Parthasarathy Temple

Also known locally as Thiru Alli Keni, Triplicane Sree Parthasarathy Temple, and Thiruvallikēñi Venkatakrishna Parathasarathy Perumal Thirukoil, this ancient temple is celebrated for its Dravidian architecture and deep spiritual atmosphere.

The temple’s origins trace back to the Pallava period, built by King Narasimhavarman I, with later expansions by the Cholas and Vijayanagara kings, lending it a rich historical legacy.

The primary deity worshipped here is Lord Vishnu, with the temple also housing shrines for Parthasarathy (Krishna), Ranganatha, Rama, Gajendra Varadaraja, Narasimha, and Vedavalli Thaayar.

This diversity of deities makes the temple a unique destination for devotees seeking darshan of various forms of Vishnu in one sacred complex. Parthasarathy Temple welcomes visitors daily with timings from 05:50 AM to 12:30 PM and from 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM.

The best time to visit is during the early morning hours between 5 and 8 AM or during the evening aarti. The winter months from November to February are particularly pleasant for pilgrims.

For darshan, the temple offers several options: free darshan, special darshan, and VIP darshan with a fee of INR 500, catering to different preferences and requirements.

A traditional dress code is observed, with men encouraged to wear dhotis or pyjamas (pants allowed, but shorts discouraged), and women recommended to wear sarees or salwar kameez, ensuring modest attire that covers shoulders and knees. Reaching the temple is convenient due to its central location.

From Chennai Central Railway Station, visitors can take the Green Line metro to LIC Metro Station and then walk or take an auto-rickshaw for the remaining 1. 5 km. Taxis and autos via Anna Salai/Wallajah Road are also available, covering approximately 4–5 km in 10–15 minutes.

The temple is about 1 km from Thiruvallikeni MRTS station and 18 km from Chennai International Airport, with metro and taxi options for easy access. Accommodation is plentiful, with over 1,000 hotels and guest houses in the Triplicane and Chepauk areas within 1–2 km of the temple.

Nearby attractions include Marina Beach (1 km), Vivekanandar Illam (1. 5 km), San Thome Cathedral Basilica (3 km), and Kapaleeshwarar Temple in Mylapore (3 km), making it an ideal base for exploring Chennai’s cultural heritage.

Visitors should note that parking is limited and the surrounding streets can be crowded, so public transport or taxis are recommended. Some areas within the temple may have steps and limited wheelchair access.

Cameras and mobile phones are generally not allowed inside the main sanctum sanctorum, preserving the sanctity of the space. For more details, pilgrims can refer to the official website at https://hrce. tn. gov. in.