Parthasarathy Swamy temple reverts to tradition

Chennai: The 8th century Sri Parthasarathy Swamy temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna, at Triplicane here, which is getting decked up for the maha samprokshanam on June 12, got all its 29 kalasams gold-plated for the first time.These kalasams, including the seven on the gigantic rajagopuram with beautifully sculpted scenes from the Indian epics, will now dazzle at this temple which is a familiar landmark in the city. About 364 grams of gold was used as a plating to the kalasams in the conventional way rather than electroplating them.

Reverting to the good old times in conformity with the temple architecture, temple authorities, under the instructions of P. Kothandaraman, deputy commissioner of the temple, removed all marble slabs from the floor and allowed the original granite slabs to resurface. Also, unwanted metal barricades were removed and the pillars and the entire temple structure renovated to show their original sheen. For the first time in 150 years, the Andal Neerattu mandapam  where the annual festival is held and where on the first day of the illuminated float festival the Lord rests, was cleaned up.

“There was much soot that had accumulated on the walls over the years. This was carefully removed. While renovating, sufficient care was taken not to damage the structure,” an official explained.
Even the flag mast is getting refurbished and is set to sparkle. This temple where Lord Vishnu graces as Sri Venkatakrishna, is one among the 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu eulogised by the Azhwars in their sacred hymns in Tamil – the Divya Prabandhams.

It was originally built by Pallava king Narasimhavarman I in the 8th century. The figures in the kalyana mandapam, the four pillared mandapam in front of the temple and the Hanuman temple on the eastern side tank exhibit the Vijayanagara architectural style.