Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is one of the "Divya Desams," or 108 Vishnu temples worshipped by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars, near Aranmula, a village in Kerala's Pathanamthitta District. The temple, which was built in the Kerala style, is mentioned in the Divya Prabandha, an early medieval Tamil canon of Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam devoted to Krishna, who is worshipped as Parthasarathy and is an avatar of Vishnu. 

Because of his position as Arjuna's charioteer in the Mahabharata conflict, Krishna is also known as Parthasarathy. Guruvayur Temple, Trichambaram Temple, Tiruvarppu, and Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple are among the most famous Krishna temples in Kerala. It is one of the five ancient shrines in Kerala's Chengannur district linked to the Mahabharata legend, where each of the five Pandavas is said to have built a temple: Thrichittatt Maha Vishnu Temple by Yudhishthira, Puliyur Mahavishnu Temple by Bheema, Aranmula by Arjuna, Thiruvanvandoor Mahavishnu Temple by Nakula, and Thrikodithan.

Each year, the precious gems of Ayyappan, known as Thiruvabharanam, are transported in procession from Pandalam to Sabarimala, and Aranmula Temple is one of the destinations along the road. The King of Travancore donated the Thanka Anki, Ayyappa's golden garment, which is kept here and transported to Sabarimala during the Mandala season in late December. The temples have artwork on the walls that date from the early 1800s.

Significance of Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

The Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple is significant in Hindu religious history for the following reasons: 

It is one of India's 108 Vaishnava temples. The temple is also mentioned in Tamil literature. In the temple compound, there is a sub shrine. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Balarama. The temple was built in the Kerala style. Its structure is identical to that of Ettumanor Mahadeva Temple. The entire temple is built on top of an elevated platform. The eastern tower is reached by climbing 18 steps. The northern tower has a total of 57 steps which leads to the Pampa river. The major section of the temple that contains the deity is known as Sreekovil. The center temple's base is granite, but the entire construction is made of laterite. Terracotta art is represented by the conical roof. A copper kalasam can be found at the temple. 

The temple's four outer-wall gates are guarded by four towers. It features a two-story gopuram. A gopuram is a tower that serves as a doorway. Wooden pathways can be found in the top section. On the upper level, the Kottupura is a hall. This hall is used for drumming during festivals. Lamps can be placed on the outer wall. During festivities, these lamps are lit. The temple is also surrounded by a rectangular wall that surrounds all of the temples within the complex. In the temple compound, there is a metal flag pole. The Dwajasthambam is located on the axis of the temple tower. At the temple, there is also a light post which is called Deepastamba.

The temple has a pavilion on the outside which is called Chuttuambalam A rectangular edifice that houses the main temple and the hall which is called the Nallambalam. There are pillars and passageways in this hall. A square platform called the Namaskara Mandapa. The Mandapa has a pyramid-like roof. 

Other portions of the temple can be found as well. Thevrapura, the kitchen, is located to the left of the Namaskara Mandapa. During festivals, the Balithara altar is utilized to make offerings to demigods. The temple's murals are extremely well-known. These paintings are from the early eighteenth century. Dwarpalakas artwork adorns the doors. 

Beautiful carvings can also be found in the temple. Stories from the Ramayana and Mahabharata are shown in the carvings. These ornate carvings can be found on the pillars. These carvings are made of wood and stucco. Other deities of the temple include Sastha, Yakshi, Nagaraja, and Erangavil Bhagavathy Balarama, in addition to Lord Krishna. 

The most popular Festivals celebrated at Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

1. Ashtami Rohini

Ashtami Rohini is the birthday of Lord Krishna. This festival is celebrated with great pomp and majesty at the temple. On this day, a huge feast is held. The feast is known as 'Vallasadya.' It is one of the world's largest vegetarian feasts. There are 64 different foods available at the festival. The food is offered to Lord Krishna by the worshippers. On this day, the deities are transported around Aranmula, in addition to feasting. The boat trips are also a big component of the celebration. Palliyodam, a unique boat, cruises over the Pampa River. Many people ride these boats, which resemble snakes. Vallam Kali is the name given to this boat race tradition. People worship the boat before the race because locals believe the boats are Lord Aranmula's vehicles. People worship the boats with a variety of flowers. The race features 100 rowers. This race also has 25 singers. As the boats travel along the river, they sing songs. The boats are paired and sail together. Music is also played. From July to October, the festival takes place. In Kerala, this is also the period of the Onam festival. 

2. Khandavanadahanam

This celebration takes place in the month of Dhanus. Devotees construct an artificial forest in front of the temple. The forest is made mostly of dried plants, leaves, and twigs. After then, a bonfire is ignited. The fire that erupted in the Khandavana forest is depicted in this event.

Temple Timings

4 am to 11 am and 5 pm to 8 pm