivekananda House, Birla Planetarium, Kapaleeshwarar Temple, Santhome Church, Marina Beach and many more.
A few places to visit in Chennai are Parthasarathy Temple, the Government Museum, Fort St. George, Edward Elliot Beach, Marina Beach and many more.
The climate in Chennai during the winter season is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges between 20 degrees Celsius to 25 degrees Celsius.
Yes, accommodation is available near Parthasarathy Temple, as it is located in the central area of Chennai with all the necessary facilities provided.

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