Brahmotsavam at Parthasarathy Temple

Parthasarathy Temple at Chennai is a popular Vaishnavite temple, dedicated to Lord Krishna. This 8th century temple is one of 108 Divya Desams or holy abodes of Lord Vishnu.

The name ‘Parthasarathy’, in Sanskrit, means the ‘charioteer of Arjuna’, and Lord Krishna is worshipped in that role in this temple. The temple subscribes to Vaikhanasa agama and follows Thenkalai tradition.

10 days long Brahmotvasam of Parthasarathy temple (பார்த்தசாரதி கோயில்) is celebrated during the month of Chithirai (April-May).

Brahmotsavam (பிரம்மோற்சவம் ) means “Grand celebration” or a “celebration performed by Brahma” and it is a spectacular and colourful festival, which attracts thousands of devotees.

A major highlight of this Brahmotsavam is the procession of the presiding deity in an elaborately decorated chariot-car (Ratha). Thousands of devotees pull the huge car from the temple and go round four streets and back to the temple. The procession is accompanied by chanting of holy verses by the devotees .In Parthasarathy Temple of Triplicane learned devotees recite Nalayira Divya Prabandham (நாலாயிர திவ்ய பிரபந்தம்) 4000 pasurams(Verses) which is otherwise called as Dravida Vedam. Nalayira Divya Prabandham is collective work of 12 Alwars.

Three Alwars ( mystic Tamil Vaishnava poets) namely Peyalwar, Thiru mazhisai alwar and Thiru mangaialwar visited this great temple.