Thiruvallikeni
—  neighbourhood  —
Thiruvallikeni Location of Thiruvallikeni in Chennai and India
Coordinates	13°03′19″N 80°16′51″E / 13.0553°N 80.2807°E / 13.0553; 80.2807Coordinates: 13°03′19″N 80°16′51″E / 13.0553°N 80.2807°E / 13.0553; 80.2807
Country	India
State	Tamil Nadu
District(s)	Chennai District
Subdistrict(s)	Mylapore-Triplicane
Parliamentary constituency	Chennai Central
Planning Agency	CMDA
Civic agency	Chennai Corporation
Time zone	IST (UTC+05:30)
Website	Chennai District website

Triplicane (Thiruvallikeni) (Tamil: திருவல்லிகேணி), situated about .5 km (0.31 mi) from the Bay of Bengal coast and Fort St George, is one of the oldest central business districts of Chennai, South India.

Triplicane is one of the famous areas in Chennai city because of its important tourist places like the World's second longest Marina Beach and the Parthasarathy Temple, which is one among the 108 divya desams^[1] (holy shrines) of Lord Vishnu. Triplicane, is equally famous for its rich traditional culture which is prominent in and around the mada streets (also known as "mada veethis", in Tamil) of Parthasarthy Temple. Triplicane is thronged by a lot of visitors on weekends, both from Chennai and outside Chennai - while on Saturdays, many visit the Parthasarathy temple; it's the Marina Beach on the Sundays.^[2]

Triplicane is also in the heart of Chennai city, well connected and close to Broadway, T.Nagar, Mount Road, Mylapore, which are other important areas of the city. Moreover the most important railway stations of the city, namely, Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore are within a 5 km (3.1 mi) radius of Triplicane.

Triplicane is an area which is always bubbling with activity - be it shopping on pycrofts road - or cultural and religious activities around parthasarathy temple, or perhaps the entertaining evenings at the sandy Marina Beach - or the busy market area at Singrachari street, one could always see Triplicane full of colour and lights in the evenings. The people never seem to be bored, as this area would meet the interests of people of with different tastes - Those who are more oriented towards religion, philosophy and divine traditions, would visit the Parthasarathy temple or chant slokas like vishnu sahasranamams at temples, and would enjoy the temple festivals or utsavams that take place throughout the year, those who like sports would visit the grounds near the marina or chepauk stadium and those who would like to relax, chat with friends or exercise in the mornings or evenings would take a quick trip to the marina, and foodies, have a plethora of options as Triplicane has eatouts that offer a variety of food items.

Etymology[link]

Triplicane owes its name to its Puranic existence as Tiruvallikeni (or Thiruvallikeni) or Tiru-Alli-Keni (Sacred Lily Pond, in Tamil) denoting the pond in front of the famous Parthasarathy Temple, which was amidst a big Tulasi forest. The place was also referred to as Vrundha-raNyam (beautiful garden) in Puranic scriptures. During the British rule, the Englishmen were unable to pronounce 'Thiruvallikeni' — called it Triplicane.^[3][4]

History[link]

The Parthasarathy Temple is one of 108 very holy shrines (Divya desams) of Sri Vaishnavites who are ardent worshipers of Lord Mahavishnu. This temple is one of the oldest structures in Chennai.^[5] Thiruvotriyur, Thiruvellikeni, Mylapore and Thiruvanmiyur were Coastal villages that predate Chennai by at least a couple of Millennia. Amir Mahal, the seat of Prince of Arcot belonging to the Nawabs of Arcot Lineage is located here. Triplicane High Road is one of the roads that had a tram line running through it during the British period.^[6][7][8] The Tiruvallikeni village is said to be mentioned in records as early as the Pallava period.

Thirumangai Alvar wrote of Tiruvallikeni as an area so densely wooded that the sun's rays cannot penetrate the canopy formed by the tree tops. He also said Tiruvallikeni was a home for beautiful birds like peacocks and Koels. Triplicane, the Anglicised name that the area now has, bears no resemblance to Tirumangai Azhvar's description of the verdant area. Gone are the trees and birds, and the sun beats down relentlessly; But the only things constant are the Parthasarathy temple, the rich culture and traditions of Tiruvallikeni.^[9][10]
The Marina beach in Triplicane is colourful, brightly lit and is beautified by the Chennai Corporation. Today we see tall electric flood lights that light up this place in the late evening. History says that the beach was equally bright,even a millennium back when there was no electricity, by natural means. This is known by the verses (no.2297, related to Triplicane Parthasarathy Temple) of Peyalwar, in the 4000 Divya Prabandham. Translation of the verse from Tamil to English is also given at this reference link. From the verse we could understand: The Sea was so rich, that, in those days, the white waves used to bring to the shore, very precious gems like red corals and white pearls. The light of the dusk (moonlight) falls on these gems at the shore and makes the area brightened with beautiful colours. Amidst this beautiful scenery, we are able to have darshan (sight or worship) of the Lord, who has come to reside along with the lotus lady who graces his auspicious chest.^[11]

Timeline[link]