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Arulmigu Sri Parthasarathyswamy Temple – Triplicane, Chennai
Visited this ancient temple in central Chennai and was deeply moved by its spiritual ambiance and rich heritage. Here's what stood out:
History & Architecture
One of Chennai’s oldest surviving temples, originally built by the Pallavas in the 6th–8th century, then expanded by the Cholas and later Vijayanagara kings  .
A proud Divya Desam, praised in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham by the Alvars  .
Features classic Dravidian structure: towering Raja Gopuram, ornate stone pillars, 36-pillared mandapam, and detailed carvings  .
Multiple Forms of Perumal
Central shrine houses Lord Parthasarathy (Krishna–Charioteer of Arjuna), unique with a moustache (“Meesai Perumal”) and holding only a conch (no discus), believed to bear Bheeshma’s arrow scars from Kurukshetra  .
Other shrines honor Yoga Narasimha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, and Ranganatha, making it a revered Panchamurthi sthalam  .
Meesai Perumal & Variants
The moustached form is an iconic visual; during certain days of Vaikunta Ekadasi, he's shown without a moustache, symbolizing humility  .
The temple also includes a distinct shrine for Yoga Narasimha, with its own entrance and dhvajastambha  .
Prasadam
The Ven Pongal served here is particularly sweet and rich, made with extra ghee and cashews—believed to soothe the deity's arrow wounds  .
Common temple prasadam like Puliyodarai is also loved by devotees  .
Location & Atmosphere
Situated in the heart of Triplicane, just a few minutes from Marina Beach, yet it feels like a peaceful oasis  .
Real devotees comment on its positive aura, dedicated priests, and well-maintained grounds  .
Festivals & Events
Major celebrations include Chittirai Brahmotsavam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, and the Masi (February–March) Theppam (float festival) in the temple tank  .
The annual Ramanujar festival is significant—legend says his father performed a Putrakameshti yagna here and received the blessing that Ramanuja would be born  .
Summary
A divine blend of ancient architecture, living tradition, and deep Vaishnava devotion—this temple is high on my list for anyone seeking spiritual depth or historical richness in Chennai. The sight of Meesai Perumal, the serene tank, and the lusciously sweet prasadam make it unforgettable.