Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple, located in Triplicane, Chennai, is one of the oldest temples in the city, dedicated to Lord Krishna as Parthasarathy, a name which means the “charioteer of Arjuna” (from the Mahabharata). Constructed in the 8th century by the Pallavas, it showcases Dravidian-style architecture and has undergone several renovations, notably by the Chola and Vijayanagara empires, who added more grandeur to the temple complex.

Key Historical and Cultural Aspects

Pallava Origins (8th century): The temple was originally built under the Pallava dynasty by King Narasimhavarman I, who is believed to have established it to honor Krishna in his role as Parthasarathy. This reflects the Pallava’s devotion to Vishnu and is one of the oldest known structures in Chennai.

Chola and Vijayanagara Contributions: During the Chola period, expansions were made, including additional shrines and structures. Later, the Vijayanagara rulers contributed significantly to the temple’s architecture, adding gopurams (ornate gateways) and other intricate stone carvings. These enhancements helped shape the Parthasarathy Temple’s present-day appearance.

Unique Deities: The temple is notable for enshrining multiple forms of Vishnu. It houses five main deities: Lord Narasimha, Lord Rama, Lord Krishna (Parthasarathy), Varaha (the boar avatar of Vishnu), and Ranganatha. Parthasarathy, in his form here, is unique as he is depicted with a mustache, marking the scars from battles, including those from the Kurukshetra War.

Role in Tamil Literature: Parthasarathy Temple has inspired many works of Tamil literature, particularly from the Alvars, a group of Tamil poet-saints. This temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, meaning it is venerated in the hymns of the Alvars. The Tamil poet-saints have praised this temple for its sanctity and connection to the divine.

Festivals and Traditions: The temple has a vibrant cultural heritage with grand celebrations like Vaikunta Ekadasi, the Brahmotsavam, and the float festival. These festivals attract large numbers of devotees who come to witness the processions and participate in the rituals.

The Parthasarathy Temple stands as a testimony to Chennai's rich spiritual heritage and serves as a pilgrimage site and architectural marvel, drawing visitors from around the world.

Kesava Perumal Temple

The Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore, Chennai, is another historically significant temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This ancient temple is believed to have been constructed during the Pallava dynasty around the 8th century CE, making it a prominent structure for devotees and an integral part of Chennai’s religious landscape. It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu in the form of Kesava Perumal, a form of Krishna, and is known for its serene atmosphere, detailed Dravidian architecture, and cultural heritage.

Key Historical and Cultural Aspects

Pallava and Nayak Influence: Although the origins trace back to the Pallavas, much of the temple’s current structure and embellishments were influenced by the later Nayak dynasty in the 16th century. The Nayaks, great patrons of Dravidian art and architecture, added pillared halls and richly sculpted structures to the temple. The architectural style reflects typical features of Dravidian temples, including the towering gopuram (entrance tower), intricate stone carvings, and spacious inner courtyards.

Association with the Alvars: Like Parthasarathy Temple, Kesava Perumal Temple is also closely associated with the Tamil Alvars, poet-saints who composed hymns in praise of Vishnu. Pey Alvar, one of the first three Alvars and believed to have been born in Mylapore, composed hymns celebrating Vishnu’s presence in this region. His verses are among the revered Divya Prabandham, a collection of hymns significant in Vaishnavism, and are dedicated to Kesava Perumal and the divine grace found in this temple.

Connection to Mylapore’s Rich Heritage: Mylapore, where the temple is located, is one of the oldest areas in Chennai, rich in cultural history and spirituality. The presence of the Kesava Perumal Temple in Mylapore underscores the area’s ancient association with Vishnu worship. The temple is an architectural gem in this historic district, standing alongside other famed religious structures like the Kapaleeswarar Temple.

Sacred Deity Representation: Lord Kesava (a form of Krishna) is the presiding deity in this temple, and devotees flock here for his blessings. Along with Kesava Perumal, the temple has shrines for other forms of Vishnu and his consort Lakshmi. The iconography and deities depict scenes and forms associated with Vishnu and Krishna, appealing to devotees' faith in his protective and benevolent nature.

Major Festivals and Rituals: The temple celebrates numerous festivals, with Vaikunta Ekadasi and the Brahmotsavam being the most significant, drawing thousands of devotees. During these festivals, the deities are decorated elaborately, and various rituals are conducted to invoke divine blessings. Processions are held around the temple, showcasing the deity’s utsava murti (festival idol) in beautifully decorated carriages.

