Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple

Aranmula Parthasarathy Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, is one of the ancient shrines of Kerala. Located in Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, the holy place is charmingly positioned on the left bank of the holy Pampa River. The temple is one of the five ancient temples associated with the great Hindu epic Mahabharata, in Chengannur region of Kerala. The most prominent deity of the temple is ‘Vishwaropa’ of Lord Krishna, who emerges for teaching Arjuna the ‘Holy Geeta’. The temple is a stopover for the holy ornaments of Ayyappan (Thiruvabharanam), which are taken into a procession every year from Pandalam. A golden outfit (Thanka Anki) presented by the king of Travancore to Lord Ayyappan is kept in this temple and taken to Sabarimala in the Mandala season. Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple celebrates a number of festivals every year, which includes Onam, Khandavanadahanam, and Arattu.

Establishment
A popular legend has been associated with the establishment of Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple. As per the legend, after making Parikshit as the king of Hastinapur, the Pandavas leave for a pilgrimage tour of India. Parikshit was the grandson of Arjuna. In Kerala, each of these brothers establishes a Vishnu temple on the banks of the Pampa or its close proximity. It is said that the temple constructed by Arjuna at Nilackal near Sabarimala is currently known as Sree Parthasarathy Temple. The image was brought here in a raft made of six pieces of bamboo. Therefore, the shrine was named as Aranmula, which literally means ‘six pieces of bamboo’. It is also said that Arjuna built this temple to apologize for the sin of killing armless Karna on the battlefield.

Other legend is also associated with Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple. It is believed that on the ninth day of Kurukshetra, the Kauravas give absolute control of the battle to Bheeshma. At this point of time, Lord Krishna motivates Arjuna to fight with enemies and perform his duties. Due to his hesitation, Krishna jumps down in anger and takes up his Sudarshan Chakra. Seeing this sight, Bheeshma surrenders to him, but Arjuna requests not to kill Bheeshma. Krishna is not supposed to take up the arms during the battle. It is assumed that in the temple that image of Krishna is placed for worshipping. It is also said that Lord Vishnu exposed here the truth behind the formation to Brahma, from whom the Madhukaitapa demons stole the Vedas.

Key Features
Situated on the banks of Pampa River, Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple is among the most significant Krishna temples in Kerala and one of the five shrines of the state connected with Mahabharata. The stunning architecture of the temple has been inspired by Dravidian planning. The temple features four towers over its entrances on its outer wall. One can access the eastern and western tower is accessed by going through a flight of stairs containing 18 steps. The 57 steps downwards through the northern tower can take anyone to the Pampa River.

Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple also features outstanding murals that date back to the 18th century. Spread over a huge area, every part of the temple has been meticulously designed, which give the clear picture of the architectural richness of that era. There is a golden flag staff in front the entrance of the temple. This pyramid shaped temple features intricate carved stones on its exterior that create an exclusive design consisting of unique impressions. In many festivals, Onam is the most reputed a festival celebrated in the temple. The well-known Aranmula Boat Race is being organized on the last day of Onam, every year. The boat race is more of a water carnival more than a playing contest.

How to Reach Aranmula Sree Parthasarathy Temple:

By Air
The plan to make an airport in Aranmula is in process. The airport would connect the town with two major airports - Cochin Airport at a distance of about 82 km and Trivandrum Airport at the distance of 98 km.

By Rail
Chengannur Railway Station is the most important railway station near Aranmula.

By Road:
Located in Pathanamthitta district, Aranmula is a suburb of Kozhencherry and well connected by road with various towns like are Pathanamthitta at 10 km, Pandalam at 14 km and Chengannur at 10 km