Parthasarathy Temple, Triplicane to Celebrate Theppautsavam from February 17 to 23, 2026
The historic Lord Sri Parthasarathy Swamy Temple at Triplicane, one of the most revered shrines in Chennai, will celebrate its grand annual Theppautsavam (Float Festival) from February 17 to February 23, 2026.
Among the many utsavams observed in temples, the Theppautsavam holds special spiritual significance. Symbolically representing the soul’s journey across the Samsara Sagara (the ocean of worldly existence), the Lord mounts the sacred float (Theppam) and blesses devotees from the temple tank, guiding them toward spiritual liberation. The central mandapam in the temple tank, known as the Neerazhi Mandapam, is revered as a symbolic representation of Paramapadam or Sri Vaikuntam, the supreme abode of Sriman Narayana.
In philosophical tradition, the Theppam is compared to the Acharya — the spiritual preceptor who guides devotees toward moksha. Across India, spiritual traditions have been shaped by great Acharyas such as Ramanuja, Madhvacharya, Adi Shankaracharya, Nimbarkacharya, Vallabhacharya, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who have illuminated the path toward attaining the divine feet of Sriman Narayana.
Temple tanks, traditionally known as Pushkaranis, are integral to ancient Perumal temples. During the Theppautsavam, the Lord enters the float and sanctifies the waters of the pushkarani. Devotees believe that bathing in or sprinkling the holy waters upon themselves during this festival grants the spiritual merit of sacred rivers, including the holy Ganges River.
Festival Schedule
The seven-day Theppautsavam celebrations will be held daily at 6:30 p.m. as follows:
February 17, 2026 – Sri Parthasarathy Theppam
February 18, 2026 – Sri Parthasarathy Theppam
February 19, 2026 – Sri Parthasarathy Theppam
February 20, 2026 – Sri Narasimha Theppam
February 21, 2026 – Sri Ranganatha Theppam
February 22, 2026 – Sri Rama Theppam
February 23, 2026 – Sri Gajendra Varadar Theppam
Devotees from across the city are invited to witness the float festival and receive the divine blessings of Lord Sri Parthasarathy Swamy and the other deities during these auspicious days.
The Tamil Nadu Police and Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services will provide necessary security and safety arrangements throughout the seven-day celebrations.
All arrangements for the festival are being coordinated by Smt. S. Nithya, M.A., M.L., Deputy Commissioner/Executive Officer, along with temple staff.
— T. Raghavan