Role in Tamil Literature: The temple’s association with the Alvars and its mention in sacred texts contribute to its status as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 holy abodes of Vishnu. Tamil literature and folklore surrounding the temple reflect its ancient origins and revered status in Chennai’s history.

Kesava Perumal Temple remains a symbol of Chennai's enduring devotion to Vishnu and stands as a peaceful retreat for devotees and visitors. Its connection to ancient Tamil spirituality, alongside its architecture, makes it a cherished historical and religious landmark.

Vardaraja Perumal

Varadaraja Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, is one of the most renowned and ancient temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu in South India. This temple, also called the Perumal Koil in Kanchipuram, dates back to the Pallava period in the 3rd century, making it one of the oldest and most significant Vishnu temples. It is dedicated to Varadaraja Perumal (meaning “the King who bestows blessings”), a form of Vishnu. Kanchipuram itself is one of the seven moksha-puris, or sacred cities, believed to grant liberation to devotees, and the Varadaraja Perumal Temple is central to the city’s spiritual heritage.

Key Historical and Cultural Aspects

Origins and Pallava Dynasty: The initial temple structure is believed to have been constructed by the Pallavas around the 3rd century. However, the main sanctum as it appears today was built later, especially expanded under the rule of Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties. The Pallavas laid the foundation of Vaishnavism in the region, and Varadaraja became one of the principal deities worshiped in Kanchipuram.

Chola and Vijayanagara Contributions: Significant expansion and beautification occurred during the Chola dynasty in the 10th century. Later, in the 16th century, the Vijayanagara rulers made substantial contributions, adding more shrines, mandapams (halls), and gopurams (gateway towers). The towering East Gopuram, which is over 130 feet tall, is one of the highlights of the temple and was constructed by the Vijayanagara rulers, along with the beautiful Thousand Pillar Hall, which features finely carved pillars showcasing scenes from Hindu mythology.

Architectural Marvels: The Varadaraja Perumal Temple is celebrated for its intricate Dravidian architecture. The main sanctum houses a grand idol of Lord Varadaraja, and there are several sub-shrines and beautiful pillared halls throughout the temple. The temple tank, called the Anantha Sarovara, and the Golden Lizard sculptures on the ceiling, which devotees touch for blessings, are unique features here. The temple also houses a wooden deity of Varadaraja Perumal, known as Atthi Varadar, which is brought out for worship once every 40 years, drawing millions of devotees.

Association with Ramanuja and Vaishnavism: The temple has a deep connection to the Sri Vaishnavism tradition, particularly with Ramanuja, one of the foremost Vaishnavite theologians. Ramanuja spent several years in Kanchipuram and is said to have served as the chief priest at Varadaraja Perumal Temple for a period. His teachings and contributions have left an indelible mark on the temple's practices, and he is commemorated here with a shrine in his honor.

Significance in Divya Prabandham: The temple is one of the 108 Divya Desams, which are Vishnu temples praised in the hymns of the Tamil Alvar saints. Saints like Thirumangai Alvar and Poigai Alvar have sung about the glory of Varadaraja, describing the temple’s sanctity and the Lord’s blessings. These verses form part of the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, central to Tamil Vaishnavite literature.

Major Festivals and Sacred Rituals: The Brahmotsavam (annual chariot festival) in the Tamil month of Chittirai (April-May) is the most significant festival celebrated here. The temple also celebrates Vaikunta Ekadasi, during which thousands of devotees gather. The temple’s Garuda Sevai, where the deity is carried on a grand Garuda vahana (eagle mount), is another important celebration.

Legends and Folklore: According to temple legends, Lord Brahma performed a great yajna (sacrifice) here to please Lord Vishnu, who appeared as Varadaraja Perumal to grant him a vision. This act earned the temple its name, with "Varadaraja" meaning "the Lord who fulfills boons."

The Varadaraja Perumal Temple remains a historic and sacred site, visited by devotees and scholars alike. Its combination of architectural magnificence, religious significance, and vibrant festivals makes it a revered landmark in South Indian Hindu tradition.

Uppili Appan, Kumbakonam

The Uppli Appan Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu, is located in Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Known as “Saltless Vishnu,” Uppliappan is worshiped here without salt in offerings, symbolizing pure devotion. The temple’s history dates back to the Chola dynasty, with later expansions by the Nayak and Vijayanagara rulers. Architecturally, it showcases classic Dravidian elements with a five-tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower) and intricate stone carvings.

