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:

genie said...

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.

Anonymous said...

incredible.

Destination Infinity said...

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

rupam sarma said...

Wonderful pics

Al said...

What a fantastic temple!

jp@A Green Ridge said...

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

Donna said...

What a beautiful place with those carvings on top!

eileeninmd said...

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

EG CameraGirl said...

The details are great!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

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!

Unknown said...

Beautiful Temple, I would love to visit India.

Indrani said...

Thanks for this informative post.
Well taken pics.

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully decorated pillars!

magiceye said...

Beautiful!!

ellen b. said...

The details are very intricate...

Anonymous said...

cool details :)

Roger Owen Green said...

impressive passageway
ROG, ABCW

Hildred said...

As always, very beautiful.

Leslie: said...

Indian temples have such incredibly awesome architecture!

Leslie
abcw team

Photo Cache said...

Testament to great crafstmanship.

My ABC WEDNESDAY

Powell River Books said...

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

Pietro Brosio said...

Amazing temple!

Su-sieee! Mac said...

The carvings are so amazing!
The View from the Top of the Ladder

Jeevan said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Easwar Arumugam said...

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

Maniparna said...

Great pictures and info... :-)

Sunita Sriram said...

Beautiful!

KParthasarathi said...

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.

Yogi Saraswat said...

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

Shrinidhi Hande said...

Good coverage