Description of the attraction
The Partasarati Temple is a magnificent VIII century religious building located in the ancient city of Chennai (Madras), the capital of the southernmost Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was created in honor of one of the most important Gods of the Hindu pantheon - Krishna.
The name "Partasarati" is translated from Sanskrit as "Arjuna the driver" (Arjuna is one of the heroes of the Hindu epic "Maharabharata").
The temple is one of the most ancient buildings in all of Chennai. It was created during the reign of the powerful Pallavas dynasty, by order of one of the kings Narasimhavarma I. Later it was expanded, first by the Chola dynasty, and then during the time of the Vijayanagara kings. Around 1564, the temple was reconstructed. Over time, gardens were laid out around the temple, villages and villages appeared.
Partasarati consists of two main towers called gopuram, as well as five vimanam - small towers in which the shrines of the temple are located. The main ones are considered to be two located opposite each other: the main one - Partasarati - "looks" to the east, the second - Narasimha - is facing west. Idol Partasarati holds a sword in one hand, and the other is folded in the Varada Mudra gesture, which personifies compassion, mercy and sincerity. In addition, the temple has 4 statues of avatars, or incarnations, of Lord Vishnu: Narasimha, Krishna, Rama and Varaha.
Several large festivals are held in Partasarati throughout the year. So one of the most famous, bright and beautiful among them is the Teppam water festival, also known as Teppothsavam, which lasts seven days.