The temple is linked to the story of Bhoomadevi, the Earth Goddess, who performed penance here to marry Vishnu. Pleased, Vishnu accepted her and took the form of Uppliappan, marking the site as sacred.

The temple is also associated with Thirunageswaram’s Rahu and Naga shrines, adding to its spiritual significance. According to legend, Uppliappan is a manifestation of Lord Venkateswara, with similar worship customs, though salt is strictly avoided.

Uppli Appan Temple holds festivals like Vaikunta Ekadashi and Panguni Brahmotsavam, drawing devotees year-round. This holy site, steeped in legend, continues to attract pilgrims for blessings and spiritual peace.

Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala

During Dvapara Yuga, Adishesha resided on earth as Seshachalam Hills after losing a contest with Vayu. According to Puranas, Tirumala is regarded as Adivaraha Kshetra. After killing Hiranyaksha, Adivaraha resided on this hill. Venkatachala Mahatyam is the widely accepted legend over Tirumala Temple.

During Kali Yuga, Narada advised some sages who were performing yagna to decide who could be given the fruits of yagna among Trimurtis (Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva). Bhrigu was sent to test the Trinity. The sage who had an extra eye in the sole of his foot visited Brahma and Shiva and went unnoticed in both these locations.

He cursed Brahma to be not worshipped and Shiva to be worshipped as a lingam. At last he visited Vishnu and the lord acts as if he had not noticed Bhrigu. Getting angered by this act, sage Bhrigu kicked Vishnu in the chest, to which Vishnu did not react and instead apologised to the Sage by massaging his feet. During this act, he squashed the extra eye that was present in the sole of Bhrigu’s foot. However Lakshmi finds it as an insult since Vishnu’s chest was considered as Lakshmi’s residence (vakshasthala) and Bhrigu kicked it which indirectly insulted Lakshmi. She then left Vaikuntha and came to Earth to Kolhapur and started meditating.

Vishnu bore human form as Srinivasa, left Vaikuntha, in search of Lakshmi, reached the Seshachalam hills in Tirumala and started meditating. Lakshmi learned of the condition of Srinivasa and called Shiva and Brahma. Shiva and Brahma then converted themselves into Cow and Calf and Lakshmi had handed over the cow and calf to Chola king ruling over Tirumala Hills at that time. The Cow would provide milk to Srinivasa daily while it was taken for grazing. One day, a cowherd saw this and tried to beat the Cow with his staff but Srinivasa had borne the injury. Getting angered by this Srinivasa had cursed the Chola king to become a Demon as dharma says sins committed by servants (shudras) should be borne by Kings. The king prayed for mercy after which Srinivasa said to him, that the King should take next birth as Akasharaja and should perform marriage of his daughter Padmavati with Srinivasa.

Srinivasa went to his foster-mother Vakula Devi on Tirumala hills and stayed there for a while. After curse, Chola king took rebirth as Akasharaja and he had a daughter named Padmavati, who was born in the Padmapushkarini situated at present day Tiruchanur in Andhra Pradesh. Srinivasa married Padmavati at present day Narayanavanam in Andhra Pradesh and returned to Tirumala Hills. After few months, Goddess Lakshmi had discovered the marriage of Srinivasa with Padamavati and went to Tirumala hills to question Srinivasa. Srinivasa, unable to bear the quarrel between Lakshmi and Padmavati, turned into stone right when he was encountered by Lakshmi and Padmavathi. Brahma and Shiva appeared before the confused queens and explain the main purpose behind all this – The Lord’s desire to be on the seven hills for the emancipation of mankind from the perpetual troubles of Kali Yuga. Goddesses Lakshmi and Padmavathi also turn into stone deities expressing their wish to be always there. Lakshmi stays with Him on His Chest on the left side while Padmavathi rests on His Chest’s right side.

Narasingam Yoga Narasimha Perumal Temple

According to the Sthala Purana for the Madurai Koodal Azhagar Temple, sage Romasa had installed the Narasimha icon in a cave in the hill. And the 87th chapter of the Uttara Kanda of the Brahmanda Purana says the sage did penance on the banks of the Padma Thadagam, as it was filled with lotus flowers, near the Gajagiri Kshetram (the present Anaimalai) seeking progeny, and wanted the Lord to appear in His Narasimha avatar. The Lord appeared as Ugra Narasimha and the heat that emanated from Him was unbearable. Even the celestials were affected by it and they all came to Gajagiri Kshetram and prayed to the Lord to calm down. The Lord could not be pacified and then they sought the help of Prahlada, whose arrival quietened Him to some extent. They prayed to the Goddess Mahalakshmi, who also took Her abode in Him as Narasingavalli, after which He became Yoga Narasimha. The Lord later granted the boon sought by the sage.

