Renovation is on at the historical Parthasarathy Perumal Divya Desam in Parthan Palli, one that dates back to the Mahabharata period. Located near Thiruvenkadu (Budhan Sthalam) about 15 kms from Sirkazhi off the Poompuhar road amidst lush green fields, this Divya Desam is one of the 11 Divya Desams in Thiru Nangur.
Legend has it that Arjuna reached this place while on a pilgrimage. Feeling thirsty after a long trip, he searched for water but could not find it anywhere. Seeing sage Agastya undertaking penance at this place, he was hopeful that he would be able to quench his thirst at the ashram but to his dismay he found that the Sage’s ‘kamandalam’ too had gone dry.
Realising that this was one of Lord Krishna’s acts, sage Agastya directed Arjuna to invoke the blessings of his favourite Lord. Answering Arjuna’s prayers, Krishna appeared here as Parthasarathy and presented Arjuna with a sword. As instructed by Parthasarathy, Arjuna struck the ground with the sword and to his surprise water gushed out helping him quench his thirst. This location, south of the temple, became the sacred ‘Katka’ pushkarani. To mark this event, Arjuna is seen with a sword at this Divya Desam.
Knowledge Initiation for Arjuna
It was also here that Arjuna was initiated with ‘Knowledge Education’ by Lord Parthasarathy to make the former understand who he really was and what his real powers were. Since Arjuna had this ‘initiation’ here and played the role of a student, this temple came to be known after him as ‘Parthan Palli.’
The Lord of Parthanpalli is the only Divya Desam deity, among the 11 Vishnu Temples in Thiru Nangur, who is praised by an Azhwar in addition to Thiru Mangai Azhwar. Poigai Azhwar in his Thiruvandhadhi verse makes a mention of the moolavar deity ‘Thaamaraiyal Kelvan’ without a specific reference to Parthanpalli – ‘Peyarung Karunkadaley Nokkumaaru…………..Tharumanaiye Nokkumon Thaamaraiaal Kelvan Oruvanaiye Nokkum Unarvu.’
For a new look
The entire Parthan Palli temple complex is now receiving a face lift. The main Western temple tower, Perumal and Thayar vimanams, Arjuna sannidhi, the big outer walls, the prakaram and the vahanams are being renovated. The temple is also planning to renovate the ancient sacred tank situated on the Southern side and to build a few new vahanams and a chariot. Those who wish to contribute may call 94422 26413.
How to reach : From Sirkazhi, take Poompuhar bound bus (buses are available every half hour) via Thiruvali/Mangaimadam and get down at Thiruvenkadu. From here, Parthanpalli is about two kms (travel by auto will cost Rs. 40).
From Mayiladuthurai, take Poompuhar bound bus (available every hour) to Thiruvenkadu (20 kms)
Also, local buses (route nos. 4A, 12, 28 and 34) ply from Mayiladuthurai to Thiruvenkadu/Parthanpalli.
Festivals
On the Amavasya day in the Tamil month of Aadi, Lord Parthasarathy is taken out on a procession to Poompuhar Sea (where River Cauvery merges with Bay of Bengal) for the Annual Theerthavari festival.
On the No Moon Day in Thai, Thirumangai Azhwar visits this temple.
The Lord is one of the 11 Divya Desam deities to participate in the Grand Thiru Nangur Garuda Seva in the month of Thai.
Quick Facts
Moolavar : Thaamaraiaal Kelvan West Facing Standing Posture
Goddess: Shengamalavalli Thayar (Thamarai Nayaki)
Utsava Deity : Parthasarathy (and Kolavilli Rama)
Time : 8am-10am and 5pm-7pm
Special Features
A Divya Desam dedicated to Arjuna - Separate Sannidhi for Arjuna
Only Divya Desam in Thiru Nangur where both Rama and Krishna feature together as Utsava deities
Only Divya Desam in Thiru Nangur where an Azhwar other than Thirumangai has sung praise of the Lord
