Monday, November 23, 2015

Parthasarathy Swamy Temple, Chennai

The Parthasarathy Swamy Temple located in modern Triplicane of Chennai is one of the oldest temple in the city. It was originally built by the Pallavas in the 8th century by king Narasimhavarman I. 



The temple was expanded during the Chola period and subsequently by the Vijayanagara kings in the 15th century. The temple has two towers in opposite directions to each other that is in eastern and western directions.



The temple has two main shrines one for main deity Parthasarathy facing East and the shrine of Narasimha facing West. The two shrines are located back-to-back with a very narrow passage between them.



There are beautiful carving on the Kalyana Mandapam, four pillared mandapam in front of the temple.



The pillars of the temples are decorated with elaborate carvings. The stone carvings both big and small have been crafted with great care and it is a treat to the eyes.

31 comments:

  1. This is a beauty...lots of intricate carvings. What is the yellow post going up through the center back of the first picture. It looks to have iron fencing around it like it is something of importance. Also, is there a significance to the east and west towers? I know the sun rises in the east and sets in the west...does that have anything to do with it? Sorry for all the questions.

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  2. Anonymous07:08

    incredible.

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  3. I've not been inside this Temple. Will go there soon. I also want to check out the famous Ratna Cafe in Triplicane, while I am there.

    Destination Infinity

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  4. What a fantastic temple!

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  5. Those carvings are intricate and beautiful, withstanding the test of time...:)JP

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  6. What a beautiful place with those carvings on top!

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  7. Hello, beautiful images from the temple. The carvings are amazing. Have a happy week!

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  8. The details are great!

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  9. The pillars are each a work of art! It seems to me that all the temples you show us are crafted with great care. I know they are all a treat for the eye!

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  10. Beautiful Temple, I would love to visit India.

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  11. Thanks for this informative post.
    Well taken pics.

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  12. Anonymous12:25

    Wonderfully decorated pillars!

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  13. The details are very intricate...

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  14. Anonymous01:09

    cool details :)

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  15. impressive passageway
    ROG, ABCW

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  16. As always, very beautiful.

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  17. Indian temples have such incredibly awesome architecture!

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  18. Testament to great crafstmanship.

    My ABC WEDNESDAY

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  19. I'm always amazed that such beautiful structures could be made without modern tools. The time it took, and the craftsmanship really shows. - Margy

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  20. Beautiful capture on the temple and pillar sculptures! I have been to this temple during my childhood days :)

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  21. These lovely clicks of the temple shows the rich heritage of our country. The carvings are truly masterpieces; wonderful display of skills by the artists. I would love to capture the temple through my lenses on my next Chennai visit!

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  22. One of the oldest monuments in TN Structure of the temple is an engineering marvel

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  23. Great pictures and info... :-)

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  24. I have a fondness for this temple as i was born in Triplicane and named after the presiding deity.I have visited countless times and your nicely written post and pictures brought fond memories.Thank you.

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  25. It is made in 8 th century but looks so firm and attractive.

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