According to another legend, Lord Siva was afflicted by Brahma Hathi Dosham (a curse that descends upon a Hindu if he murders a Vedic Brahman) after He plucked one of the five heads of Lord Brahma. He was relieved of it after He took a bath in the holy water source there, also known as Chakra Theertham, and He worshipped Lord Narasimha. It is believed that taking a dip in the Chakra Theertham, which is near the temple, rids one of all sins.

Thiruvilayadal Purana
The Thiruvilayadal Purana, written by Perumbatta Puliyur Nambi and later amended by Paranjothi Munivar, says that the Chola king, who could not win the battle against the Pandya ruler, sought the help of Jains. They created a giant elephant using their mystic powers and directed it to kill the Pandya king and destroy his capital. But the Pandya prayed to Lord Siva to save him and his capital. The Lord sent to him the “Narasinga Asthram” (the eight lettered word Namonarayana), which turned the elephant into a hill. To commemorate this event, a stone elephant was installed in Madurai near the Vaigai facing the north, which is found near the Yanaikkal bridge even today. Inscriptions in the cave temple say that Maran Kari, the minister of the Pandya king, started the construction of the temple in 770 CE, which remained unfinished, either due to his death or due to some other calamity, and was completed by his brother Maran Eyinan later. He also built the Muka Mandapa and consecrated the temple.

Madhava Perumal Temple

In Hindu mythology, during the churning of the ocean of milk, Vishnu is believed to have instructed his consort Lakshmi to reach the hermitage of Sage Bhrigu. The sage was engaged in a penance to gain a daughter, and accepted the girl Lakshmi. The presiding deity, Madhava Perumal, is believed to have married goddess Amritavalli, the daughter of sage Bhrigu, and thus gained the epithet ‘Kalyana Perumal’ (The great wedding deity).

The temple is believed to be the birthplace of Peyalvar, one of the first three of the twelve Alvar saints of the 6th-9th century CE.

The renowned Alvar was believed to have come to earth from the 60 ft (18 m) well called Manikairavam inside the temple premises. In the contemporary period, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

The temple is built in Dravidian architecture and has two precincts. It is located in Mylapore, a suburb in Chennai, the capital of the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple has a rectangular plan surrounded by 10 ft (3.0 m) high walls, pierced by a 5-tier gopuram, the gateway tower. The presiding deity is housed in the sanctum and is an image made of granite. The deity is seen in seated posture with images of Sridevi and Bhumidevi on either side. There is a small shrine for Varaha, an avatar of Vishnu, located behind the central shrine. The shrine of Garuda facing Madhava Perumal, the demigod-eagle mount (vahana) of Vishnu, is located axial to the central shrine. The central shrine is approached through a worship hall and a narrow ardha mandapam. The flagpost is located behind the shrine of Garuda, axial to the central shrine and the gateway tower. There are images of Alvars in the worship hall on both sides and the shrine of Amritavalli is located on the western side of the temple in the second precinct.

Bhu Varaha Swamy temple

The temple is associated with Varaha, the boar avatar of Vishnu. The asura king Hiranyaksha stole the earth and took it to his realm of the netherworld. The earth-goddess Bhudevi prayed to Vishnu to rescue her. Pleased, Vishnu appeared here in the form of Varaha, a boar, killed the asura. The sweat of Sri Bhuvaraha Swamy dropped here, creating the temple tank (Nithya Pushkarani). In his dying wish, the asura king asked Vishnu to turn towards his direction; Vishnu obliged. The central icon faces towards the asura in the south, while his human body faces the devotees in the West. The festival icon, Yagya Varahaswamy, as requested by Bhudevi displays the regular features of Vishnu with his conch and chakra in his hands. As per another legend, a local Nawab on the county was ailing with Carbuncle and was given up by all the doctors. He is believed to have prayed Bhuvaraha and was cured off all his ailments. He made generous contributions to the temple and was later named Bhura Sahib. Each year the deity is taken to the village when his descendants make offerings to the deity.

