Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple stands in Aranmula, on the banks of the sacred Pamba River, located in the Pathanamthitta district. This temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The deity here is affectionately called Parthasarathy.

Aranmula Temple

Lord Krishna served as Arjuna's charioteer in the epic Mahabharata, earning him the name Parthasarathy. According to legend, the idol was brought here on a raft made with six pieces of bamboo (aru-mula), giving the temple its name. Built in traditional Kerala style, it is one of the "Divya Desams," revered by 12 poet saints called Alwars and among 108 temples of Vishnu.

History

Legends suggest that the original temple was near Sabarimala and is mentioned in Tamil classics dating back to between the 6th and 9th centuries. It's considered one of five temples built by the Pandava brothers—Yudhishthira’s Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple, Bheema’s Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple, Arjuna’s Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, Nakula’s Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple, and Sahadeva’s Thrikodithanam Mahavishnu Temple—all dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Arjuna built this temple as penance for killing Karna. In another legend, it’s where Lord Vishnu advised Brahma on world creation. The image at Aranmula depicts Parthasarathy in Vishvarupa pose from Mahabharata when an angry Krishna took up his discus against Bheeshma who surrendered.

Unique metal mirrors known as Aranmula Kannadi are tied to this temple's history. Craft families brought by a Travancore king discovered a reflective alloy combining copper & lead while fashioning a crown for Lord Krishna. Thus began the specialized craft kept secret till today.

A myth also surrounds the annual boat race; during a flood, a low-caste Hindu gave Arjuna a bamboo raft to carry Krishna’s image across Pamba River—commemorated through boat races.

Specialty

The temple showcases Kerala architecture akin to Ettumanor Mahadeva Temple: standing on a raised platform where devotees climb 18 steps (eastern tower) and 57 steps (northern tower). The deity resides within Sreekovil, its central part.

Mentioned in Tamil classics & among India’s 108 Vaishnava temples, it has sub-shrines including one dedicated to Lord Balarama. Made primarily of laterite with granite base; conical terracotta-roof structure; double-storied gopuram (temple's gateways); wooden trails; Kottupura hall above.

Meticulously decorated pillars narrate Ramayana & Mahabharata stories via stucco/wooden carvings. Sastha, Yakshi, Nagaraja & Erangavil Bhagavathy Balarama are sub-deities.

Festivals

Ashtami Rohini: Celebrating Lord Krishna's birthday with grandeur—includes 'Vallasadya,' one world’s largest vegetarian feasts featuring 64 dishes alongside unique snake-boat races.

Procession: During Meenam month—a grand Garuda Mount procession to Pampa River includes participation from nearby Goddess Bhagavathy.

Khandavanadahanam: Marked during Dhanu month—is observed by burning an artificial forest created with dried plants commemorating Khandavana forest fire from Mahabharata.

Fasting Tradition: Over two centuries old—occurs post-boat race during Thiruvonam when three local Brahmin families fast honor-bound by an ancient vow answered by Lord Krishna himself.

Timings

4 Am to 11 Am.

5 Pm to 8 Pm.

Dress Code

Devotees are requested to wear traditional wear while visiting the Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple. Men have to be in dhoti and are not allowed to wear shirts while entering Temple. Women can wear a saree, salwar kameez and half saree.

Way To Reach

Air Cochin International Airport and Trivandrum International Airport are the nearest airports to Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple which are at a distance of 124.2 Km and 116 Km respectively.

Train Chengannur Railway Station is the nearest railway station to Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple which is situated at a distance of 11 Km.

Road Many state transport buses and private buses are easily available from major cities like Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, and Pandalam to Aranmula.

FAQs:

What is the historical significance of Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple?

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple, located in Kerala's Pathanamthitta district, is dedicated to Lord Krishna in his role as Parthasarathy, Arjuna's charioteer in the Mahabharata. Legend has it that the temple's idol arrived here on a raft made of six pieces of bamboo, giving the temple its name.

What makes Aranmula Temple unique architecturally?

Built in traditional Kerala style, Aranmula Temple features a raised platform and distinctive architecture similar to the Ettumanor Mahadeva Temple. It includes intricate wooden carvings depicting stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, with sub-shrines dedicated to deities like Lord Balarama.

What are the festivals celebrated at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple?

The temple celebrates Ashtami Rohini with grandeur, marking Lord Krishna's birthday with 'Vallasadya,' one of the world’s largest vegetarian feasts. The festival also includes the famous Aranmula boat race (Vallam Kali) on the Pamba River.

What is the significance of the Aranmula Kannadi (metal mirrors)?

Aranmula Kannadi, unique metal mirrors tied to the temple's history, were discovered by craft families brought by a Travancore king. These mirrors are made of a special alloy combining copper and lead, traditionally used in rituals and ceremonies at the temple.

How can visitors reach Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple?

Visitors can reach the temple by air via Cochin International Airport (124 km) or Trivandrum International Airport (116 km). The nearest railway station is Chengannur (11 km), and state and private bus services connect Aranmula comfortably with Chengannur, Pathanamthitta, and Pandalam.