The existence of Bhuvaraha Swamy temple by medieval Cholas and other existing constructions and the rajagopura was done by the Vijayanagara Empire. The temple was expanded by Thanjavur Nayak king Achuthappa Nayak (1560–1614 CE). The life size image of the king and his brothers are found in the sixteen pillared hall of the temple. An epigraph dated 1068 in the nearby Shiva temples indicates gifts by Virarajendra Chola (1063–1070 CE) to the Varaha shrine. Another inscription dated at 1100 by Kulothunga Chola I (1070–1120 CE) indicates a gift of a village to the temple, where the presiding deity is referred as Varaha Alvar. The later inscriptions are from Vijayanagara kings of the 14th century like Virupaksha Raya II (1465–1485 CE) dated 1471 CE, Sriranga I (1572–1586 CE), Venkata II (1586–1614 CE) indicating various gifts to the temple. The most notable contributions of the temple were from Achuthappa Nayak who built the sixteen pillared Purushasuktha Mandapa along with other smaller shrines of the temple. The Zamindars of Udayarpalayam have contributed to the temple by offering costly jewels and commissioned additional structures, notably Udayavar Mandapam.

Srinivasaperumal Temple, Thiruvallur

The Sri Srinivasaperumal Temple is a renowned temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Tiruvallur, around 10 kilometers from Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It is believed to be over 1,500 years old, making it one of the oldest temples in the region. The temple is particularly revered by devotees of Lord Vishnu, especially those who seek blessings for prosperity, wealth, and success.

The main deity of the temple is Lord Srinivasaperumal, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. The idol of the deity is in a standing posture, adorned with exquisite jewelry and holding a discus in one hand and a conch in the other.

Nithyakalyana Perumal temple

According to legend, Vishnu’s gatekeepers Jaya and Vijaya are cursed by sages that they would be born as asuras during their next birth. They were born on earth as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu to sage Kashyapa and his wife Diti. The demon brothers on account of their powers, take control of the universe. The elder brother Hiranyaksha practices penance and obtains a boon from Brahma which makes him invincible by any animal or human. Hiranyaksha captures earth, personified as goddess Bhudevi and hides her under the Causal Ocean called Garbhodhaka. All the celestial deities and sages went to Vishnu for rescue. Since Hiranyaksha did not include the boar in the list of animals that can slay him, Vishnu assumes this form with huge tusks and goes down to the primordial ocean. Hiranyaksha obstructs Varaha and the pair having a strong duel. Varaha lifts the earth on his tusks, which would go on to be the most common figurine representation of Varaha.

The two fought each other with their mace, with Varaha emerging victorious after a thousand-year duel. Varaha emerges from the Causal Ocean with the earth in his tusks and repositions her in her original spot. The earth goddess Bhudevi falls in love with Varaha, whom he is believed to have taken in his lap in this place. A number of maidens awaited to marry the divine looking boar Varaha. As per the wish of sage Kalava, who wanted Vishnu to marry his 360 daughters. Varaha married the 360 daughters one per day during the course of the whole year. Since he is believed to marry maidens daily, he came to be known as Nithyakalyana Perumal (meaning the deity who marries for eternity).

As per another legend, a king by name Harikesarivarman used to visit the temple every day from Mahabalipuram and wanted to settle at this place. Vishnu was pleased by his devotion and appeared as Sthalasayana Perumal at Mahabalipuram – the legend is associated with the Thirukadalmallai temple at Mahabalipuram.

Adikesava Perumal temple, Sriperumpudur

Ramanuja (1017–1137 CE) was a Hindu theologian, philosopher, and scriptural exegete, born in a Tamil family at Sriperumbudur. Vaishnavas see him as one of the most important acharyas (teacher) of their tradition, and as the leading expounder of Vishishtadvaita, one of the classical interpretations of the Vedic philosophy. Ramanuja grew up under the tutelage of Tirumalai Nambi, who was working in Tirumala Venkateswara Temple. Once, a king wanted to punish Ramanuja. Ramanuja’s disciple, Koorathalvar, helped Ramanuja escape and gave him a white cloth to wear. Ramanuja escaped, but the king punished Koorathalvar by blinding his eyes.

Following the event, a festival is celebrated in the temple where Ramanuja appears in a white cloth for Koorathalvar. Once, a king took the idol of Narayanapuram to please his daughter. Ramanuja went to Delhi to recover the idol and the idol is believed to have fallen on his lap as a child by divine powers as a child. The Chella Pillai Utsavam is held every year commemorating the event.  As per another legend, a king tried to kill a tiger that was trying to attack a cow. In spite of his efforts, the cow was killed by the tiger and the king incurred the curse of the cow. To expiate himself from the sin, he did penance at his place. Adi Kesava is believed to have appeared for the king and relieved his curse.

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